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Association of the matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP3) single nucleotide polymorphisms with tendinopathies: case-control study in high-level athletes

International Orthopaedics volume 45, pages 1163–1168 (2021)Cite this article

Abstract

Background

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play an important role in matrix remodelling, as well as in tendon integrity. Due to overuse, athletes often develop chronic tendinopathies. If not treated, they lead to severe impairment, even complete tendon ruptures.

Aim

The main purpose of this study was to investigate whether three functional polymorphisms within the MMP3 gene are associated with increased risk of developing tendinopathies in high-level Croatian athletes.

Methods

We have recruited one hundred fifty-five (63 high-level athletes with diagnosed tendinopathies and 92 asymptomatic controls) unrelated Caucasians for this case-control genetic study. All participants were genotyped for three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) within the MMP3 gene: rs591058 C/T, rs650108 A/G and rs679620 G/A using the pyrosequencing method.

Results

The MMP3 rs650108 GG (P = 0.0074) and rs679620 AA (P = 0.0119) genotypes were significantly over-represented in cases compared with controls, while rs591058 TT (P = 0.0759), as well as haplotype variant T - G - A (P = 0.06), implicated that there is an indication of predisposition for tendinopathies.

Conclusion

These results support association between functional variants within the MMP3 gene and the risk of tendinopathies in high-level athletes. Further research is needed to replicate these results in a larger population.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Genos Ltd, Borongajska cesta 83h, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia

    Nina Briški & Gordan Lauc

  2. Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, Horvaćanski zavoj 15, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia

    Nina Briški, Goran Vrgoč, Damir Knjaz & Saša Janković

  3. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospital, “Sveti Duh”, Ulica Sveti Duh 64, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia

    Goran Vrgoč, Saša Janković & Alan Ivković

  4. School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 2, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia

    Alan Ivković & Marko Pećina

  5. Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, Ulica Radmile Matejčić 2, 51000, Rijeka, Croatia

    Alan Ivković

  6. Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, Ulica Ante Kovačića 1, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia

    Gordan Lauc

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  1. Nina Briški
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  2. Goran Vrgoč
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Correspondence to Nina Briški.

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This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Croatia, and by the Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, Croatia. All participants have provided a biological sample and given written informed consent.

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Briški, N., Vrgoč, G., Knjaz, D. et al. Association of the matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP3) single nucleotide polymorphisms with tendinopathies: case-control study in high-level athletes. International Orthopaedics (SICOT) 45, 1163–1168 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-020-04684-w

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-020-04684-w

Keywords

  • Matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP3)
  • Single nucleotide polymorphism
  • Genetic association study
  • Achilles tendinopathy
  • Sport injury