title: The ratio of MMP-2 to TIMP-2 in hilar cholangiocarcinoma: a semi-quantitative study.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery of General Airforce of Hospital, Beijing 100036, China. fengweiairforce@yahoo.com.cn
authors.forename: Mei
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Xiao
authors.forename: Nin-Xing
authors.initials: NX
authors.lastname: Zhou
authors.forename: Zhi-Qiang
authors.initials: ZQ
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.forename: Ya-Li
authors.initials: YL
authors.lastname: Lu
authors.forename: Ling-Hong
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Dian-Jun
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Wei-Lin
authors.initials: WL
authors.lastname: Chang
mesh_terms: 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*
chemical_list: D019716:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2