['Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) may contribute to endometriosis. We tested whether eight functional polymorphisms of these genes could modify the risk of endometriosis.', 'In this case-control study, 227 endometriosis and 241 controls were genotyped for MMP1 -1607 1G/2G, MMP2 -1575 G/A (MMP2.1), -1306 C/T (MMP2.2), MMP3 -1612 5A/6A, MMP7 -153 C/T (MMP7.1), -181 A/G (MMP7.2), MMP12 -82 A/G and MMP13-77 A/G. Association between MMP genotypes and superficial (SUP), deep infiltrating (DIE) and endometriomas (OMA) was tested for each polymorphism separately, using unconditional logistic regression and then for combined genotypes, using the combination test.', 'When considering all cases, MMP2 polymorphisms were found to be significant, mainly due to DIE (P = 0.023). A small difference between SUP and controls was found for MMP7.2 (P = 0.032) and MMP12 (P = 0.035), in the absence of correction for multiple testing. Using the combination test, the best association when comparing SUP with controls was obtained for MMP12-MMP13 (P = 0.004) for the combined genotype A/G-A/A (odds ratio = 27.60, 95% confidence interval: 2.80-272.40).'] Are genetic polymorphisms of matrix metalloproteinase 12 and 13 genes implicated in endometriosis progression?