Correlation between expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and angiogenesis in esophageal carcinoma / 中华肿瘤杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study expression of MMP-2 in relation to microvessel density (MVD) in esophageal carcinoma.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty-eight specimens of esophageal carcinoma (Ec) and 17 specimens of grade II + III epithelial dysplasia (Dy) close to the tumor and 12 specimens of normal tissue (Nt) along the incisional margin were examined by S-P immunohistochemical staining with anti-MMP-2 monoclonal antibody. An anti-CD34 monoclonal antibody was used to show MVD.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>MMP-2 expression in Ec was remarkably higher than that in Dy, which was higher than that in Nt. MMP-2 expression in Ec and Dy was significantly correlated with MVD in the tumor and nearby tissue. MMP-2 expression and MVD in Ec significantly associated with lymph node metastasis.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Expression of MMP-2 plays an important role in angiogenesis and lymph node metastasis of esophageal cancer.</p>