基质金属蛋白酶1、3基因多态性与卵巢癌遗传易感性关系的研究

目的 探讨基质金属蛋白酶(MMP)1、3基因启动子区多态性与卵巢癌遗传易感性的关系。方法 采用限制性片段长度多态性聚合酶链反应(PCR—RFLP)分析122例上皮性卵巢癌患(卵巢癌组)和151例同一地区的健康汉族妇女(对照组)MMP-1和MMP-3的基因型。结果 卵巢癌组MMP-1的2G和1G等位基因频率分别为68．0％、32．0％,对照组分别为66．9％、33．1％,两组比较,差异无统计学意义(P＞0．05);卵巢癌组1G／1G、1G／2G和2G／2G3种基因型频率分布分别为16．4％、31．1％和52．5％,对照组分别为16．6％、33．1％和50．3％,两组比较,差异无统计学意义(P＞0．05);与1G／1G基因型相比,2G／2G和2G／2G 1G／2G基因型经年龄校正的卵巢癌发病的OR分别为1．05(95％ CI=0．53～2．07)和1．00(95％ CI=0．52～1．90)。MMP-3的5A、6A等位基因频率在卵巢癌组和对照组中分别为17．2％、82．8％和20．2％、79．8％,两组比较,差异无统计学意义(P＞0．05);5A／5A、5A／6A、6A／6A基因型频率分布在两组间也无明显差异,两组相比,差异无统计学意义(P＞0．05);与6A／6A基因型相比,5A／5A 5A／6A基因型经年龄校正的卵巢癌发病的OR为1．34(95％ CI=0．81～2．23)。MMP-1的2G等位基因和MMP-3的6A等位基因存在完全连锁不平衡(X^2=56．53,P＜0．01)。结论 MMP-1的1G或2G基因多态性及MMP-3的5A或6A基因多态性与卵巢癌的遗传易感性无关。     

子宫颈癌新辅助化疗影响因素与药物敏感性基因

新辅助化疗（neoadjuvant chemotherapy,NACT）是局部晚期宫颈癌的综合治疗方式之一,部分相关化疗药物敏感性基因对肿瘤耐药、化疗副反应的预测作用取得了进展。宫颈癌肿瘤大小是影响新辅助化疗近期疗效的独立因素;核苷酸切除修复交叉互补组1（ERCC1）、Ⅲ微管蛋白（TUBB3）、核糖核苷酸还原酶M1（RRM1）基因阳性或过度表达可作为铂类、抗微管类和吉西他滨药物耐药的预测标志,但不推荐临床常规检测及应用,尿苷二磷酸葡萄糖醛酸转移酶1A1（UGT1A1）多态性与伊立替康毒副反应有关,为预测宫颈癌新辅助化疗近期疗效及个体化治疗提供参考。     

MDM2基因启动子区40-bp插入/缺失多态性与宫颈癌易感性相关研究

目的:研究MDM2基因启动子区的40-bp插入/缺失多态性与散发宫颈癌(CC)易感性的相关性。方法:应用PCR和琼脂糖凝胶电泳结合EB显色方法显示521bp和481bp两条条带,以此检测368例CC患者(病例组)和421例健康妇女(对照组)插入/缺失基因型频率,统计分析其与CC的关联性。结果:两组妇女年龄无显著差异,吸烟、饮酒情况存在显著性差异(P0.05)。基因分型结果显示:患者中插入/插入型(Ins/Ins),插入/缺失型(Ins/Del)和缺失/缺失型(Del/Del)基因型频率分别为0.375,0.492和0.133,健康对照组分别为0.484,0.423和0.093。基因型为Ins/Del和Del/Del的个体CRC易感性明显增高(OR=1.51,95%CI:1.11~2.03,P=0.009)(OR=1.86,95%CI:1.16~2.98,P=0.01)。结论:本组人群中MDM2基因启动子区40-bp插入/缺失多态性与宫颈癌发生存在关联,这种关联在年龄因素中并不明显,而在吸烟、饮酒情况差异显著。     

