Abstract
BACKGROUND: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a group of genes that play a crucial role in cancer progression. In this study, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the association between gelatinase polymorphisms (specifically MMP2 and MMP9) and lung cancer (LC) susceptibility. METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted across 4 databases - PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science - for relevant studies published up to June 20, 2024. RevMan 5.3 software was used to calculate effect sizes, including odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals, for the prevalence of MMP2 and MMP9 polymorphisms in LC patients and controls. Additionally, comprehensive meta-analysis version 3.0 was used to assess publication bias, perform meta-regression, and conduct sensitivity analyses. Trial sequential analysis (TSA) was performed using TSA software. RESULTS: The meta-analysis included 22 articles comprising 28 studies. For the MMP2 - 1306 C/T polymorphism, the P-values were as follows: allelic model, .005; homozygous model, .03; heterozygous model, .002; dominant model, .003; and recessive model, .11. For the MMP2 - 735 C/T polymorphism, the P-values were: allelic model, .24; homozygous model, .003; heterozygous model, .53; dominant model, .97; and recessive model, .38. For the MMP9 - 1562 C/T polymorphism, the P-values were: allelic model, .97; homozygous model, .90; heterozygous model, .53; dominant model, .27; and recessive model, .80. For the MMP9 R279Q polymorphism, the P-values were: allelic model, .32; homozygous model, .07; heterozygous model, .39; dominant model, .33; and recessive model, .12. CONCLUSIONS: While our meta-analysis highlights a potential association between MMP2 polymorphisms and LC risk, the TSA indicates that further studies are needed to reach a definitive conclusion.