Prognostic significance of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 in bladder cancer.
BACKGROUND
The levels of matrix metalloproteinases MMP-2 and MMP-9 (type IV collagenases), which degrade the extracellular matrix of the basement membrane, were evaluated as prognostic indicators of metastasis in urothelial carcinoma.


METHODS
Quantitative gel zymography and immunohistochemistry were used and compared with clinical data at the follow-up period of 36 months.


RESULTS
Zymographical analysis of the levels of MMP-9 and active MMP-2 showed a statistically significant increase with tumor grade and invasiveness. This correlation was confirmed by immunohistochemical analysis of MMP-9 expression. However, the correlation between the levels of both gelatinases with recurrence in superficial tumours or progression in invasive tumours was not statistically significant.


CONCLUSIONS
MMPs may have an important role in the invasion mechanism of urothelial cancer and could be useful prognostic markers for patients with bladder carcinoma. The relationship between MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression and the metastatic potential of bladder carcinoma needs further evaluation in subsequent clinical studies.
Papathoma
A S
AS
Institute of Biological Research and Biotechnology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece.
Petraki
C
C
Grigorakis
A
A
Papakonstantinou
H
H
Karavana
V
V
Stefanakis
S
S
Sotsiou
F
F
Pintzas
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis*; D002295:Carcinoma, Transitional Cell / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology; D018450:Disease Progression; D004591:Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008297:Male; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 / Q000032:analysis*; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 / Q000032:analysis*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D011379:Prognosis; D016019:Survival Analysis; D001749:Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9