Expression of matrix metalloproteinase-7 in gastric cancer

Abstract

Objective: To study the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) in gastric carcinoma and paracarcinoma tissues, and its relationship with lymphatic metastases, TNM stages and cell differentiation. Methods: MMP-7 expression was immunohistochemically examined in 46 gastric cancer and 10 paracarcinoma tissues, then the relationship between the expression of MMP-7 and clinicopathological features was analyzed. Results: The MMP-7 positive rate in gastric cancer was 71.7% (33/46), while in the paracarcinoma tissues, weak MMP-7 expression was only detected in one case. Significant difference between carcinoma and paracarcinoma tissue was found in the TNM stages, depth of invasion, lymphatic metastases and infiltration of vessels, whereas there was no significant difference in the cell differentiation, histological type and the diameter of tumour. Conclusion: The expression of MMP-7 in gastric cancer was correlated to tumor invasion and TNM classification, moreover, MMP-7 may be a useful marker for determining the biological aggressiveness of gastric cancer.