Significant heterogeneity between non-Chinese and Chinese datasets precluded overall meta-analysis for rs17576 and rs3918249 (Q = 0.001 and 0.04 respectively). rs17577 was nominally associated with PACG in one Caucasian study (OR = 1.71, P = 0.02), but not in 3 Chinese studies including our study (ORs = 1.20, P = 0.07).
This study demonstrates an association between MMP9 SNPs rs3918249 and rs17576 and PACG in the Australian population, suggesting MMP9 may be involved in the pathogenesis of this blinding disease.