Abstract
Introduction: Helicobacter pylori is the main cause of gastritis. Degradation of the extracellular matrix is associated with gastric mucosal injury and is facilitated by matrix metalloproteinases. This study aimed to investigate the association between functional polymorphisms in the promoters of the MMP-2 and MMP-9 genes and gastritis and H. pylori infection.
Methods: The case-control study included 132 patients with gastritis and H. pylori infection, 98 patients uninfected with H. pylori, and 103 healthy individuals. After genomic DNA extraction, genotypic frequencies in the three groups were determined using the Tetra Primer ARMS-PCR method. Independent t-test, chi-square test, and logistic regression analysis were used for data analysis.
Results: A statistically significant difference was observed between the MMP-9 -1562 T/T genotype and an increased risk of gastritis (P = 0.007) and H. pylori infection (P = 0.001) among the studied groups. Additionally, a notable correlation was found between gastritis (P = 0.004) and H. pylori infection (P = 0.006) in individuals with the MMP-2 -1306 T/T polymorphism compared to the control group. Based on the results, having the T allele at positions -1562 and -1306 increased the likelihood of gastritis and H. pylori infection.
Conclusion: Our findings revealed that MMP-9 -1562 C/T and MMP-2 -1306 C/T polymorphisms may be associated with an increased risk of gastritis and H. pylori infection. However, further studies on larger and diverse populations are required to generalize these results.