Enhanced production of matrix metalloproteinases and activation of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (gelatinase A) in human gastric carcinomas

Secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) in cancer pathophysiology: Mechanisms of action and clinical implications

Cancer is a multifaceted disorder frequently linked to the dysregulation of several biological processes. The SLPI is a multifunctional protein involved in the modulation of immunological response and the inhibition of protease activities. SLPI acts as an inhibitor of proteases, exerts antibacterial properties, and suppresses the transcription of proinflammatory genes through the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway. The role of this protein as a regulatory agent has been implicated in various types of cancer. Recent research has revealed that SLPI upregulation in cancer cells enhances the metastatic capacity of epithelial malignancies, indicating the deleterious effects of this protein. Furthermore, SLPI interacts intricately with other cancer-promoting factors, including matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), MMP-9, the NF-κB and Akt pathways, and the p53-upregulated modulator of apoptosis (PUMA). This review provides an overview of the role of SLPI in cancer pathophysiology, emphasizing its expression in cancer cells and tissues, its potential as a prognostic biomarker, and its therapeutic promise as a target in cancer treatment. The mechanisms of SLPI action in cancer, including its anti-inflammatory effects, regulation of cell proliferation and angiogenesis, and modulation of the tumor microenvironment, have been investigated. The clinical implications of SLPI in cancer have been discussed, including its potential as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker, its role in chemoresistance, and its therapeutic potential in several types of cancer, such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), colorectal cancer (CRC), pancreatic cancer, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), ovarian cancer (OvCa), prostate cancer (PC), gastric cancer (GC), breast cancer, and other cancers. In addition, we emphasized the significance of SLPI in cancer, which offers fresh perspectives on potential targets for cancer therapy.

p21-activated protein kinase 1 induces the invasion of gastric cancer cells through c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase-mediated activation of matrix metalloproteinase-2

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. The prognosis of GC is poor, mostly due to widespread metastasis. p21-activated kinase 1 (Pak1), the best characterized member of an evolutionarily conserved family of serine/threonine kinases, plays an important role in the regulation of cell morphogenesis, motility, mitosis and angiogenesis. By qRT-PCR and Gelatin zymograph assay, we demonstrated in the present study that stable overexpression of Pak1 induced matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 mRNA expression and activity in the human MKN45 GC cell line. Conversely, knockdown of endogenous Pak1 expression by small interfering RNA (siRNA) decreased MMP-2 mRNA expression and activity in the MKN45 GC cells. Activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) was required for Pak1-induced upregulation of MMP-2 mRNA level and activity. Moreover, upregulation of MMP-2 by Pak1 via the JNK pathway notably promoted the invasion of MKN45 GC cells. Overexpression of MMP-2 mRNA was once again confirmed to be associated with GC metastasis. In conclusion, our results demonstrated for the first time that Pak1 stimulated MMP-2 mRNA expression and activity in MKN45 GC cells. The JNK signaling pathway was involved in Pak1 modulation of MMP-2, which was important for MKN45 GC cell invasiveness.

Expression and prognostic impact of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in astrocytomas

Astrocytomas are the most frequent primary brain tumors in adults, and despite aggressive treatment patients often experience recurrence. Survival decreases with increasing tumor grade, and especially patients with grade IV glioblastoma have poor prognosis due to the aggressive character of this tumor. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) is an extracellular matrix degrading enzyme which has been shown to play important roles in different cancers. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression and prognostic potential of MMP-2 in astrocytomas. Tissue samples from 89 patients diagnosed with diffuse astrocytoma, anaplastic astrocytoma and glioblastoma were stained immunohistochemically using a monoclonal MMP-2 antibody. The MMP-2 intensity in cytoplasm/membrane was quantified by a trained software-based classifier using systematic random sampling in 10% of the tumor area. We found MMP-2 expression in tumor cells and blood vessels. Measurements of MMP-2 intensity increased with tumor grade, and MMP-2 expression was found to be significantly higher in glioblastomas compared to normal brain tissue (p<0.001), diffuse astrocytomas (p<0.001) and anaplastic astrocytomas (p<0.05). MMP-2 expression was associated with shorter overall survival in patients with grade II-IV astrocytic tumors (HR 1.60; 95% CI 1.03–2.48; p = 0.036). In glioblastoma, high MMP-2 was associated with poorer prognosis in patients who survived longer than 8.5 months independent of age and gender (HR 2.27; 95% CI 1.07–4.81; p = 0.033). We found a positive correlation between MMP-2 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1), and combined MMP-2 and TIMP-1 had stronger prognostic value than MMP-2 alone also when adjusting for age and gender (HR 2.78; 95% CI 1.30–5.92; p = 0.008). These findings were validated in bioinformatics databases. In conclusion, this study indicates that MMP-2 is associated with aggressiveness in astrocytomas and may hold an unfavorable prognostic value in patients with glioblastoma.

