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.