Abstract
Introduction: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a large family of proteolytic enzymes that degrade the components of extracellular matrix. The MMP2 is involved in the pathogenesis of both chronic lung disease: asthma and COPD. However, its role is not clear.
The aim of this study: Determine whether cigarette smoke plays a role in induction of polymorphism of MMP-2 in tunisian patients.
Patients and methods: A total of 150 asthmatic patients (36 smokers and 114 non-smokers) were included prospectively. MMP-2 (C-735T) genotypes of both groups were determined by the restriction fragment length polymorphism method.
Results: The mean age of asthmatic patients was 48 years. The sex ratioM/W was 0,44. The frequency of patients with severe asthma is 28,6%, moderate asthma is 42,6% and mild asthma is 20,6%. There was no difference in polymorphism of MMP-2 (C-735T) between smokers and non-smokers asthmatic patients.
Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that exposure to cigarette smoke has no influence on the polymorphism in the promoter region of MMP2. However, these results may be confirmed by further prospective studies.
- © 2011 ERS
