OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to analyze the distribution of polymorphism MMP-3 in a sample of the general population of the Split region. These results will be the basis for further investigation of the influence of gene polymorphisms MMP-3 in the development of various diseases, and for possible epidemiological forecasts and studies the incidence of disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of pathology, forensic medicine and cytology, Laboratory for clinical and forensic genetics, University hospital Split. The study included 50 healthy subjects (25 women and 25 men) with no signs of coronary heart disease or malignant. From the blood sample was extracted DNA amplified by the procedure polymerase chain reaction (PCR). After completing the PCR procedure, followed by an analysis of polymorphism MMP-3 digestion by restriction enzymes Tth111l. The digested fragments were separated by electrophoresis on 2%-agarose gel and visualized by ethidium bromide. RESULTS: In 50 patients with the Split area found the distribution of allele polymorphism MMP-3: 47% of 5A and 6A 53%. Molecular analysis showed 47 heterozygous genotypes 5A/6A and only three 6A/6A genotypes, while not confirmed any 5A/5A genotype. CONCLUSION: Molecular analysis of the samples collected in the sample studied (n = 50 patients, 100 chromosomes) confirmed 47% allele type 5A and 53% allele type 6A, which does not represent a departure from the prevalence in other populations of European descent. Molecular analysis showed 47 heterozygous genotypes 5A/6A and 6A/6A and only three genotypes, while not confirmed any 5A/6A genotype. The results of the analysis of genotypes gene MMP-3 obtained in this study show a significant deviation from Hardy Weinberg equilibrium law.