RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) is an enzyme with proteolytic activity on matrix proteins, particularly basement membrane constituents. A single nucleotide polymorphism C>T transition at -1306 displayed a strong association with several cancers. Our study investigated whether or not the MMP-2 -1306C>T polymorphism contributed to the development of breast cancer (BC) in a Mexican population. METHODS: 90 patients with BC and 96 control subjects were analyzed to detect MMP-2 -1306C>T polymorphism. RESULTS: The frequency of MMP-2 CC genotype was significantly higher in BC patients when compared with the control group (OR 2.15; 95% CI 1.1-4.1). MMP-2 CC genotype frequency was more pronounced in younger subjects (< or =50 years) at diagnosis (OR 2.66; 95% CI 1.04-6.96). CONCLUSION: The data suggest that MMP-2 -1306C>T polymorphism strongly contributes to the development of BC in the population studied, especially among women 50 years old and younger.