[Matrix metalloproteinase-2 expression and its correlation with mesorectal metastasis in middle and lower rectal cancer].
OBJECTIVE
To examine the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and to evaluate its correlation with mesorectal metastasis in middle and lower rectal cancer.


METHODS
The resected primary tumors from 56 patients with middle and lower rectal cancer who received total mesorectal excision were studied from Dec. 2001 to Jul. 2003.


RESULTS
The MMP-2 expression was positive in 42 (75%) cases. The positive rate of MMP-2 expression was 88.9% in T3 tumors and 69.6 % in T2 tumors respectively, while only 33.3% in T1 tumors (P=0.013). MMP-2 was positive in 91.2% (31/34) infiltrative rectal carcinomas while 40.0% (6/15) expansive rectal carcinomas (P=0.001). Mesorectal metastasis was detected in 36 (64.3%) of 56 cases. The expression of MMP-2 was positive in 31 (86.1%) of the 36 patients with mesorectal metastasis, while in 11(55%) of the 20 patients without mesorectal metastasis (P=0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
The expression of MMP-2 in middle and lower rectal cancer is significantly associated with depth of tumor invasion and Ming classifications. The high expression of MMP-2 may play an important role in the development of mesorectal metastasis in middle and lower rectal cancer.
Wan
Jin
J
Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Peoples Hospital, Guangzhou 510080, China. reiqi123@sohu.com
Wu
Ze-yu
ZY
Lin
Hua-huan
HH
Luo
Xin-lan
XL
Zhang
Wei
W
Du
Jia-lin
JL
Yao
Yuan
Y
Wang
Zhi-du
ZD
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 / Q000378:metabolism*; D008643:Mesentery / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D011379:Prognosis; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology*
D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2