The present study aimed to examine the role of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 [(-1171) 5A/6A; Lys45Glu (A/G)], MMP-7 [(-181) A/G] and MMP-12 [(-82) A/G; Asn357Ser (A/G)] variants in the development and severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Tunisians.
The rs652438 SNP alters MMP-12 activity with the A allele being more active, which is associated with increased macrophage infiltration and emphysema in the lungs of patients with COPD.
To investigate the association of 3 polymorphisms of MMP genes (MMP-1 -1607G-->GG, MMP-9 -1562C-->T and MMP-12 N357S), which have been reported to be associated with COPD-related phenotypes, with the risk of COPD in a Korean population.