Proteomic analysis of differentially expressed proteins in vitreous humor of patients with retinoblastoma using iTRAQ-coupled ESI-MS/MS approach

There is close proximity of vitreous humor with the tumor bulk in eyes with retinoblastoma. This renders vitreous humor a promising source to evaluate disease-specific protein targets in retinoblastoma. We studied the differential proteome of vitreous fluid in retinoblastoma tumors (n = 4) as compared to controls (n = 4). The vitreous humor was depleted off the high abundant fraction using MARS-6 affinity column. Subsequently, the tryptic peptides were derivatised with iTRAQ labels. The labelled peptides were pooled and subjected to fractionation using bRPLC. This was followed by protein identification and quantification using electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) approach. The identified proteins were subjected to bioinformatics analysis utilizing PANTHER 7.0 and IPA software. Four hundred and thirty-one non-redundant (362 upregulated and 69 downregulated) proteins (≥2 unique peptides, ± 1.5 folds, p < 0.05) were identified. The majority of the proteins were cytoplasmic (40 %), majorly involved in catalytic (32.7 %) and binding activities (26.3 %). Highly deregulated proteins included MMP2, TNC, CD44, SUZ12 and CRABP1. The protein expression of GFAP, CRABP1, MMP2 and TNC was validated by western blotting. Pathway and network analyses revealed p38MAPK and Akt signalling to be the most significantly regulated pathways in retinoblastoma. This is the first report of differential vitreous proteome of retinoblastoma and highlights novel protein targets, such as MMP2, TNC and CRABP1. Further investigations into unravelling the biological role of the proteins and their prospects of being utilised as potential candidates in therapeutics are warranted.

Evaluation of MMP-9 and MMP-2 and their suppressor TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 in adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction

OBJECTIVE

Adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction (AEG) is a lethal malignancy featured with early metastasis, poor prognosis, and few treatment options. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and metalloproteinase suppressor (TIMP) have been considered to be associated with cancer invasion and metastasis. In our study, we evaluated expressions of MMP-9, MMP-2, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 in AEG and their correlation with clinicopathological parameters and the overall survival rate.

METHODS

Expressions of MMP-9, MMP-2, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 in specimens from 120 AEGs were detected by immunohistochemistry. The correlations between expressions of these four proteins and clinicopathological characters were analyzed by chi-square test. Moreover, the prognostic value of these four biomarkers was evaluated by univariate analysis with Kaplan-Meier method and multivariate analysis with Cox regression model.

RESULTS

The positive expression rate of MMP-9, MMP-2, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 was 65%, 53%, 70%, and 49%, respectively, in the detected 120 AEG samples. MMP-9 was significantly associated with poorly histological differentiation (P=0.001), lymph node metastasis (P=0.007), and UICC stage (P=0.008). TIMP-1 showed significantly reversed correlations with histological differentiation (P=0.001), lymph node metastasis (P=0.007), and Union for International Cancer Control stage (P=0.008). Univariate analysis revealed that lymph node metastasis (P=0.002), depth of invasion (P=0.050), and MMP-9+/TIMP-1 phonotype (P<0.001) were significantly associated with the overall survival rate. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that MMP-9+/TIMP-1-phenotype was an independent prognostic factor in AEGs.

