title: Stromal cells play a role in cervical cancer progression mediated by MMP-2 protein.
abstract: Metalloproteinases, especially metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), are known for their role in the degradation of the extracellular matrix. Nevertheless, a thorough understanding of MMP-2 expression in neoplastic lesions of the uterine cervix has yet to be accomplished. This study aimed to analyze the MMP-2 expression in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia III (CIN3) and in cervical squamous cell carcinoma, in tumor cells and adjacent stromal cells. MMP-2 expression was assessed by an immunohistochemical technique. MMP-2 expression was greater in the stromal cells of invasive carcinomas than in CIN3 (p < 0.0001). MMP-2 expression in stromal cells correlates with the clinical stage, gradually increasing as the tumor progresses (p = 0.04). This study corroborates that stromal cells play an important role in tumor invasion and progression, mediated by the progressive enhancement of MMP-2 expression from CIN3 to advanced invasive tumor. The intense MMP-2 expression most probably is associated with poor tumor prognosis.
authors: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State University of Campinas, Campinas, CP, Brazil.
authors: T
authors: T
authors: Fernandes
authors: L A
authors: LA
authors: de Angelo-Andrade
authors: S S
authors: SS
authors: Morais
authors: G A
authors: GA
authors: Pinto
authors: C A
authors: CA
authors: Chagas
authors: S S
authors: SS
authors: Maria-Engler
authors: L C
authors: LC
authors: Zeferino
mesh_terms: D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness / Q000235:genetics; D017154:Stromal Cells / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D019716:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2 / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D002578:Uterine Cervical Dysplasia / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D019716:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2