A functional matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 polymorphism modifies plasma MMP-9 levels in subjects environmentally exposed to mercury.
Sci Total Environ
; 408(19): 4085-92, 2010 Sep 01.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-20554312
ABSTRACT
Mercury (Hg) exposure causes health problems including cardiovascular diseases. Although precise mechanisms have not been precisely defined yet, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) may be involved. The gene encoding MMP-9 presents genetic polymorphisms which affect the expression and activity level of this enzyme. Two polymorphisms in the promoter region [C(-1562)T and (CA)(n)] are functionally relevant, and are implicated in several diseases. This study aimed at examining how these polymorphisms affect the circulating MMP-9 levels and its endogenous inhibitor, the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in 266 subjects environmentally exposed to Hg. Blood and plasma Hg concentrations were determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). MMP-9 and TIMP-1 concentrations were measured in plasma samples by gelatin zymography and ELISA, respectively. Genotypes for the C(-1562)T and the microsatellite (CA)(n) polymorphisms were determined. We found a positive association (P<0.05) between plasma Hg concentrations and MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio (an index of net MMP-9 activity). When the subjects were divided into tertiles with basis on their plasma Hg concentrations, we found that the (CA)(n) polymorphism modified MMP-9 concentrations and MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio in subjects with the lowest Hg concentrations (first tertile), with the highest MMP-9 levels being found in subjects with genotypes including alleles with 21 or more CA repeats (H alleles) (P<0.05). Conversely, this polymorphism had no effects on subjects with intermediate or high plasma Hg levels (second and third tertiles, respectively). The C(-1562)T polymorphism had no effects on MMP-9 levels. These findings suggest a significant interaction between the (CA)(n) polymorphism and low levels of Hg exposure, possibly increasing the risk of developing diseases in subjects with H alleles.
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Inibidor Tecidual de Metaloproteinase-1
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Metaloproteinase 9 da Matriz
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Polimorfismo de Nucleotídeo Único
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Exposição Ambiental
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Mercúrio
Limite:
Adolescent
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Adult
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Aged
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Aged80
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Female
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Humans
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Male
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Middle aged
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2010
Tipo de documento:
Article