Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM: Matrix metalloproteinase-11 (MMP-11) is a member of the MMP enzyme family, known for its critical function in extracellular matrix turnover and tissue restructuring. This study aimed to investigate the potential associations between four MMP-11 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)-rs738791, rs2267029, rs738792, and rs28382575-and colorectal cancer (CRC) susceptibility in a Taiwanese cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 362 CRC patients and non-cancer controls were genotyped using the restriction fragment length polymorphism method. The distribution of genotypes and alleles was assessed, and conformity to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was confirmed for all examined loci (p>0.05). RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were observed in the genotype frequencies of MMP-11 rs738791, rs2267029, rs738792, or rs28382575 between CRC patients and healthy controls (p for trend=0.8640, 0.6638, 0.3275, and 0.8051, respectively). Allelic analyses further revealed lack of associations with CRC risk regarding rs738791 T allele (OR=1.06, 95%CI=0.85-1.32, p=0.6550), rs2267029 A allele (OR=1.11, 95%CI=0.88-1.40, p=0.4073), rs738792 C allele (OR=1.02, 95%CI=0.81-1.29, p=0.9055), and rs28382575 C allele (OR=1.17, 95% CI=0.67-2.04, p=0.6718). Interestingly, individuals carrying the CT or TT genotypes of rs738791 were more likely to present with larger tumor sizes (≥5 cm, p=0.0298) and absence of metastasis (p=0.0218). Moreover, the AG or AA genotypes of rs2267029 were significantly associated with advanced clinical stages (III-IV, p=0.0007). CONCLUSION: Although the investigated MMP-11 polymorphisms were not associated with CRC susceptibility, the rs738791 and rs2267029 variant genotypes may serve as potential prognostic biomarkers.