To date, a few studies in distinct populations and a recent meta-analysis support genetic predisposition as a risk factor towards increased AP susceptibility, with the most significant associations reported for polymorphisms in interleukin 1 beta (IL1B), heat shock 70 kDa protein 1-like (HSPA1L), MMP2 and MMP34–6,15. The gene discussed is MMP2; the disease is alkaline phosphatase measurement.