CONCLUSION

Detection of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 expression allows stratification of AEG patients into different survival categories and can be useful for precise individual evaluation and survival prediction.

Role of MMP-2 (-1306 C/T) Polymorphism in Pituitary Adenoma

Purpose. To determine if the frequency of the genotype of MMP-2 (-1306 C/T) Rs243865 has an influence on the development of pituitary adenoma (PA). Methods. The study enrolled n = 84 patients with PA and a random sample of the population n = 318 (reference group). The genotyping test of MMP-2 (-1306 C/T) was carried out using the real-time polymerase chain reaction method. Results. Analysis of MMP-2 (-1306 C/T) gene polymorphism has not revealed any differences in the genotype (C/C, C/T, and T/T) distribution between the PA patients and the reference group (as follows: 50%, 44%, and 6% versus 59.75%, 33.96%, and 6.29%). MMP-2 (-1306) C/C genotype was rarely observed in noninvasive PA compared to healthy controls: 35.1% versus 59.75%; p = 0.0049, as well C/C genotype being more frequently detected in nonrecurrence PA compared to healthy controls: 46.5% versus 59.75%; p = 0.0468. MMP-2 (-1306) C/T genotype was more frequently present in PA females compared to healthy controls females: 49.1% versus 33.66%; p = 0.041. Conclusion. Patients with noninvasive and nonrecurrence pituitary adenoma were the carriers of the C/C genotype significantly more frequently than their control counterparts and the C/T genotype in females was more frequent.

MMP2 and MMP7 at the invasive front of gastric cancer are not associated with mTOR expression

Background

Regulation of MMP expression by activation of mTOR signalling has been demonstrated for several tumor types, but has thus far not been confirmed in gastric cancer.

Findings

The study compromised 128 patients who underwent gastric resection for cancer (66.4 % male; 86 intestinal, 42 diffuse type). Immunohistochemical staining of MMPs was performed to analyse the topographical pattern of MMP expression at the tumor center and the invasive front, respectively. MMP2 showed higher expression at the invasive front compared to the tumor center, whereas MMP7 staining scores were higher in the tumor center, and there was no difference for MMP9. The expression of p-mTOR was higher in the tumor center than at the invasive front, with a similar trend for mTOR. For intestinal type gastric cancer there was a weak correlation of MMP9 with expression of mTOR in the tumor center. Otherwise, there was no correlation of the MMPs with mTOR. By treatment of MKN45 gastric cancer cells with rapamycin, a reduction of p-mTOR in the Western blot was achieved; however, expression of MMPs remained unaffected.

Conclusions

Expression of MMP2 and MMP7 in gastric cancer is not associated with mTOR, MMP9 expression might be related to mTOR signalling in a subset of tumors.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13000-015-0449-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

BioXpress: an integrated RNA-seq-derived gene expression database for pan-cancer analysis

BioXpress is a gene expression and cancer association database in which the expression levels are mapped to genes using RNA-seq data obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas, International Cancer Genome Consortium, Expression Atlas and publications. The BioXpress database includes expression data from 64 cancer types, 6361 patients and 17 469 genes with 9513 of the genes displaying differential expression between tumor and normal samples. In addition to data directly retrieved from RNA-seq data repositories, manual biocuration of publications supplements the available cancer association annotations in the database. All cancer types are mapped to Disease Ontology terms to facilitate a uniform pan-cancer analysis. The BioXpress database is easily searched using HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee gene symbol, UniProtKB/RefSeq accession or, alternatively, can be queried by cancer type with specified significance filters. This interface along with availability of pre-computed downloadable files containing differentially expressed genes in multiple cancers enables straightforward retrieval and display of a broad set of cancer-related genes.

