Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 and Its Tissue Inhibitor in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma / 中华皮肤科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objectives To investigate the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and its tissue inhibitor (TIMP-1) in cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) and the relationship between the expression and invasive growth and metastasis of SCC. Methods Immunohistochemical method of streptavidin-peroxidase (SP) was used to detect the expression of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 proteins on the paraffin embedded sections of 65 patients with cutaneous SCC and 5 cases of normal epidermis. The immunohistochemical results were analyzed quantitatively using an image analysis system. Results MMP-9 and TIMP-1 proteins were diffusely expressed on the tumor nests and the mesenchymal cells around the nests, while in normal epidermis MMP-9 and TIMP-1 were weakly positive. The expression level of MMP-9 protein and the ratio of MMP-9/TIMP-1 were higher in aggressive SCC group than those SCC in situ group (t = 2.33 and 2.36, respectively, P