LAUSR

BACKGROUND The association between matrix metalloproteinase 9(MMP-9) gene -1562C/T (rs3918242) polymorphism and the susceptibility of ischemic stroke(IS) has been investigated. However, results were ambiguous and inconsistent. Therefore, we performed this study to better assess the potential relationship between rs3918242 polymorphism and susceptibility risk of IS. METHODS We included case-control studies concerning the relationship between the rs3918242 polymorphism and IS, and odds ratios with corresponding 95% confidence intervals were used to describe the associations. Furthermore, meta-regression analyses, heterogeneity, cumulative analyses, sensitivity analyses, and publication bias were examined. RESULTS A total of 19 studies were included for analyses. Significant associations with the risk of IS were detected for rs3918242 polymorphism in overall population, Asians, and Caucasians. When stratified available data by gender, we found that significantly correlated with the risk of IS in both male and female. Further subgroup analysis by the subtypes of IS revealed that the rs3918242 polymorphism was significantly correlated with the risk of large artery atherosclerosis patients. When stratified by age, we found that rs3918242 polymorphism was significantly correlated with the risk of IS in both age ≥65 years and less than 65 years. Both the diabetes and the non-diabetes subgroups reached significant results, while in an analysis stratified by smoking status, an increased risk of IS was associated with the smoking. CONCLUSIONS The rs3918242 polymorphism may be a susceptible predictor of susceptibility of IS. Further large-scale studies are needed to verify the results of our findings.