ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) has been reported to have a key role in the sequence of events that lead to local tumor invasion and metastasis. The present study was conducted to evaluate the role of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in cervical neoplasia. METHODS: Ten cases of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, and 40 cases of cervical carcinoma were analysed by immunohistochemical staining. Paraffin-embedded archival tissue sections were examined for the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9. RESULTS: of overexpression were analyzed for the correlation with clinical characteristics and prognostic factors. RESULTS: The overexpression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 was significantly higher in invasive cervical carcinoma than in CIN cases. There was no statistical significance in the correlation between MMP-2 or MMP-9 overexpression and the clinical prognostic factors. However, higher degree of MMP expression was observed in tumors of larger size, poorly differenciated and with lymph node metastasis compared to tumors of smaller size, well differentiated and without lymph node metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: From these findings, it can be postulated that MMPs may possibly play a role in the late stage of tumorigenesis, implying prognostic value. However, to draw a definite conclusion on their prognostic value, larger number of cases should be studied further.