hWAPL基因多态性增加HPV16/18阳性宫颈癌患者的发病危险性

目的:检测宫颈癌患者外周血人半翼基因(hWAPL)的单核苷酸多态性(SNP)及宫颈癌组织中的HPV DNA感染型别,探讨宫颈癌的发病易感性。方法:应用基质辅助激光解吸附电离飞行时间质谱检测技术检测150例宫颈癌患者(病例组)和150健康妇女(对照组)外周血hWAPL基因的12个标签SNP(tagSNP)位点的多态性;采用基因芯片方法对宫颈脱落细胞进行HPV DNA分型检测。结果:与对照组比较,病例组hWAPL基因的SNP位点rs11595882 T(P=0.001,OR=2.481)、rs10887621 C(P=0.040,OR=1.610)、rs11202058 G(P=0.043,OR=1.479)的危险等位基因频率明显高于对照组(P0.05)。病例组hWAPL基因SNP rs7083506(CC+CT)(P=0.011,OR=3.273)、rs11595882(TT+TC)(P=0.002,OR=2.510)、rs7918136(TT+TA)(P=0.011,OR=3.273)、rs11202058的(GG+GA)(P=0.011,OR=3.273)危险等位基因型的频率显著高于对照组(P0.05)。HPV16/18阳性的宫颈癌患者的rs11595882和rs11202058位点的危险等位基因频率和等位基因型频率显著高于HPV16/18阳性的正常人群(P值均小于0.01)。结论:hWAPL基因的多态性改变是宫颈癌发生的危险因素,尤其对合并高危型HPV16/18阳性的患者尤为显著。     

PAI-1基因4G/5G多态性与PCOS糖代谢、肥胖的相关性研究

目的:探讨纤溶酶原激活物抑制因子-1(PAI-1)基因启动子4G/5G多态性与多囊卵巢综合征(PCOS)糖代谢、肥胖的关系。方法:PCR-RFLP法检测42例正常育龄妇女,101例PCOS患者[根据糖代谢情况分为A、B、C组;根据体重指数(BMI)分为肥胖、非肥胖组]PAI-1基因启动子4G/5G位点插入或缺失多态性,比较组间多态基因型分布及体重指数(BMI)、胰岛素抵抗指数(Homa-IR)、胰岛素敏感指数(ISI)。结果:①BMI、Homa-IR指标PCOS糖代谢C组>B组>A组、肥胖PCOS组>非肥胖PCOS组,ISI则相反,差异均有显著性(P<0.05)。②PCOS组不同糖代谢组PAI-1基因4G/5G多态基因型分布无差异,但PCOS组、PCOS糖代谢异常C组与对照组、PCOS非肥胖组与肥胖组之间比较有统计学差异(χ2=4.439、4.018、4.151;P均<0.05);4G型(4G/4G基因型)PCOS组、PCOS糖代谢异常C组与非肥胖PCOS组分布显著高于相应对照组与肥胖PCOS组;5G型(4G/5G+5G/5G基因型)分布相反。结论:①PCOS患者高PAI-1 4G/4G多态基因型,可能是其高PAI-1活性现象的重要遗传基础。②PAI-1基因启动子4G/5G多态性可能与PCOS患者糖代谢异常、非肥胖PCOS发病、病情进展有关。     

CYP1B1基因多态性与卵巢癌易感性的研究

目的:研究CYP1B1基因外显子2密码子119(G-T)、外显子3密码子432(C-G)多态性与卵巢癌遗传易感性的关系。方法:应用等位基因特异性聚合酶链反应(AS-PCR)法对53例卵巢癌患者和30例对照者进行CYP1B1基因密码子119(G-T)、密码子432(C-G)突变分析,用免疫组化SP法进一步研究雌激素受体(ER)、孕激素受体(PR)的表达,分析其是否受CYP1B1基因多态性的影响。结果:CYP1B1基因密码子432中等位基因C、G在卵巢癌组和对照组分布的差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),其中等位基因G使卵巢癌发病风险增加2.71倍。CYP1B1基因密码子432C/G各基因型分布两组间差异有统计学意义(P<0.01),纯合突变(G/G)基因型、杂合突变(C/G)基因型与野生(C/C)基因型相比,患卵巢癌的危险度分别提高了4.53倍和4.43倍。此外,432G/G、C/G基因型者ER阳性表达率高于432(C/C)基因型,三者间有显著差异(P<0.05)。结论:CYP1B1基因密码子432突变等位基因与卵巢癌的发生有一定关系,突变基因型增加了卵巢癌的发病风险,且与ER的表达相关。     

