Association of matrix metalloproteinase-11 polymorphisms with susceptibility and clinicopathologic characteristics for oral squamous cell carcinoma

Background The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of genetic polymorphisms of the matrix metalloproteinase-11 (MMP-11) gene on the susceptibility of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Methods Four single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the MMP-11 gene from 595 patients with oral cancer and 561 noncancer controls were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results MMP-11 gene polymorphisms exhibit synergistic effects of environmental factors (betel nut chewing and tobacco use) on the susceptibility of OSCC. Furthermore, among patients with OSCC with betel nut consumption, those who have at least one polymorphic C allele of MMP-11 rs738792 have an increased incidence of lymph node metastasis when compared with those patients homozygous for T/T. Conclusion Our results showed that the combined effects of the MMP-11 gene polymorphisms and environmental carcinogens are related to an increased risk for the development of OSCC and may be a predictive factor for tumor lymph node metastasis in Taiwanese with OSCC.