ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the expression and significance of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2, MMP-9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)1 and TIMP-2 in nasal cavity squamous cell carcinoma and their signification.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fifty cases of epithelial carcinoma tissue and 50 cases of normal nasal tissue were detected for MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, TIMP-2 by immunohistochemistry technique (S-P), and their relationship between the expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, TIMP-2 and some clinical symptoms were analyzed. The SPSS 12.0 software was used to analyze the data.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The positive ratio of expression of MMP-2 in 50 cases of epithelial carcinoma was 52.0% (26/50), which was significantly higher (χ(2) = 6.00, P < 0. 05) than those [28.0% (14/50)] in the normal nasal tissue. The positive ratio of expression of MMP-9 in 50 cases of epithelial carcinoma was 58.0% (29/50), which was significantly higher (χ(2) = 12.8, P < 0.05) than those [10.0% (5/50)] in the normal nasal tissue. The positive ratio of expression of TIMP-1 in two groups was 74.0% (37/50), 56.0% (28/50) respectively. There was no difference between two groups (χ(2) = 0.51, P > 0.05). The positive ratio of expression of TIMP-2 in two groups was 26.0% (13/50), 20% (10/50) respectively. There was no difference between two groups (χ(2) = 3.35, P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>There was a close relationship between pathogenesis and development of nasal epithelial carcinoma and the expression of MMP-2, MMP-9 in the epithelial carcinoma tissues. Both MMP and TIMP, especially the unbalance of MMP and TIMP, have prognostic value in nasal cavity squamous cell carcinoma.</p>