基质金属蛋白酶基因启动子区基因多态性与子宫内膜异位症遗传易感性的相关性研究

目的探讨基质金属蛋白酶（MMP）1、3启动子区基因多态性与子宫内膜异位症和子宫腺肌病遗传易感性的相关性。方法采用聚合酶链反应限制性片段长度多态性（PCR—RFLP）方法,分析1（30例子宫内膜异位症患者（内异症组）、80例子宫腺肌病组患者（腺肌病组）和150例健康妇女（对照组）MMP-1和MMP-3基因型及等位基因频率分布。结果（1）MMP-1中2G等位基因频率在内异症组和腺肌病组患者中分别为79．0％（158／200）和79．4％（127／160）,明显高于对照组（67．0％,201／300）,差异有统计学意义（P〈0．01）;3组中1G／1G、1G／2G、2G／2G3种基因型频率分布比较,差异也有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。2G／2G基因型或2G／2G＋1G／2G基因型均能增加内异症的患病风险,经年龄校正的风险值分别为3．65（95％CI=1．41—9．43）和3．25（95％CI=1．29～8．23）;2G／2G基因型可显著增加腺肌病的患病风险,经年龄校正的风险值为2．55（95％CI=1．03—6．33）。（2）MMP-3中5A、6A等位基因频率在内异症和腺肌病组患者中分别为14．0％（28／200）、86．0％（172／200）和15．6％（25／160）、83．4％（135／160）,与对照组（20．3％、79．7％）比较,差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）;5A／5A、5A／6A、6A／6A基因型频率分布在3组中比较,差异也无统计学意义（P〉0．05）;与6A／6A基因型相比,5A／5A＋5A／6A基因型不增加内异症和腺肌病的患病风险。（3）MMP-1和MMP-3基因单体型分析结果显示,2G／6A基因单体型明显增加内异症的患病风险,但不增加腺肌病的患病风险。结论MMP-1基因启动子区2G等位基因的存在,可明显增加异位症和腺肌病的患病风险;MMP-3基因启动子区基因多态性与这两种疾病的患病风险无关,但2G／6A单体型可作为异位症患病风险的分层标记。     

Vaspin基因多态性与多囊卵巢综合征的相关性

目的:研究Vaspin基因多态性与多囊卵巢综合征(PCOS)的关系。方法:选择2011年7月—2014年8月天津市中心妇产科医院确诊的PCOS患者200例为PCOS组,对照组选取非PCOS且无糖代谢异常的200例正常体检者。观察2组Vaspin rs2236242位点基因多态性基因频率的差别。结果:2组Vaspin rs2236242位点A等位基因与T等位基因频率比较,差异有统计学意义(OR=0.68,95%CI:0.51~0.91,P=0.009)。共显性遗传模型分析显示,TA基因型(OR=0.51,95%CI:0.33~0.79,P=0.002)和AA基因型者(OR=0.47,95%CI:0.23~0.95,P=0.035)的PCOS发病风险低于TT基因型者。显性遗传模型分析显示,TA+AA基因型者PCOS发病风险低于TT基因型者(OR=0.50,95%CI:0.33~0.77,P=0.001)。隐性遗传模型分析显示,AA基因型与TT+TA基因型者PCOS发病风险相似(OR=0.71,95%CI:0.37~1.38,P=0.317)。结论:Vaspin rs2236242位点基因多态性与PCOS发病有关,等位基因A及AA、TA基因型对PCOS发病可能起抑制作用。     

白细胞介素-10 592 C/A基因多态性与原因不明复发性流产的关系

目的:探讨白细胞介素-10(IL-10)基因启动子区592 C/A基因多态性与复发性流产(RSA)的关系.方法:应用聚合酶链反应-限制性片段长度多态性(PCR-RFLP)及琼脂糖凝胶电泳法检测无血缘关系的298例浙江地区汉族人IL-10启动子区592 C/A基因多态性,其中142例RSA患者(RSA组)和156例健康志愿者(正常对照组).结果:在RSA组和正常对照组中IL-10592 C/A基因中C等位基因的分布频率分别为40.1%、51.0%;A等位基因的分布频率分别为59.9%、49.0%;CC基因型频率为17.6%、23.7%;CA基因型为45.1%、54.5%;AA型为37.3%、21.2%.两组人群的基因型和等位基因频率表达比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).RSA组中AA基因型血清IL-10水平4.25±1.32 pg/ml低于CC基因型血清IL-10水平8.15±2.01 pg/ml,差异有高度统计学意义(P<0.001).结论:IL-10基因启动子区592C/A基因多态性可能与RSA发病有关,A等位基因的出现可能会减少血清IL-10的分泌.     

