Expression and significance of matrix metalloproteinases and their tissue inhibitors in the infiltration and metastasis of lung cancer / 中国肺癌杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>To determine the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) in lung cancer specimens, and to find out the possible roles of MMPs and TIMPs in the infiltration and metastasis of lung cancer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The expression of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-13, TIMP-1, TIMP-2 were detected in 104 lung cancer tissues by immunohistochemical method.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The expressions of MMPs and TIMPs were up-regulated in lung cancer tissues. The expression of MMP-2 was related to differentiated degree of tumor cells. MMP-9 correlated with lymph node metastasis of lung cancer. The positive rate of TIMP-1 was related to TNM stage and lymph node metastasis. In lung cancer tissues, there was positive correlation between MMP-2 and TIMP-2, and between MMP-9 and TIMP-2.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>MMPs and TIMPs may play the important roles in the development of lung cancer. MMP-9 and TIMP-1 might promote the infiltration and metastasis of lung cancer.</p>