MMP2 Polymorphism Affects Plasma Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 Levels, and Correlates with the Decline in Lung Function in Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis Positive to Autoantibodies Patients

Among hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) patients have been identified who develop autoantibodies with and without clinical manifestations of autoimmune disease. Genetic factors involved in this process and the effect of these autoantibodies on the clinical phenotype are unknown. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have an important role in architecture and pulmonary remodeling. The aim of our study was to identify polymorphisms in the MMP1, MMP2, MMP9 and MMP12 genes associated with susceptibility to HP with the presence of autoantibodies (HPAbs+). Using the dominant model of genetic association, comparisons were made between three groups. For rs7125062 in MMP1 (CC vs. CT+TT), we found an association when comparing groups of patients with healthy controls: HPAbs+ vs. HC (p < 0.001, OR = 10.62, CI 95% = 4.34–25.96); HP vs. HC (p < 0.001, OR = 7.85, 95% CI 95% = 4.54–13.57). This rs11646643 in MMP2 shows a difference in the HPAbs+ group by the dominant genetic model GG vs. GA+AA, (p = 0.001, OR = 8.11, CI 95% = 1.83–35.84). In the linear regression analysis, rs11646643 was associated with a difference in basal forced vital capacity (FVC)/12 months (p = 0.013, β = 0.228, 95% CI95% = 1.97–16.72). We identified single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with the risk of developing HP, and with the evolution towards the phenotype with the presence of autoantibodies. Also, to the decrease in plasma MMP-2 levels.