p53基因多态性与卵巢上皮性癌发病风险的关系

目的　探讨中国北方汉族妇女卵巢上皮性癌 (卵巢癌 )易感性与 p5 3基因第 4外显子的第 72密码子和第 3内含子多态性的关系。方法　应用序列特异性引物 ,以PCR技术检测 12 4例卵巢癌患者 (卵巢癌组 )和 12 8例健康妇女 (对照组 )的p5 3基因第 4外显子的第 72密码子和第 3内含子的基因型。结果　卵巢癌组和对照组脯氨酸 (Pro)、精氨酸 (Arg)等位基因频率分别为 5 3 2 %、4 6 8%和 4 6 1%、5 3 9%,两组比较 ,差异无显著性 (χ2 =2 5 6 3,P =0 10 9) ;卵巢癌组Pro/Pro、Pro /Arg、Arg/Arg 3种基因型频率分别为 2 9 0 %、4 8 4 %、2 2 6 %,与对照组 (2 1 1%、5 0 0 %、2 8 9%)相比 ,差异也无显著性 (χ2 =2 5 98,P =0 2 73) ;按病理类型分类 ,浆液性癌和宫内膜样癌两者间或分别与对照组间 ,其基因型频率与等位基因频率比较 ,差异均无显著性 (P >0 0 5 ) ;按手术病理分期分类 ,Ⅲ～Ⅳ期卵巢癌患者Arg等位基因及Arg/Arg基因型频率明显高于Ⅰ～Ⅱ期卵巢癌患者 (χ2 =7 4 94 ,P =0 0 0 6和 χ2 =8 318,P =0 0 0 4 )。卵巢癌组及对照组p5 3基因第 3内含子 16bp插入或缺序列 (PIN3)的A、A′等位基因频率分别为 94 8%、5 2 %及 94 5 %、5 5 %,两组比较 ,差异无显著性(χ2 =0 0 13,P =0 910 ) ;两组     

Fas gene promoter –670 polymorphism in gynecological cancer

Abstract.   Ueda M, Terai Y, Kanda K, Kanemura M, Takehara M, Yamaguchi H, Nishiyama K, Yasuda M, Ueki M. Fas gene promoter −670 polymorphism in gynecological cancer. Int J Gynecol Cancer 2006; 16(Suppl. 1): 179–182.
Single-nucleotide polymorphism at −670 of Fas gene promoter (A/G) was examined in a total of 354 blood samples from normal healthy women and gynecological cancer patients. They consisted of 95 normal, 83 cervical, 108 endometrial, and 68 ovarian cancer cases. Eighty-three patients with cervical cancer had statistically higher frequency of GG genotype and G allele than 95 controls ( P = 0.0353 and 0.0278, respectively). There was no significant difference in the genotype or allele prevalence between control subjects and endometrial or ovarian cancer patients. The Fas −670 GG genotype was associated with an increased risk for the development of cervical cancer (OR = 2.56, 95% CI = 1.08–6.10) compared with the AA genotype. The G allele also increased the risk of cervical cancer (OR = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.05–2.43) compared with the A allele. Germ-line polymorphism of Fas gene promoter −670 may be associated with the risk of cervical cancer in a Japanese population.     

The role of UGT1A1 promoter polymorphism and exon-1 mutations in neonatal jaundice

Objective: In the present study, we investigated the effects of promoter polymorphism and an exon-1 mutation (G71R) in the UGT1A1 gene in neonates with unexplained hyperbilirubinemia and direct Coombs-negative [DC(–)] ABO incompatibility.

