Investigation of MMP-1 genetic polymorphisms and protein expression and their effects on the risk of Kashin-Beck disease in the northwest Chinese Han population

摘要

BackgroundThe etiology of Kashin-Beck disease (KBD), an endemic osteochondropathy, is largely unknown. Matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) plays a central role in the initiation and progression of cartilage destruction; however, no study has reported on the relationship between KBD and MMP-1. This study was to investigate the role of MMP-1 in the pathogenesis and progression of KBD.