| Objective The aim of the study was to evaluate the correlation between the matrixmetalloproteinase-2, 9, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase- 1 , 2(MMP-2, MMP-9,TIMP-1 and TIMP-2) and the clinicopathological characteristics of lung cancer and tocompare their value as prognostic factors in lung cancer.Methods Specimens of 45 patients with lung cancer were examined for MMP-2, MMP-9,TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 expression by immunohistochemical staining with monoclonalantibody.Results 1, Overexpression of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 was observed in57.78%(26/45), 37.78%( 17/45), 35.56%(16/45) and 51.11%(23/45) of 45 patients;2, MMP-2 and TIMP-2 were mostly strongly stained, whereas MMP-9 and TIMP-1 were mostly weakly stained;3, There was significant correlation between expression of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 , MMP-9 and TIMP-1 (P<0.01);4, Overexpression of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 did not correlate with histology in lung cancer(P>0.05);5, Overexpression of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 correlated with tumor extension, lymph node involvement, metastasis, TNM stage and survival in lung cancer(P<0.05).Conclusions Overexpression of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 correlated with TNM stage and survival. It predicted a poor prognosis in lung cancer. Comprehensive understanding of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 might facilitate the choice of rational therapeutic strategies for the individual patient. |