Methods: Two-hundred term neonates in their first week of life and without additional icterogenic factors were included in the study. Neonates with a serum total bilirubin (STB) level ≥17?mg/dL constituted the hyperbilirubinemia group (n?=?100), while the control group comprised healthy neonates with a STB level <12.9?mg/dL (n?=?100). The cases were further subdivided into unexplained hyperbilirubinemia (n?=?50), ABO(+) hyperbilirubinemia (n?=?50), ABO(–) control (n?=?50), and ABO(+) control (n?=?50) groups on the basis of the presence or absence of DC(–) ABO incompatibility. DNA was isolated from peripheral blood and amplified by PCR, and UGT1A1 gene promoter and exon-1 were sequenced to verify sequence alterations.

Results: The frequency of TA6/6, TA6/7, TA7/7, and GGA/GGA, GGA/AGA, AGA/AGA genotypes was found to be 63.5%, 21%, 15.5%, and 91.5%, 8%, 0.5%, respectively. While both heterozygous and homozygous TA7 polymorphism increased risk of hyperbilirubinemia in the ABO(+) hyperbilirubinemia group (heterozygous OR 16.76, 95% CI:3.52-79.70, p?p?=?0.002), only heterozygous TA7 polymorphism increased jaundice risk (OR 5.08 95% CI:76-14.65, p?=?0.003) in unexplained hyperbilirubinemia. But, the coexistence of G71R mutation and promoter polymorphism or G71R mutation and DC(–) ABO incompatibility did not increase the severity of hyperbilirubinemia (p?>?0.05).

Conclusions: UGT1A1 gene promoter polymorphism and G71R mutation are possible risk factors for Turkish neonates with DC(–) ABO incompatibility and unexplained hyperbilirubinemia.     

Polymorphisms in the promoter regions of the matrix metalloproteinases-1, -3, -7, and -9 and the risk of epithelial ovarian cancer in China

PURPOSE: To investigate the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the promoter region of the matrix metalloproteinases-1 -1607bp1G/2G, matrix metalloproteinases-3 -1171bp5A/6A, matrix metalloproteinases-7 A-181G and matrix metalloproteinases-9 C-1562T with susceptibility to ovarian cancer in a population of North China. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: We analyzed four different functional promoter polymorphisms in the respective genes by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) in a sample of patients with epithelium ovarian cancer and control women, all from North China. RESULTS: No significant difference was detected between the patient and control groups in genotype and allelotype distribution of MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-9 of the polymorphisms studied. However, the genotype and allelotype of the MMP-7 distribution in ovarian cancer patients were significantly different from that in healthy controls. The frequency of the -181G allele of MMP-7 in patients was significantly higher than that in healthy controls women (8.2% vs. 2.8%, P = 0.002). Compared to the A/A genotype, the genotypes with the -181G allele (A/G + G/G) significantly increased susceptibility to ovarian cancer, with adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 3.53 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.58 to 7.89]. CONCLUSIONS: The study suggested that a possible association between the MMP-7 A/G polymorphism with susceptibility to epithelium ovarian cancer, but there is no support for an association of the selected MMP-1 1G/2G, MMP-3 5A/6A, and MMP-9 C/T polymorphisms with the risk for ovarian cancer.     

Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia and Gilbert's syndrome

The role of Gilbert's syndrome (GS) in neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, characterized by bilirubin levels higher than 223 microMol/L during the first seven days of life, has been investigated, evaluating the frequency of GS genotype (A(TA)7TAA polymorphism in the promoter of the gene encoding UGT1). The frequency of GS was significantly higher in the hyperbilirubinemic group, even though neither the peak of bilirubin, nor the day on which the highest value was found, differed according to genotype. The normalization of bilirubin levels was slower in neonates with GS. These results confirm the idea that GS is one of the factors contributing to neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, but that other factors play a role in determining neonatal jaundice. The slower decrease of bilirubin levels in A(TA)7TAA homozygous neonates confirms that GS is an important factor in determining a prolonged neonatal jaundice.     

Germline polymorphism of p53 codon 72 in gynecological cancer

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the biological significance of single nucleotide polymorphism at codon 72 of the p53 gene in the development of gynecological cancer. METHODS: p53 codon 72 polymorphism was examined in a total of 354 blood samples from 95 normal, 83 cervical, 108 endometrial and 68 ovarian cancer cases using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism techniques. RESULTS: When p53 codon 72 genotype was classified into two subgroups of Arg/Arg and Arg/Pro + Pro/Pro, the Arg/Arg genotype was associated with an increased risk for the development of endometrial cancer (OR = 1.86, 95% CI = 1.06 to 3.26) compared with the Arg/Pro + Pro/Pro genotype (P = 0.0301). The Arg allele also increased the risk of endometrial cancer (OR = 1.42, 95% CI = 0.93 to 1.52) compared with the Pro allele, but no statistical difference was found (P = 0.1031). There was no significant difference in the genotype or allele prevalence between control subjects and cervical or ovarian cancer patients. CONCLUSION: Homozygous Arg at codon 72 of the p53 gene may be a risk factor for developing endometrial cancer in a Japanese population.     

