Relationship between matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 promoter polymorphisms and colorectal cancer risk Objective: The carcinogenic schema of colorectal cancer (CRC) follows a multistep process governed by mutational events that affect multiple micro-environmental factors, including matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). This present work aims to contribute to a better understanding of MMP-2 and -9 promoter polymorphisms involvements in the genesis and progression of sporadic CRC in Tunisian population. Method: The MMP-2 and MMP-9 promoter genotypes were determined by PCR-RFLP in 53 Tunisian patients with sporadic colorectal cancer and 69 healthy control subjects. Results: No significant associations were found regarding MMP-2 (-1306 C/T) polymorphism and CRC susceptibility. There was a connection between the MMP-2-1306 promoter polymorphism and gender (p = 0.012). The MMP-9 (−1562 C/T) was significantly associated with CRC (OR= 2.39 [1.023 to 5.58]). No implication of MMP-9-1562 promoter polymorphism in the clinicopathological parameters of CRC was evident. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the MMP-2 promoter polymorphism was not a predictive factor for the CRC occurrence while the MMP-9-1562 CT genotype was a risk factor for CRC susceptibility.