Circulating matrix metalloproteinase-9 is transiently elevated after colorectal surgery.
OBJECTIVE
Plasma levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) may yield important information in patients suffering from colorectal cancer but the effect of surgery, a common treatment modality in these patients, on circulating MMP levels is currently unknown. The aim of this study was to assess whether plasma MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels are affected by operative procedures.


METHODS
In total 128 patients undergoing elective surgery for colorectal cancer (n = 66), liver metastases from colorectal origin (n = 50) and arthrosis of the hip (n = 12) were included in the study. Gelatinase activity was measured, using quantitative gelatin zymography, in plasma obtained before operation and 1 week, 1 month and 3 months postoperatively.


RESULTS
One week after operation a significant increase in proMMP-9 activity was measured after colorectal surgery (260%, p = 0.0038), liver surgery (285%, p < 0.0001) and hip surgery (217%, p = 0.012) as compared with preoperative levels. After 1 month proMMP-9 activity had returned to preoperative levels. No effect on proMMP-2 activity was measured.


CONCLUSIONS
Operative procedures have a profound but transient effect on plasma MMP-9 activity. If used to assess disease status, postoperative plasma MMP levels should be interpreted with caution.
Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Nijmegen, PO Box 9101, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
I H J T
IH
de Hingh
E T
ET
Waas
R M L M
RM
Lomme
T
T
Wobbes
T
T
Hendriks
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis*; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000556:secondary* / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 / Q000097:blood*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging / Q000379:methods; D015203:Reproducibility of Results
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9