P314	The polymorphism C1562-T in the matrix Metalloproteinase-9 promoter and susceptibility to sporadic abdominal aortic aneurysm.
1C.Armani, 1M.Nuti, 1M.C.Barsotti, 1T.Santoni, 2F.Massart, 1R.Di Stefano, 3M.Dell'Omodarme, 3M.C.Prati, 4M.Ferrari, 1A.Balbarini
1Cardiac and Thoracic Department, University of Pisa, Pisa, IT; 2Pediatric Endocrine Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pisa, Pisa, IT; 3Classe di Scienze, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, IT; 4Unit of Vascular Surgery, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisa (AOUP), Pisa, IT.

Purpose To assess if the C1562-T polymorphism in the promoter region of Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 was associated with Abdominal aortic aneurysm and to its risk factors. Abdominal aortic aneurysms have a multifactorial etiology and the importance of genetic components is getting increasing interest. Matrix metalloproteinases have been implicated in the pathogenesis of aneurysm development through an increased proteolysis of extracellular matrix proteins which alter the vessel wall stability. A reduction of matrix protein content in aortic wall is an important determinant of the subsequent aortic enlargement. Methods In 99 patients with AAA and 93 healthy subjects, demographic, clinical data, and MMP-9 genotype have been compared. The C1562-T polymorphism in the MMP-9 gene was determined by PCR amplification and restriction digestion. Results No significant difference in genotype and allele frequencies between AAA patients and control subjects was found. Conclusion C1562-T functional promoter polymorphism of the MMP-9 gene does not seem influence the development of abdominal aortic aneurysm.

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