Meta-analysis of MMP2 -1306T allele as a protective factor in digestive cancer

Background and aims: Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) is an enzyme with proteolytic activity on matrix proteins and abolishes a Sp-1 binding site and consequently decreases its activity. Many studies have been carried out on the association between MMP2 -1306C/T polymorphism and digestive cancer risk, but results were somewhat controversial and underpowered.

Methods: To examine the risk of digestive cancer associated with -1306C/T polymorphism of MMP2, we performed a meta-analysis of ten case-control studies. Eligible studies were identified by searching the electronic literature using Pubmed and Embase. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated to assess the association.

Results: Overall, we found that -1306T allele can decrease digestive cancer risk in three different genotype models (T-allele vs. C-allele, OR=0.73, 95% CI: 0.54-0.98, p=0.034; TC vs. CC, OR=0.64, 95% CI: 0.53-0.78, p <0.001; TT+TC vs. CC, OR=0.68, 95% CI: 0.53-0.86, p=0.002). Similarly, in the stratified analysis by cancer type, ethnicity and source of control, significantly decreased cancer risk was indicated. Moreover, in the subgroup of smokers, -1306T allele may protect people against digestive cancer risk (TT+TC vs. CC, OR=0.71, 95% CI: 0.51-0.98, p=0.037).

Conclusions: Our meta-analysis showed evidence that MMP2 -1306T allele may be a protective factor for digestive cancer risk as well as a low-penetrance susceptibility digestive cancer biomarker.