Concentration of total matrix metalloproteinase-2 in the serum of patients with colorectal cancer

The processes of basement membrane degradation and remodeling of extracellular matrix [ECM] involves proteolytlc enzymes called metalloproteinases. Among the numerous metalloproteinases enzymes of this group the key role is played by matrix metalloproteinase-2 [MMP-2]. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the concentration of soluble MMP-2 in serum of patients with colorectal cancer and the effect of surgical treatment on this parameter in the postoperative period as well as assessment whether MMP-2 serum concentration correlate with clinicopathological variables. We measured, prior to primary surgery and 4 weeks after surgery, the concentrations of MMP-2 in serum samples of 40 patients with colorectal cancer. Also the serum concentration of MMP-2 of 10 healthy volunteers was measured. The measurements were performed with enzyme linked immunosorbent assays [ELISA]. MMP-2 concentrations are higher in cancer patients than control [P < 0.001]. The levels of soluble MMP-2 in serum [median of the control cut-off limit] correlated with Dukes' stage [P = 0.03], grade P=0-04], and lymph node metastasis [P = 0.02]. No statistically significant correlation was found between the circulating MMP-2 and the other clinicopathological factors. Comparing the blood serum concentration of MMP-2 before and after operation reveals a significant decrease after radical surgery. Plasma concentration MMP-2 was correlated with clinical staging in colorectal cancer, and falling to the normal range following curative surgery

Association of serum vascular endothelial growth factor level with estrogen receptors status in breast cancer patients

Aim: angiogenesis is essential for tumour growth and metastasis. Vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF] has been suggested as the major angiogenic factor in breast carcinoma. The aim of the present study was to analyze the relationship between the serum of vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF] in breast cancer patients and its relationship to various prognostic indices and estrogen receptor status

Methods: VEGF levels was determined in 45 breast cancer patients a d 15 healthy women, using enzyme-linked immunoassay technique

Results: serum vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF] levels were detected in 45 patients with breast cancer before surgery and at 3 weeks after surgery. The serum VEGF levels of the cancer patients as a group were significantly elevated compared with those of the controls [P < 0.0005]. VEGF levels were elevated in patients with invasive cancer of duct carcinoma, and estrogen receptor [ER]-positive tumors. Post-operatively, VEGF level decreased significantly

Conclusions: preoperative senln2 VEGF detects breast cancer with a sensitivity of 62.2%. The relationship to cancer type and EX status may have future therapeutic implications which deserves more extensive study