Correlation between expression of matrix metalloproteinase and clinicopathologic features in patients with colorectal cancer

Abstract

Background. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are a large family of zinc-dependent endoproteases that have been implicated in many physiologic and pathologic processes, such as tumour invasion and metastasis by their capacity to degrade basement membranes and extracellular matrix proteins. Objectives. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of MMP-2, MMP-7 and MMP-9 in tumor tissue and their relation to clinicopathologic features in patients with colorectal cancer. Methods. Specimens of resected colorectal cancer and surrounding normal tissue of 82 patients were immunohistochemically stained for MMP-2, MMP-7 and MMP-9. Results of immunohistochemical expression of MMPs were correlated with some clinical and pathologic parameters. Results. Immunohistochemical expression of MMP-2 was more frequent in patients with higher preoperative serum levels of: CEA, MMP-2, MMP-9 and in patients with lymph node metastasis and advanced stage of the disease. Expression of MMP-7 was more frequent in patients with elevated preoperative serum levels of: CEA, MMP-7, MMP-9 and with deeply invasive neoplasm. MMP-9 cell expression was in a positive correlation with elevated preoperative serum levels of: CEA, MMP-2, MMP-9 and depth of CRC invasion, i.e. T-parameter. According Kaplan-Maier survival curve, 2,65% of the followed CRC patients survive more than 60 months; 52% of the CRC patients in Stadium II survive more than 48 or 60 months and 28% of patients in Stadium III survive more than 55 or 60 months. Conclusion. Immunohistochemical expression of MMPs is a useful indicator for disease development and progression in patients with colorectal cancer.