ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the expression and clinical significance of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in gastric cancer tissues.Methods The expressive level of MMP-9 in normal gastric mucosa tissues,para-carcinoma tissues,and cancer tissues were determined with histochemistry streptavidin-perosidase (SP) methods.The relationship of MMP-9 and gastric cancer tissue were analyzed.Results The positive expression rate of MMP-9 in the gastric cancer tissues was significantly higher than that in normal gastric mucosa tissues and para-carcinoma tissues (x2 =86.66,P ＜0.01).The positive expression rate of MMP-9 in gastric cancer tissues was related to differentiated degree of cancer tissues,tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage,infiltration degree,and lymphatic metastasis (x2 =7.76,P ＜ 0.05; x2 =12.94,54.37,11.16,P ＜ 0.01).Conclusions MMP-9 probably participates in the occurrence and development of a gastric cancer,and is related to its invasion and metastasis.