Matrix metalloproteinase-9 polymorphism and risk of pelvic organ prolapse in Taiwanese women

Objective: Matrix metalloproteinase-9 is known to play an important role in the pathophysiology of pelvic organ prolapse. We investigated whether the matrix metalloproteinase-9 gene polymorphisms were associated with pelvic organ prolapse by conducting a case-control association study in 92 women with pelvic organ prolapse and 152 women without pelvic organ prolapse.

Study design: Genotypes of the matrix metalloproteinase-9 gene polymorphisms (rs3918242, rs17576, and rs2250889) were determined by polymerase chain reaction, followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis.

Results: There was significant difference between women with and without pelvic organ prolapse in the distribution of the matrix metalloproteinase-9 rs17576 genotypes evaluated. Using multivariable logistic regression, menopausal status, matrix metalloproteinase-9 rs17576 genotype AG, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 rs17576 genotype GG were significantly associated with pelvic organ prolapse.

Conclusion: The present study shows that the polymorphism of matrix metalloproteinase-9 rs17576 may be associated with pelvic organ prolapse.