Association Between MMP8 Gene Polymorphisms and Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma / Ruta Insodaite, Vykintas Liutkevicius, Virgilijus Uloza, Rosita Solovejute, and Alina Smalinskiene

BACKGROUND/AIM: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of proteins which are involved in breakdown of the extracellular matrix in embryonic development, tissue remodeling and in some diseases. MMP8 has both cancer-promoting and anticancer properties. However, the contribution of MMP8 to laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) has not been elucidated. In this study we aimed to test the contribution of two MMP8 polymorphisms, located in the gene promoter region, to the development of LSCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This case-control study involved 569 DNA samples which were genotyped for two single nucleotide polymorphisms using real-time polymerase chain reaction method. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS Statistics 20 software. RESULTS: Regression analysis adjusted by age showed that for MMP8 rs11225395 each minor A allele copy significantly reduced the odds for LSCC development (odds ratio=0.49, 95% confidence intervaI=0.04-2.19, p=0.048). MMP8 rs11225395 AA genotype was associated with smaller laryngeal tumour size (p=0.023). Smoking habit also correlated with laryngeal tumor size. CONCLUSION: MMP8 rs11225395 and smoking habits have a prominent interface with LSCC tumour size.