Background/Aim. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are perceived to play a key
role in tumor invasion and metastasis by their capacity to degrade basement
membranes and extracellular matrix proteins. The aim of this study was to
investigate the expressions of MMP-2, MMP-7 and MMP-9 in tumor tissue and
their relation to clinicopathologic features in patients with colorectal
cancer. Methods. Specimens of resected colorectal cancer and surrounding
normal tissue of 82 patients were immunohistochemically stained for MMP-2,
MMP-7 and MMP-9. The results of immunohistochemical expression of MMPs were
correlated with some clinical and pathologic parameters. Results.
Immunohistochemical expression of MMP-2 was more frequent in the patients
with higher preoperative serum levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) (p =
0.047), MMP-2 (p = 0.018), MMP-9 (p = 0.036) and in those with lymph node
metastasis (p = 0.018) and the advanced stage of the disease (p = 0.046).
Expression of MMP-7 was more frequent in the patients with elevated
preoperative serum levels of: CEA (p = 0.012), MMP-7 (p = 0.036), MMP-9 (p =
0.023) and with deeply invasive neoplasms (p = 0.027). MMP-9 cell expression
was in a positive correlation with elevated preoperative serum levels of:
CEA (p = 0.013), MMP-2 (p = 0.012), MMP-9 (p = 0.018) and depth of CRC
invasion, i.e. Tparameter (p = 0.027). Conclusion. Immunohistochemical
expression of MMPs is a useful indicator of the disease development and
progression in patients with colorectal cancer.
Immunohistochemical Expression of Stanniocalcin 2 in Colorectal Cancer: A Retrospective Egyptian Study