Database URL:http://hive.biochemistry.gwu.edu/tools/bioxpress

Stromal matrix metalloproteinase 2 regulates collagen expression and promotes the outgrowth of experimental metastases

Breast cancer survival rates decrease from 99% for patients with local disease to 25% for those with distant metastases. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), including MMP2, are associated with metastatic progression. We found that loss of host MMP2 reduces the proliferation of experimental metastases in the lungs and identified fibroblasts in tumour-bearing lungs as the major source of MMP2. In vitro, spheroidal mammary tumour growth was increased by co-culture with control fibroblasts isolated from tumour-bearing lungs, but not when fibroblasts with stable Mmp2 knockdown were used. This result prompted us to assess whether MMP2 was responsible for a tumour-proliferative, activated fibroblast phenotype. To test this, we evaluated: (a) fibroblasts from wild-type tumour-bearing lungs, with or without shRNA-mediated MMP2 knockdown; and (b) normal, quiescent fibroblasts isolated from either WT or Mmp2(-/-) mice. Quantitative PCR revealed that Mmp2 knockdown attenuated expression of two markers of activation (α-smooth muscle actin and vimentin), but there was minimal expression in quiescent WT or Mmp2(-/-) fibroblasts, as expected. Placing quiescent fibroblasts under activating conditions led to increases in activation-associated transcripts in WT but not Mmp2(-/-) fibroblasts. Additionally, Mmp2 knockdown fibroblasts showed significantly decreased expression of the matrix transcripts collagen I, collagen IV and fibronectin. Addition of active TGFβ was sufficient to rescue the MMP2-dependent collagen I and IV expression, while MMP2-induced collagen expression was blocked by the addition of TGFβ1-neutralizing antibody. Gene expression data in stromal cells of human breast cancers reveal that MMP2 expression is also positively correlated with activation and matrix transcripts. Thus, we present a model whereby MMP2 production in tumour fibroblasts is important for TGFβ1 activity and subsequent activation of fibroblasts to a matrix-producing, proliferation-supportive phenotype. Overall, our results reveal a previously undefined role for MMP2 in metastatic outgrowth mediated by fibroblasts, and extend the mechanisms by which MMPs contribute to tumour progression.

Near-infrared triple-helical peptide with quenched fluorophores for optical imaging of MMP-2 and MMP-9 proteolytic activity in vivo

The gelatinase members of the MMP family have consistently been associated with tumor invasiveness, which make them an attractive target for molecular imaging. We report new activatable proteolytic optical imaging agents that consist of triple-helical peptide (THP) conjugates, with high specificity to the gelatinases, bearing quenched cypate dyes. With quenching efficiencies up to 51%, the amplified fluorescence signal upon cypate3-THP hydrolysis by the gelatinases (kcat/KM values of 6.4×10(3) M(-1) s(-1) to 9.1×10(3) M(-1) s(-1) for MMP-2 and MMP-9, respectively) in mice bearing human fibrosarcoma xenografted tumors was monitored with fluorescence molecular tomography. There was significant fluorescence enhancement within the tumor and this enhancement was reduced by treatment with pan-MMP inhibitor, Ilomastat. These data, combined with the gelatinase substrate specificity observed in vitro, indicated the observed fluorescence at the site of the tumor was due to gelatinase mediated hydrolysis of cypate3-THP.

Evaluation of a triple-helical peptide with quenched FluorSophores for optical imaging of MMP-2 and MMP-9 proteolytic activity

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) 2 and 9, the gelatinases, have consistently been associated with tumor progression. The development of gelatinase-specific probes will be critical for identifying in vivo gelatinoic activity to understand the molecular role of the gelatinases in tumor development. Recently, a self-assembling homotrimeric triple-helical peptide (THP), incorporating a sequence from type V collagen, with high substrate specificity to the gelatinases has been developed. To determine whether this THP would be suitable for imaging protease activity, 5-carboxyfluorescein (5FAM) was conjugated, resulting in 5FAM₃-THP and 5FAM₆-THP, which were quenched up to 50%. 5FAM₆-THP hydrolysis by MMP-2 and MMP-9 displayed k_cat/K_M values of 1.5 × 10⁴ and 5.4 × 10³ M⁻¹ s⁻¹, respectively. Additionally 5FAM₆-THP visualized gelatinase activity in gelatinase positive HT-1080 cells, but not in gelatinase negative MCF-7 cells. Furthermore, the fluorescence in the HT-1080 cells was greatly attenuated by the addition of a MMP-2 and MMP-9 inhibitor, SB-3CT, indicating that the observed fluorescence release was mediated by gelatinase proteolysis and not non-specific proteolysis of the THPs. These results demonstrate that THPs fully substituted with fluorophores maintain their substrate specificity to the gelatinases in human cancer cells and may be useful in in vivo molecular imaging of gelatinase activity.

