Increase in the level of MMP-2 gene expression in liver cirrhotic patients without chronic viral hepatitis B and C infections

Liver cirrhosis is one of the most important causes of the need for liver transplantation. Several factors such as viral infections, autoimmune diseases, taking medication, hereditary diseases, genetic background, and also alcohol consumption are the causes of liver cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to optimize an accurate method in order to determine the rate of MMP-2 gene expression as a criterion in the evaluation of development and exacerbation of liver cirrhosis.   In this study 33 of 258 liver cirrhotic patients after approving the lack of presence of viral hepatitis C and B infections were evaluated with 20 healthy people as control. The rate of MMP-2 gene mRNA expression was appraised and optimized using Real-time PCR technique. Afterward, two patient and control groups were compared in terms of the MMP-2 gene expression.   The evaluation of mRNA expression disclosed significant increase of MMP-2 gene in patients group in comparison to control group.   Outcomes of the research highlighted that non-viral agents of chronic liver diseases could have an influence on increasing the level of MMP-2 gene expression and liver cirrhosis exacerbation; however, to confirm the above-mentioned results further studies are required.