Background
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) gene polymorphisms contribute to the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to determine the possible association of two polymorphisms of two MMP genes (MMP1 and MMP3) with essential hypertension (EH) in a Burkinabè population.
Method
The genomic DNA of 72 hypertensive patients and 73 normotensive patients was extracted from their blood samples by the Salting Out technique. The −1607 1G/2G MMP1, −1171 5A/6A MMP3 polymorphisms were detected by the allele-specific polymerase chain reaction technique.
Results
The chi-squared test shows that an association exists between frequencies of alleles 1G (OR = 1.93; p = 0.012) and 5A (OR = 1.9; p = 0.013); genotypes 1G1G (p = 0.007) and 5A5A (p = 0.0001) and EH in the study population. So, the frequencies of the combined 1G1G/5A5A and 2G2G/6A6A genotypes were higher in cases (p = 0.0068). Multinomial logistic regression found that HDL cholesterol (OR = 38.27; p = 0.011), blood glucose (OR = 2. 46; p = 0.009), family history of hypertension (OR = 6.88; p = 0.03), lack of exercise (OR = 23.85; p = 0.008), were independent risk factors for developing essential hypertension in our general study population.
Conclusion
Our study suggests that genetic polymorphism in MMP1 and MMP3 might be helpful in determining susceptibility to EH in Burkinabè patients. In addition, susceptibility to EH might be related to MMP1 and MMP3 gene expression, which affect its plasma levels.

Essential Hypertension, Risk Factors, MMPs, Polymorphism, Burkina Faso