Non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma inhibits thyroid papillary cancer cell invasion via cytoskeletal modulation, altered MMP-2/-9/uPA activity

Plasma, the fourth state of matter, is defined as a partially or completely ionized gas that includes a mixture of electrons and ions. Advances in plasma physics have made it possible to use non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma (NTP) in cancer research. However, previous studies have focused mainly on apoptotic cancer cell death mediated by NTP as a potential cancer therapy. In this study, we investigated the effect of NTP on invasion or metastasis, as well as the mechanism by which plasma induces anti-migration and anti-invasion properties in human thyroid papillary cancer cell lines (BHP10-3 and TPC1). Wound healing, pull-down, and Transwell assays demonstrated that NTP reduced cell migration and invasion. In addition, NTP induced morphological changes and cytoskeletal rearrangements, as detected by scanning electron microscopy and immunocytochemistry. We also examined matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2/-9 and urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) activity using gelatin zymography, uPA assays and RT-PCR. FAK, Src, and paxillin expression was detected using Western blot analyses and immunocytochemistry. NTP decreased FAK, Src, and paxillin expression as well as MMP/uPA activity. In conclusion, NTP inhibited the invasion and metastasis of BHP10-3 and TPC1 cells by decreasing MMP-2/-9 and uPA activities and rearranging the cytoskeleton, which is regulated by the FAK/Src complex. These findings suggest novel actions for NTP and may aid in the development of new therapeutic strategies for locally invasive and metastatic cancers.

The prognostic role of matrix metalloproteinase 2 in gastric cancer: a systematic review with meta-analysis

PURPOSE

The prognostic role of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) in gastric cancer remains controversial. We systematically reviewed the evidence for assessment of MMP-2 expression in gastric cancer to elucidate this issue.

METHOD

Pubmed, Embase and Web of Science were searched to identify eligible studies to evaluate the association of MMP-2 expression and overall survival and clinicopathological features of gastric cancer.

RESULTS

MMP-2 overexpression was significantly correlated with poor OS of gastric cancer patients (HR 1.92, 95 % CI 1.48-2.48). Subgroup analysis indicated that MMP-2 overexpression had an unfavorable impact on OS in Asian countries (HR 2.23, 95 % CI 1.57-3.17) and European countries (HR 1.43, 95 % CI 1.13-1.80). Furthermore, MMP-2 overexpression was significantly associated with TNM stage (TIII/TIV vs TI/TII: OR 2.17, 95 % CI 1.64-2.87), the depth of invasion (T3/T4 vs T1/T2: OR 2.59, 95 % CI 1.63-4.12), lymph node metastasis (positive vs negative: OR 2.21, 95 % CI 1.69-2.88), and distant metastasis (positive vs negative: OR 4.44, 95 % CI 1.24-15.94).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis indicated that MMP-2 overexpression might be a predictive factor for poor prognosis for gastric cancer.

O-phenyl carbamate and phenyl urea thiiranes as selective matrix metalloproteinase-2 inhibitors that cross the blood-brain barrier

Brain metastasis occurs in 20-40% of cancer patients. Treatment is mostly palliative, and the inability of most drugs to penetrate the brain presents one of the greatest challenges in the development of therapeutics for brain metastasis. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) plays important roles in invasion and vascularization of the central nervous system and represents a potential target for treatment of brain metastasis. Carbonate, O-phenyl carbamate, urea, and N-phenyl carbamate derivatives of SB-3CT, a selective and potent gelatinase inhibitor, were synthesized and evaluated. The O-phenyl carbamate and urea variants were selective and potent inhibitors of MMP-2. Carbamate 5b was metabolized to the potent gelatinase inhibitor 2, which was present at therapeutic concentrations in the brain. In contrast, phenyl urea 6b crossed the blood-brain barrier, however, higher doses would result in therapeutic brain concentrations. Carbamate 5b and urea 6b show potential for intervention of MMP-2-dependent diseases such as brain metastasis.

