MMP-2 and MMP-9 Serum Levels Change but their Gene Promoter Polymorphisms are not Associated with Late Phase I/R Injury or Rejection after Orthotopic Liver Transplantation

Introduction. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in connective tissue remodeling processes associated with chronic liver disease and complications after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Genetic variations in the promoter region of the MMP-2 and MMP-9 genes are thought to contribute not only to their transcription rate but may also have predisposing clinical impact. Methods. MMP-2 and MMP-9 gene promoter polymorphisms were analyzed in 109 patients who underwent an OLT. The relationship between these MMP polymorphisms in the donor and recipient DNA with the development of ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and rejection after OLT was evaluated. In addition, serum MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels were determined to illustrate potential phenotypical consequences in these patients. Results. The MMP-2 and -9 genotypes of the donor and recipient or a donor/recipient mismatch and chimerism were not associated with the development of late phase I/R injury or rejection in the OLT patients, although serological differences in the MMP levels did occur. The MMP-2 and -9 genotype distribution did also not have a major impact on the respective serum levels in patients that underwent an OLT. Conclusions. MMP-2 and MMP-9 gene polymorphisms do not seem to contribute to late phase I/R injury or rejection after liver transplantation. Serological changes in the MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels appear to occur independent of the MMP genotype after transplantation of the liver.