Abstract: OcjectiVe To investigate whether the polymorphism of matriX metalloproteinase-3 ( MMP-3 )promoter contributes to the development and progression of colon cancer in Han nationality population. Methods PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism was applied to analyze the MMP-3-1171 5A/6A polymorphisms in colon cancer group(116 cases)and normal group(130 cases). Genotype frequencies were compared between patients and matched controls,and the association of genotypes with clinical stages were studied in colon cancer patients. The relativity between the tumor invasion and MMP-3-1171 5A/6A polymorphism in colon cancer patients was analysed. Results The frequency of the 5 A/5 A+5 A/6 A genotypes in the MMP-3 gene polymorphism was significantly higher in colon cancer patients than that of controls( OR=2 . 104 ,95%CI=1 . 247-3 . 549 ),and individuals with 5 A/5 A genotype had an increase risk of developing colon cancer compared to those with 6 A/6 A genotype. The MMP-3-1171 5A/6A polymorphism was positively correlated with the tumor invasion in colon cancer patients( p<0. 05 ). Conclusion MMP-3-1171 5 A/6 A polymorphism may be associated with genetic susceptibility to colon cancer and the invasive capability of colon cancer in Han nationality patients.

Key words: colonic neoplasms, matriX metalloproteinase 3, polymorphism, genetic