Assessment of Metalloproteinase Matrix 9 (MMP9) Gene Polymorphisms Risk Factors for Pelvic Organ Prolapse in the Brazilian Population

Abstract Objective To evaluate the C-1562T matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) gene polymorphisms as risk factors related to the occurrence of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and to identifytheclinicalvariablesassociatedwith theoccurrenceof thedisease.Epidemiological studies of risk factors for POP do not explain why nulliparous women with no known risk factors also develop POP. Therefore, genetic factors may be involved. Methods Cohort study with 86 women with symptomatic POP (cases), and 158 women withoutapriororcurrentdiagnosisof thisdisorder(controls).Thegroupswereanalyzedfor the presence of MMP9 gene polymorphisms. Genotyping was performed using polymerase chainreaction(PCR)with DNA obtained froma peripheral venouspuncture ofboth groups. Results There were no differences between the cases and controls even when we grouped the mutant homozygous and heterozygous genotypes. The analysis of patients with a complete absence of POP versus patients with total POP also showed no statistically significant differences. Ageand home birth were found to be independent risk factors for POP. Conclusions There were no statistically significant differences in the C-1562T MMP9 polymorphisms between the cases and controls in Brazilian women.