Changes in plasma TIMP-1 levels after resection for primary colorectal cancer.
BACKGROUND
Increased plasma levels of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP-1) are associated with poor outcome in colorectal cancer (CRC), however postoperative changes in plasma TIMP-1 levels after resections for CRC have not been thoroughly evaluated.


METHODS
Plasma samples were collected from 45 patients with primary CRC, preoperatively, 2 hours after surgery, and at days 1, 2, 7, 28, 45, 60, 75 and 90 after surgery. TIMP-1 and CEA levels were determined using the ARCHITECT Immunoanalyzer.


RESULTS
Postoperatively, the mean (geometric) TIMP-1 level increased and had a maximum level at day 1 (p < 0.0001). The mean TIMP-1 level then declined to a level at day 90 similar to the mean preoperative level.


CONCLUSIONS
A mean decline in plasma TIMP-1 levels was not observed within 90 days. However, individual significant reductions of plasma TIMP-1 levels did occur within 28-60 days postoperatively.
Frederiksen
C
C
Department of Surgical Gastroenterology, Hvidovre University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark. frederiksen@dadlnet.dk
Lomholt
A F
AF
Davis
G J
GJ
Dowell
B L
BL
Blankenstein
M A
MA
Christensen
I J
IJ
Brünner
N
N
Nielsen
H J
HJ