[The expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 in cervical cancer and a study of their relationship].
OBJECTIVE
To detect the expressions of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in cervical cancer and their correlation with clinicopathologic features.


METHODS
With the use of specific monoclonal antibody to human MMP-2 and MMP-9, the formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded specimens of 62 invasive carcinomas of cervix uteri, 5 carcinomas in situ, 10 normal cervical epithelia and 10 lymph node metastases were detected by immunohistochemical method.


RESULTS
MMP-2 and MMP-9 protein expressions in tumor and peritumoral stromal cells were enhanced in invasive carcinoma, compared to those in carcinoma in situ and controls (P < 0.05). There was a low correlation between MMP-2 and MMP-9 (r = 0.34, P < 0.01); the expression level of MMP-9 was higher than MMP-2. The protein expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 did not correlate with tumor stage, histological grade or pathological subtype. MMP-9 was correlated with lymph node metastasis and lymphovascular space invasion.


CONCLUSIONS
The over-expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 was correlated with invasive behaviour of cervical cancer, MMP-9 was significantly correlated with the lymph node metastasis, it might become a useful prognostic indicator for early cervical cancer.
Ouyang
Yun-wei
YW
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
Peng
Zhi-lan
ZL
Yao
Xian-ying
XY
Liu
Shan-ling
SL
He
Yue-dong
YD
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D008875:Middle Aged; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis / Q000473:pathology; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000201:enzymology; D011379:Prognosis; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology
D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9