ABSTRACT
Background: the role of Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 [MMP9] in tumor invasion and progression is prominent. A single nucleotide polymorphism [SNP] in the promoter region of MMP9 [-1562 C/T] increases the transcription and expression of this gene. On the other hand, MHC class I chain-related protein A and B [MICA/B] in soluble forms may impair tumor immunogenicity by reducing Natural Killer Group 2D [NKG2D] densities on NK cells and MMP9 enzyme activity has a prominent role in shedding of MICA/B
Objectives: to investigate the association between MMP9 [-1562 C/T] polymorphism and serum MICA/B level in breast cancer patients
Methods: in this case-control study, 105 patients with breast cancer and 100 healthy age-matched women were selected from Yazd hospitals, Iran. The polymorphism of MMP9 [-1562 C/T] was determined by PCR-RFLP. Concentration of MICB and MICA in the sera of breast cancer patients and healthy women were measured using ELISA method
Results: the frequency of CC, CT and TT genotypes and T allele of the MMP9 [-1562 C/T] did not show significant differences between breast cancer patients and healthy donors [p>0.05]. On the other hand, the mean serum levels of MICB and MICA were significantly elevated in patients compared with healthy individuals [p<0.05]. In patients with MMP9CC genotype, the mean serum MICB concentration was significantly higher than those patients with CT polymorphism [p<0.05]. Although the mean of blood MICA concentration in patients with the CT genotype was higher than those patients with CC genotype, the difference was not statistically significant
Conclusion: the T allele of the MMP9 [-1562 C/T] does not show a correlation with serum levels of MICA and MICB in breast cancer patients