ABSTRACT
There are emerging data on novel tumor markers such as matrix metalloproteinase-2 [MMP-2 or gelatinase-A], which play a key role in tissue invasion and metastasis. We designed an investigation to assess the usefulness of MMP-2 activity as compared to prostate specific antigen [PSA] in cancer staging process. We have analyzed the circulating form of MMP-2 in serum samples of patients suffering from either benign prostate hyperplasia [BPH, n = 54] or prostate cancer [PC, n = 26], and prostatitis [n = 4] as compared to control normal individual [n = 26], respectively. Protein-content adjusted samples were separated by gelatin-embedded polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis then were subjected to densitometric analysis. Total PSA [tPSA] and free PSA [fPSA] were quantified using a standard ELISA technique. Correlation coefficient [r] between tPSA and MMP-2 activity in patient group was +0.938 and in controls group was 0.799 [P<0.01]. In addition, [r] between tPSA and MMP-2 activity in PC patients was 0.940 and in BPH patients was 0.962 [P<0.01]. [r] between fPSA and MMP-2 activity in PC patients was 0.913, in BPH patients was 0.644, and in prostatitis patients was -0.994 [P<0.01]. These results demonstrate that MMP-2, compared to PSA, might be considered as a better tumor marker in monitoring and screening patients with PC