Stromal cells play a role in cervical cancer progression mediated by MMP-2 protein.
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.
Fernandes
T
T
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State University of Campinas, Campinas, CP, Brazil.
de Angelo-Andrade
L A
LA
Morais
S S
SS
Pinto
G A
GA
Chagas
C A
CA
Maria-Engler
S S
SS
Zeferino
L C
LC
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
D019716:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2