Thyroid hormone receptor represses miR-17 expression to enhance tumor metastasis in human hepatoma cells

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are thought to control tumor metastasis through direct interactions with target genes. Thyroid hormone (T3) and its receptor (TR) are involved in cell growth and cancer progression. However, the issue of whether miRNAs participate in T3/TR-mediated tumor migration is yet to be established. In the current study, we demonstrated that T3/TR negatively regulates mature miR-17 transcript expression, both in vitro and in vivo. Luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays localized the regions responding to TR-mediated repression to positions -2234/-2000 of the miR-17 promoter sequence. Overexpression of miR-17 markedly inhibited cell migration and invasion in vitro and in vivo, mediated via suppression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-3. Moreover, p-AKT expression was increased in miR-17-knockdown cells that led to enhanced cell invasion, which was blocked by LY294002. Notably, low miR-17 expression was evident in highly metastatic cells. The cell migration ability was increased by T3, but partially reduced upon miR-17 overexpression. Notably, TRα1 was frequently upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) samples and associated with low overall survival (P=0.023). miR-17 expression was significantly negatively associated with TRα1 (P=0.033) and MMP3 (P=0.043) in HCC specimens. Data from our study suggest that T3/TR, miR-17, p-AKT and MMP3 activities are interlinked in the regulation of cancer cell metastasis.

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 expression in tumor infiltrating CD3 lymphocytes from women with endometrial cancer

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we hypothesized that not only endothelial malignant cells but also lymphocytes infiltrating tumor epithelium, in patients with endometrial cancer, could be an important source of the gelatinases (matrix metalloproteinase [MMP]-2 and MMP-9) extensive production, which in turn, may facilitate tumor cells infiltration and progression due to the extracellular matrix degradation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

First, we isolated lymphocytes from the endometrial carcinoma samples taken from 41 patients who were operated on and from healthy endometrial tissue taken of the same patients after histological verification. Then, we detected the level of CD3-positive cells in endometrial tissues by flow cytometry. Simultaneously, we studied the messenger RNA expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the isolated cells from malignant and unchanged endometrial tissues. Using immunohistochemistry, we compared the protein expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, and CD3 in the studied samples.

RESULTS

We showed the enhanced abundance of CD3 lymphocytes both by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry in the samples from malignant tissues. The expression of MMP-9 in the endometrial carcinoma was increased significantly at the protein level but not at the messenger RNA level. We could not observe any differences concerning MMP-2 expression in both methods of detection.

CONCLUSIONS

CD-3 lymphocytes significantly infiltrate endometrial cancer tissue, but they do not seem to be the source of enhanced metalloproteinases 2 and 9 expression in the tumor environment. Still, owing to the immunohistochemistry staining, we could show the significant increase of MMP-9 protein in the very close vicinity of tumor-infiltrating CD3 lymphocytes. Could it be the result of CD3 lymphocyte action, or is it just the imperfection of the detecting method we used? This remains unclear. Further studies explaining the role of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes in mediating the endometrial cancer milieu are needed.

Expression of tissue levels of matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases in renal cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are one of the major classes of proteolytic enzymes involved in tumor invasion and metastasis and are inhibited by naturally occurring tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). {AU Query: Please verify that corrections made to previous sentence did not alter intended meaning}. In this study, we examined the expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, membrane-type 1 (MT1)-MMP, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 in renal tissue samples of renal cell cancer and examined the correlation between their expression and clinicopathological parameters.

METHODS

Renal tissue samples from 76 patients with renal cell carcinoma were available for this study. To determine the expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, MT1-MMP, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2, semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was carried out on tumor and normal tissues.

