Effect of matrix metalloproteinase‐21 (572C/T) polymorphism on HIV‐associated neurocognitive disorder

Remodeling of extracellular matrix ( ECM ) by matrix metalloproteinases ( MMP s) is a presumed reason for the development of HIV ‐associated neurocognitive disorders ( HAND ). The coding region polymorphism in MMP ‐21 572C/T gene may have a potential functional effect on ECM remodeling. Hence, we aimed to examine the association of MMP ‐ 21 polymorphism with the modulation of HAND severity and its prevalence in HIV ‐infected and healthy individuals. Genotyping of MMP ‐21 572C/T polymorphism was performed by PCR ‐ RFLP in total 150 HIV ‐infected individuals, 50 with HAND , 100 without HAND and 150 healthy controls. MMP ‐21 572 TT genotype was predominantly higher in HAND patients compared with no HAND ( OR = 1.63, p = 0.57). MMP ‐21 572T allele was associated with reduce risk for HAND severity ( OR = 0.50, p = 0.04). Similarly, MMP ‐21 572 TT genotype underrepresented in HIV ‐infected individuals compared to healthy controls (3.0% vs 6.7%, OR = 0.27, p = 0.08). MMP ‐ 21 572 CT genotype and early HIV disease stage showed a higher risk for the advancement of HIV disease with marginal significance ( OR = 1.89, p = 0.07). MMP ‐ 21 572 CT genotype increased the risk for the modulation of HAND severity in tobacco users ( OR = 1.98, p = 0.43). MMP ‐ 21 572 CT genotype among tobacco and alcohol users showed elevated risk for the development of HAND in HIV ‐infected individuals ( OR = 2.30, p = 0.15; OR = 1.86, p = 0.23). Similarly, MMP ‐ 21 572 TT genotype enhanced the risk for the development of HAND in tobacco users ( OR = 3.48, p = 0.40). In conclusion, the presence of coding region 572T allele may have protection for HAND severity. MMP ‐ 21 572C/T polymorphism and tobacco and alcohol usage may facilitate the development of HAND .