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