RESUMEN
Objective To observe the expression changes of matrix metalloproteinase 9(MMP-9),vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)in the esophageal squamous cell carcinomas,and to study the chinical significance. Methods The expression of MMP-9 and VEGF in 60 patients with esophageal carcinoma and 20 cases with adjacent normal mucosa were tested with immunohistochemical SP method. Results The positive rate of MMP-9,VEGF in the esophageal squamous cell carcinomas were 70%(42/60)and 80%(48/60),the positive rate of adjacent normal mucosa were 10%(2/20)and 20%(4/20).The positive rates of the two groups were compared,all the differences had statistical significance(P＜0.05); expressions of MMP-9,VEGF in the esophageal squamous cell carcinomas related to invasive depth of carcinoma and lymph node metastasis(P＜0.05).There were positive correlation(r=2.330,P＜0.05). Conclusion The higher expression of MMP-9 and VEGF in the esophageal squamous cell carcinomas played an important role in invasion and metastasis of esophagus squamous cancer.