Expression of matrix metalloproteinase 1 and 2 in congenital choledochal cyst and its clinical significance.
BACKGROUND
The pathogenesis of congenital choledochal cyst (CCC) is still not well elucidated. This study was conducted to detect the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 and 2 (MMP-1 and MMP-2) in CCC. The roles of MMP-1 and MMP-2 in CCC formation were also discussed.


METHODS
Specimens of CCC and gallbladders were taken from 53 patients with CCC, including 21 boys and 32 girls aged from 4 months to 17 years (mean: 6.5 years old). Twenty-eight normal gallbladders served as controls. Immunohistochemical method was used to detect the expressions of MMP-1 and MMP-2. Image analysis was made to quantitatively analyze the protein expression.


RESULTS
The expressions of MMP-1 and MMP-2 were located in epithelial cells, matrix cells, and inflammatory cells of the CCC wall. Various expressions were also found in the mucosa membrane cells of the CCC gallbladder. The expressions of MMP-1 and MMP-2 were low in the control group. Quantitatively, the expressions of MMP-1 and MMP-2 in the CCC wall were markedly higher than in the CCC gallbladder and the control group (P<0.01). There was no significant difference between the CCC gallbladder and the control group (P>0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The expression of MMP-1 and MMP -2 in the CCC wall is higher than in the CCC gallbladder and controls. The over-expression of MMP-1 and MMP-2 may be involved in the pathogenesis of CCC.
Mao
Yong-Zhong
YZ
Department of Pediatric Surgery, Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China. maoyz68@yahoo.com.cn
Tang
Shao-Tao
ST
Ruan
Qing-Lan
QL
D000293:Adolescent; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015529:Choledochal Cyst / Q000201:enzymology*; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005704:Gallbladder / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D020781:Matrix Metalloproteinase 1 / Q000378:metabolism*; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 / Q000378:metabolism*; D009092:Mucous Membrane / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism
D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2; D020781:Matrix Metalloproteinase 1