MMP7 -181G allele is a low-penetrant risk factor for cancer development in East Asians.

Matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) is a small secreted proteolytic enzyme with broad substrate specificity. Its expression is associated with tumor invasion, metastasis, and survival for a number of cancers. However, data from published studies with individually low statistical power are conflicting. Here, we performed a meta-analysis of 14 publications (16 case-control studies) to better assess the purported relationship. Eligible studies were identified by searching the Pubmed database. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated to assess the association. Overall, we found that the -181 G allele increased cancer risk in East Asians (G-allele vs. A-allele, OR=1.35, 95% CI: 1.25-1.46, P(heterogeneity)=0.01; GA vs. AA, OR=1.40, 95% CI: 1.16-1.69, P(heterogeneity)=0.04; GG+GA vs. AA, OR=1.52, 95% CI: 1.30-1.78, P(heterogeneity)=0.00). Similarly, in the stratified analysis by cancer type and source of control, significantly increased cancer risk was indicated. Our study showed evidence that MMP7 -181A/G polymorphism may increase cancer risk in the East Asian population. Future studies with larger sample size are warranted to further evaluate this association in greater detail.