MMP-9 gene rs3918242 polymorphism increases risk of stroke: A meta-analysis

The association between matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) gene rs3918242 polymorphism and the risk of stroke has been investigated, but the findings have been found to be contradictory. Thus, this association was assessed by meta-analysis. Potential studies were searched throughout PubMed, Embase, and CNKI. Pooled odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Sixteen original studies analyzing this association were included, involving 3647 stroke patients and 3685 unrelated controls. It was confirmed that MMP-9 gene rs3918242 polymorphism increased the risk of stroke. Stratification analysis of ethnicity revealed an increased risk of stroke among Asians, but not among Caucasians. Subgroup analysis by the type of stroke showed that MMP-9 gene rs3918242 polymorphism increased the risk of ischemic stroke. Sensitivity analysis did not draw different findings. In conclusion, MMP-9 gene rs3918242 polymorphism increases the risk of stroke.