Association of matrix metalloproteinase-7 (-181A/G) promoter polymorphism in chronic pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Chronic pancreatitis is progressive and irreversible destruction of the pancreas. Matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) is a secreted matrilysin, which contributes to angiogenesis and breakdown of basement membranes of pancreatic tissues. The present study was aimed to investigate the association of MMP-7 -181A/G (rs11568818) gene promoter polymorphism in patients with chronic pancreatitis. METHODS: A total of 100 chronic pancreatitis patients and 150 unrelated healthy individuals were included in this case control study. The genotyping of the MMP-7 gene (- 181 A/G) (rs11568818) was carried out based on PCR-RFLP. The serum levels of MMP-7 were determined by ELISA. Association between genotypes and chronic pancreatitis was examined by odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: The frequencies of the genotypes in promoter of MMP-7 were AA 49 per cent, AG 25 per cent and GG 26 per cent in chronic pancreatitis patients and AA 53 per cent, AG 38 per cent and GG 9 per cent in control subjects. Frequency of MMP-7 -181GG genotype and - 181G allele was significantly associated with chronic pancreatitis compared to healthy subjects [OR = 1.58 (95% CI: 1.06 -2.36), p =0.019]. There was no significant difference in the serum MMP-7 levels in the patients compared to control subjects. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: The present study revealed a significant association of MMP-7 -181A/G (rs11568818) GG genotype with chronic pancreatitis patients, indicating its possible association with the disease.

Esophageal stricture following electrical injury.

Esophageal injury resulting from electrical shock is rare. Stricture of esophagus following external electrical injury has not been reported yet. We report a 24-year-old electric lineman who developed esophageal stricture following external electrical shock. He responded to dilatation with Savary-Gilliard dilators.