Association between Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 Gene Polymorphism rs243865 and Susceptibility to Cataract Development

Abdelall, Alshimaa Hafez; Ahmed, Nagwa Sayed; M, Iqbal; Ahmed, Tasneem Sayed; Youssef, Reda S.

doi:10.21608/svuijm.2025.423582.2281

Association between Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 Gene Polymorphism rs243865 and Susceptibility to Cataract Development

Document Type : Original research articles

Authors

¹ Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt.

² Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt.

10.21608/svuijm.2025.423582.2281

Abstract

Background: Peptide mediators such matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are primarily responsible for the development of cataract. It is also believed that serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) may have a role in the development of cataract.
Patients and methods: This cross-sectional study included 60 cataractous eyes of 60 patients (thirty eyes of thirty patients with senile cataract (Group A) and thirty patients with thirty cataractous eyes with secondary cataract (Group B)) and 30 apparently healthy eyes (Control Group). SNP genotyping of MMP-2 gene (rs243865) was done by real-time PCR, and serum IL-6 was measured by ELISA.
Results: The homozygous C/C genotype was significantly more prevalent in the Control Group (80%) compared to the combined case groups (A+B) (56.67%). Conversely, the heterozygous C/T and homozygous T/T genotypes were more common in the combined case groups (p=0.035). The mean levels of serum IL-6 were significantly elevated in Group A (6.3±3.99 ng/L) followed by Group B (4.38±3.43 ng/L) then Control Group (4.22±1.34 ng/L), (p=0.003).
Conclusion: The significant differences in the distribution of MMP-2 genotypes between cataracts and controls suggesting that it may influence the susceptibility to cataract. Serum IL-6 level may have a potential role in cataract development.

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