Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 Gene Variants and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Objective: To investigate associations between two polymorphisms of the matrix metalloproteinase-2 gene (MMP2) and the incidence and progression of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Methods: Cases and controls were recruited from a trial of screening for AAAs. The association between two variants of MMP2 (-1360C > T, and +649C > T) in men with AAA (n = 678) and in controls (n = 659) was examined using multivariate analyses. The association with AAA expansion (n = 638) was also assessed. Results: In multivariate analyses with adjustments for multiple testing, no association between either SNP and AAA presence or expansion was detected. Conclusion: MMP2 -1360C > T and +649C > T variants are not risk factors for AAA.