In gastrointestinal malignancies increased expression of matrilysin - MMP-7 - is often observed. Its high level positively correlates with clinical stage of malignancy and is a negative prognostic factor. This suggests a possible relationship between functional polymorphisms of the MMP-7 gene and susceptibility to development of colorectal cancer and an aggressive course of the disease.
<bold>The aim of the study</bold> was to assess the effects of A/G functional polymorphism at -181 site of the MMP-7 gene promoter region on development and progression of colorectal cancer.
<bold>Material and methods.</bold> In total, 184 patients treated surgically for colorectal cancer at the Department of General and Colorectal Surgery of the Medical University in Łódź in the years 2006-2009 and a control group of 205 cancer-free individuals with a negative family history for malignancy have been investigated. Polymorphic variants of the MMP-7 gene promoter region have been analysed using the RFLP-PCR method.
<bold>Results.</bold> A statistically significant difference in distribution of genotypes has been found between the investigated group and the control group, and the OR analysis confirmed a relationship between the A/G [1.67 (1.03-2.72); p= 0.038] and G/G [2.12 (1.34-3.38); p = 0.018] genotypes and an increased risk of colorectal cancer. The risk of lymph node involvement was more than twice higher for the G/G genotype (OR = 2.83 (1.18-6.79); P = 0.017). In addition, the analysis of genotype distribution in patients divided into groups according to the T parameter of the TNM classification revealed a relationship between the G/G genotype and advanced tumour infiltration. No relationship between the investigated A/G polymorphism and the presence of distant metastases has been found.
<bold>Conclusions.</bold> Obtained results indicate a possible relationship between -181 A/G polymorphism of the MMP-7 gene and malignant transformation of colorectal epithelial cells and progression of colorectal cancer. This suggests applicability of this polymorphism as a predisposing factor for the disease and a prognostic factor, which in the future may be useful in the management algorithm for colorectal cancer.