Abstract

BACKGROUND
MMP-2 and MMP-9 are involved in the degradation of extracellular matrix, and MMP-2 and MMP-9 expressions in breast carcinomas have been reported as a poor prognostic factor. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prognostic value and the regulatory factors of MMP-2 and MMP-9 expressions in 73 cases of infiltrating ductal carcinomas, NOS type.
METHODS
Immunohistochemistry for MMP-1, -2, -3, -9 and TIMP-1, -2 were performed and evaluation for patient? age, size, histologic grade, lymph node metastasis and tumor markers such as ER, PR, p53, c-erbB-2, cathepsin D, MIB-1, and microvessel density was done.
RESULTS
The expression rates of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 were 74.0%, 76.7%, 1.4%, 87.7%, 24.7% and 75.3%, respectively. MMP-2 expression rate was higher in the tumors of low and intermediate grade and PR positive tumors (p<0.05), and MMP-9 expression showed an increasing tendency in ER positive tumor (p=0.0676). Positive relationships between MMP-2 and MMP-1 expressions, and MMP-9 and TIMP-2 expressions were recognized (p<0.05).
Conclusion
: The prognostic significance of MMP-2 and MMP-9 expressions is still unclear, and MMP-2 and MMP-9 expressions seemed to be positively related with MMP-1 and TIMP-2 expression, respectively.

• Keywords: Matrix Metalloproteinase;Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase;Carcinoma;Breast