The aim of this study was to investigate matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) gene polymorphism (1G/2G at -1607 and A/G at -519) in Korean subject and to assess the association between polymorphism and periodontal status.

Forty nine generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAP) patients and 57 periodontally healthy children were recruited and genomic DNA was extracted from buccal swab. The polymorphisms of MMP-1 promoter genes were determined by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length product (PCR-RFLP) method. The distribution of genotype and allele frequency was compared between 2 groups by χ² test.

There was a significant difference in the distribution of genotypes and frequency of alleles between the GAP and reference groups at the position -519 of MMP-1 gene promoter ( P < 0.05). Allele G carrier rate was significantly lower in GAP group than that of the reference group ( P < 0.001). At the position -1607 of MMP-1 gene promoter, genotype distribution and allele frequency showed no statistically significant difference between the groups. However, in the female group, a significant difference was observed between the groups for the genotype distribution, allele frequency and allele 1G carrier rate ( P < 0.05).

The DNA polymorphism at the MMP-1 gene promoter might be associated with GAP in Korean.