The role of SNP (rs11908352) genetic polymorphisms on serum level of matrix metalloproteinase-9 in rheumatoid arthritis

Background. MMP-9 plays a significant role in the destruction of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in various physiological and pathological processes, including tissue remodeling. MMP-9 is elevated in pathologies involving abnormal immune responses. The extent of joint damage varies significantly among individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and much of its genetic inheritance remains unexplained. Multiple autoimmune diseases share common genetic risk factors that may also influence disease progression. Genetic variants in MMP-9 could potentially affect its transcriptional expression or enzymatic activity. Objective. To evaluate the impact of serum MMP-9 levels and the SNP (rs11908352) in a group of patients with rheumatoid arthritis compared to a control group. Methods. Seventy-three RA patients with a mean age of 47.91 ± 1.44 years were included in this study, compared to sixty-eight healthy controls matched in age and gender, with a mean age of 46.42 ± 1.51 years. Serum levels of MMP-9 and rs11908352 SNPs were examined in individuals with RA and compared to the control group. Results. The findings revealed a notable increase in MMP-9 levels in RA patients compared to healthy controls (1.85 ± 0.12 vs. 1.31 ± 0.10). Additionally, rs11908352 SNP analysis showed a statistically insignificant rise in the frequency of the AA genotype and A allele in the patient group compared to controls (24.66% vs. 16.18%; p = 0.297; OR = 1.70) and (51.0% vs. 44.0%; p = 0.285; OR = 1.30), respectively. Genotype frequencies CA, CC, and allele frequency C showed nonsignificant decreases in RA patients compared to controls (52.05% vs. 55.88%; p = 0.736; OR = 0.86), (23.29% vs. 27.94%; p = 0.566; OR = 0.78), and (49.0% vs. 56.0%; p = 0.285; OR = 0.77), respectively. Patients with the AA genotype exhibited markedly elevated serum MMP-9 levels compared to the control group (p = 0.007). Conclusion. The results of this study demonstrated a significant correlation between serum MMP-9 levels and rs11908352 genetic variation in RA patients, suggesting that specific genetic regions associated with autoimmune diseases may influence the severity of joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis.