High Prevalence of MMP9 1562C/T Gene Polymorphism in an Iranian Population of Neuromyelitis Optica, A Pilot Study

Abstract

Expression of matrix metalloproteinases correlates to blood-brain barrier disruption in Neuromyelitis Optica disease (NMO). Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) 1562C/T polymorphism which influences the transcriptional activity of this gene is considered to play a role in some neuroinflammatory diseases. In the present study, the possible association of MMP9 -1562C/T polymorphism in Iranian NMO patients is studied. Association of the mentioned gene polymorphism of MMP9 with NMO susceptibility was evaluated via genotyping of DNA extraction from the blood samples of unrelated Iranian subjects referred to AlZahra Hospital, Isfahan, Iran during 2017 to 2019. Frequency distribution of MMP9 genotypes has a significant relationship with NMO disease; in such a way that CT + TT genotypes was more seen in NMO patients. Altogether, Since the MMP9 is one of the potential target molecules for future alternative treatment, the result of this study should be taken into account for further research. However, more studies should carry out to confirm our results in larger populations and reveal the convoluted role of MMP9 in Devic's disease.