CYP1A1基因多态性与宫颈鳞癌的关系

目的:检测宫颈鳞癌组织中CYP1A1等位基因的表达,探讨CYP1A1基因多态性在宫颈鳞癌发生中的作用。方法:收集宫颈鳞癌组织标本50例,以正常宫颈组织61例为阴性对照。采用等位基因特异性PCR法(ASA-PCR)和PCR扩增限制酶切法(RFLP-PCR)检测宫颈鳞癌组织中CYP1A1等位基因Exon7位点和MspⅠ位点多态性;用SPSS13.0软件建立数据库,进行χ2检验、logistic回归分析。结果:(1)CYP1A1Exon73种多态基因型在宫颈鳞癌组和对照组分布差异有统计学意义(P<0.005),宫颈鳞癌组Ile/Val、Val/Val基因型的分布频率明显高于对照组。Ile/Val和Val/Val基因型的个体发生宫颈鳞癌的OR值分别是Ile/Ile基因型个体的1.969倍和3.15倍,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);(2)CYP1A1MspⅠ位点多态性分析:将MspⅠ位点的PCR产物行酶切分析,显示m1/m2杂合型、m2/m2突变型在宫颈鳞癌组和对照组表达差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:宫颈鳞癌组织中CYP1A1基因Exon7位点突变率升高,Ile/Val和Val/Val基因突变型个体发生宫颈鳞癌的危险性明显升高;CYP1A1基因MspⅠ位点的多态性可能与宫颈鳞癌易感性无关。     

Fas gene promoter -670 polymorphism (A/G) is associated with cervical carcinogenesis

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the biological significance of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at Fas gene promoter in cervical carcinogenesis. METHODS: SNP at -670 of Fas gene promoter (A/G) together with human papillomavirus (HPV) types were examined in a total of 279 cervical smear samples and 8 human cervical squamous carcinoma cell lines using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) techniques. RESULTS: 49 patients with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) had higher frequency of high-risk HPV and GA + GG genotype than 167 with low-grade SIL (LSIL) and 63 controls. G allele frequency was also higher in HSIL than in LSIL and controls. There was an increased OR (6.00; CI, 1.32-27.37; P = 0.021) for GA + GG genotype in HSIL cases compared to controls among 96 patients with high-risk HPV. 7 of 8 cervical carcinoma cell lines also showed GA or GG genotype. CONCLUSION: Fas gene promoter -670 polymorphism (A/G) may be closely associated with cervical carcinogenesis in a Japanese population.     

A polymorphism in the matrix metalloproteinase-1 gene promoter is associated with the prognosis of patients with ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE: The enzyme matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 is involved in ovarian carcinogenesis. A common guanine insertion-deletion promoter polymorphism within the gene encoding MMP-1 (MMP1) has been suggested to be a candidate gene for ovarian cancer. We investigated whether this common polymorphism can also serve as independent prognostic parameter in a large series of affected women. METHODS: The MMP1 promoter polymorphism was examined in 151 Caucasian patients with epithelial ovarian cancer using polymerase chain reaction. Results were correlated with clinical data. RESULTS: No associations were ascertained between the MMP1 polymorphism and tumor stage (P = 1.0, odds ratio [OR] 1.08), lymph node involvement (P = 1.0, OR 0.8), tumor grading (P = 0.2, OR 0.5), and patient's age at diagnosis (P = 1.0, OR 1.04). Besides the clinically established prognosticators, tumor stage and histological grade, presence of the MMP1 polymorphism was associated with a shortened disease-free and overall survival in a univariate Kaplan-Meier analysis (P = 0.01) and a multivariate Cox regression model (P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Presence of the MMP1 gene promoter polymorphisms was found to be a negative prognostic parameter in patients with ovarian cancer.