[The expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 in cervical cancer and a study of their relationship].

OBJECTIVE

To detect the expressions of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in cervical cancer and their correlation with clinicopathologic features.

METHODS

With the use of specific monoclonal antibody to human MMP-2 and MMP-9, the formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded specimens of 62 invasive carcinomas of cervix uteri, 5 carcinomas in situ, 10 normal cervical epithelia and 10 lymph node metastases were detected by immunohistochemical method.

RESULTS

MMP-2 and MMP-9 protein expressions in tumor and peritumoral stromal cells were enhanced in invasive carcinoma, compared to those in carcinoma in situ and controls (P < 0.05). There was a low correlation between MMP-2 and MMP-9 (r = 0.34, P < 0.01); the expression level of MMP-9 was higher than MMP-2. The protein expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 did not correlate with tumor stage, histological grade or pathological subtype. MMP-9 was correlated with lymph node metastasis and lymphovascular space invasion.

CONCLUSION

The over-expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 was correlated with invasive behaviour of cervical cancer, MMP-9 was significantly correlated with the lymph node metastasis, it might become a useful prognostic indicator for early cervical cancer.