Matrix metalloproteinase-2 expression and its correlation with mesorectal metastasis in middle and lower rectal cancer / 中华胃肠外科杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To examine the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and to evaluate its correlation with mesorectal metastasis in middle and lower rectal cancer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The resected primary tumors from 56 patients with middle and lower rectal cancer who received total mesorectal excision were studied from Dec. 2001 to Jul. 2003.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The MMP-2 expression was positive in 42 (75%) cases. The positive rate of MMP-2 expression was 88.9% in T3 tumors and 69.6 % in T2 tumors respectively, while only 33.3% in T1 tumors (P=0.013). MMP-2 was positive in 91.2% (31/34) infiltrative rectal carcinomas while 40.0% (6/15) expansive rectal carcinomas (P=0.001). Mesorectal metastasis was detected in 36 (64.3%) of 56 cases. The expression of MMP-2 was positive in 31 (86.1%) of the 36 patients with mesorectal metastasis, while in 11(55%) of the 20 patients without mesorectal metastasis (P=0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The expression of MMP-2 in middle and lower rectal cancer is significantly associated with depth of tumor invasion and Ming classifications. The high expression of MMP-2 may play an important role in the development of mesorectal metastasis in middle and lower rectal cancer.</p>