Expressions of MMP-2, MMP-9 and VEGF are closely linked to growth, invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis of gastric carcinoma.
BACKGROUND
Gastric carcinoma is still a major leading cause of cancer death in East Asia. Since angiogenesis is a necessary condition for invasion and metastasis, its regulation is of essential significance.


METHODS
Expressions of MMP-2, MMP-9 and VEGF were examined with microarray of gastric carcinoma tissue samples (n = 249) by immunostaining. In addition, microvessel density (MVD) was assessed after labelling with the anti-CD34 antibody. Data were cross-compared with clinicopathological parameters of tumors, including PTEN expression.


RESULTS
Expressions of MMP-2, MMP-9 and VEGF were positively correlated with tumour size, depth of invasion, lymphatic and venous invasion, lymph node metastasis, UICC staging and MVD of gastric carcinomas (p < 0.05).VEGF expression was positively linked with levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 (p < 0.05), but negatively with PTEN (p < 0.05). The latter was also inversely associated with the MVD in gastric carcinomas (p < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
MMP-2, MMP-9 and VEGF largely contribute to the angiogenesis and progression of gastric carcinomas. PTEN might inhibit the processes by down-regulating VEGF expression. These parameters should be regarded as good markers to indicate pathobiological behaviours of gastric carcinomas.
Zheng
Huachuan
H
Department of Diagnostic Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Toyama, Sugitani 2630, Toyama, Japan.
Takahashi
Hiroyuki
H
Murai
Yoshihiro
Y
Cui
Zhengguo
Z
Nomoto
Kazuhiro
K
Niwa
Hideki
H
Tsuneyama
Koichi
K
Takano
Yasuo
Y
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000098:blood supply / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000556:secondary; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 / Q000378:metabolism*; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 / Q000378:metabolism*; D008833:Microcirculation; D008875:Middle Aged; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness / Q000473:pathology*; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D051059:PTEN Phosphohydrolase / Q000378:metabolism; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D046888:Tissue Array Analysis; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000378:metabolism*
D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D051059:PTEN Phosphohydrolase; C494929:PTEN protein, human; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9