The ratio of MMP-2 to TIMP-2 in hilar cholangiocarcinoma: a semi-quantitative study.
BACKGROUND
Hilar cholangiocarcinoma is associated with low resectability and poor survival. The aim of this study was to evaluate the roles of matrix metalloproteinases-2 (MMP-2) and its tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2(TIMP-2) in tumor invasion or as a prognostic factor in patients with human hilar cholangiocarcinoma.


METHODS
The expressions of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 were investigated in patients. Paraffinized tissue sections obtained from 50 patients with human hilar cholangiocarcinoma were analysed. The expressions of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 were examined immunohistochemically. Image analysis with image-pro plus analysis software was used to semiquantitatively determine the ratio of MMP-2 to TIMP-2.


RESULTS
The expression levels of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 were strongly associated with tumor hepatic invasion in patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Significant differences in the ratio of MMP-2 to TIMP-2 between some pathologic factors were observed in patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma.


CONCLUSIONS
MMP-2 plays an essential role in tumor invasion and metastasis, while TIMP-2 is shown to strongly inhibit cancer invasion and metastasis. The ratio of MMP-2 to TIMP-2 may be a prognostic indicator for patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma.
Xiao
Mei
M
Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery of General Airforce of Hospital, Beijing 100036, China. fengweiairforce@yahoo.com.cn
Zhou
Nin-Xing
NX
Huang
Zhi-Qiang
ZQ
Lu
Ya-Li
YL
Chen
Ling-Hong
LH
Wang
Dian-Jun
DJ
Chang
Wei-Lin
WL
D001650:Bile Duct Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D001653:Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic; D018281:Cholangiocarcinoma / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007150:Immunohistochemistry / Q000379:methods; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 / Q000378:metabolism*; D013194:Staining and Labeling; D019716:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2 / Q000378:metabolism*
D019716:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2