RESULTS

Mean MMP-2, MMP-9, MT1-MMP, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 mRNA expression in the renal cell carcinomas was significantly higher than in the normal renal tissue (P <0.05). The RT-PCR data of MMP-2, MMP-9, MT1-MMP, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 did not show any significant correlation with tumor type or pathologic grade of renal cell carcinoma. MMP-2, MMP-9 and MT1-MMP mRNA expression increased significantly with the TNM stage of the tumor.

CONCLUSIONS

Mean MMP-2, MMP-9, MT1-MMP, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 mRNA expression in the renal cell carcinomas was significantly higher than in the normal renal tissue.

Detection of MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity in vivo with a triple-helical peptide optical probe

We report a novel activatable NIR fluorescent probe for in vivo detection of cancer-related matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity. The probe is based on a triple-helical peptide substrate (THP) with high specificity for MMP-2 and MMP-9 relative to other members of the MMP family. MMP-2 and MMP-9 (also known as gelatinases) are specifically associated with cancer cell invasion and cancer-related angiogenesis. At the center of each 5 kDa peptide strand is a gelatinase sensitive sequence flanked by 2 Lys residues conjugated with NIR fluorescent dyes. Upon self-assembly of the triple-helical structure, the 3 peptide chains intertwine, bringing the fluorophores into close proximity and reducing fluorescence via quenching. Upon enzymatic cleavage of the triple-helical peptide, 6 labeled peptide chains are released, resulting in an amplified fluorescent signal. The fluorescence yield of the probe increases 3.8-fold upon activation. Kinetic analysis showed a rate of LS276-THP hydrolysis by MMP-2 (k(cat)/K(M) = 30,000 s(-1) M(-1)) similar to that of MMP-2 catalysis of an analogous fluorogenic THP. Administration of LS276-THP to mice bearing a human fibrosarcoma xenografted tumor resulted in a tumor fluorescence signal more than 5-fold greater than that of muscle. This signal enhancement was reduced by treatment with the MMP inhibitor Ilomostat, indicating that the observed tumor fluorescence was indeed enzyme mediated. These results are the first to demonstrate that triple-helical peptides are suitable for highly specific in vivo detection of tumor-related MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity.

Towards clinical applications of selected reaction monitoring for plasma protein biomarker studies

The widespread clinical adoption of protein biomarkers with diagnostic, prognostic and/or predictive value remains a formidable challenge for the biomedical community. From discovery to validation, the path to biomarkers of clinical relevance abounds with many protein candidates, yet so few concrete examples have been substantiated. In this review, we focus on the recent adoption of selected reaction monitoring (SRM) of plasma proteins in the path to clinical use for a broad range of diseases including cancer, cardiovascular disease, genetic disorders and various metabolic disorders. Recent progress reveals a promising outlook for clinical applications using SRM, which now provides the routine analysis of clinically relevant protein markers at low nanogram per millilitre in plasma.

Induction of secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) in estradiol valerate (EV) induced polycystic ovary

The excessive administration of estradiol valerate induces polycystic ovary syndrome by formation of follicular cysts. Secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) promotes wound healing by decreasing the excessive inflammatory response, stimulating keratinocyte proliferation and increasing collagen deposition through the inhibition of protease activity. In this study, SLPI expression was high in the ovarian stroma, corpus luteum, unilaminar primary follicle, multilaminar primary follicle and granulose layer of the antral follicle in polycystic ovary (PCO) compared to the normal ovary. SLPI was expressed strongly in the theca around the cyst in PCO compared to the mature follicle in the normal ovary. The levels of SLPI mRNA and protein expression were higher in PCO than in the normal ovary, and the level of MMP-2 expression was lower in PCO. These results showed that the formation of a cyst was initiated from a multilaminar primary follicle and SLPI expression was increased depending on the morphological changes in the follicle and ovarian stroma. Therefore, an increase in SLPI may be related to the suppression of tissue disruption, and act as a protease inhibitor in PCO, suggesting that SLPI increases independently of the estrogen concentration in pathological tissues.

Upregulation of collagenase-1 and -3 in indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in diabetic rats: role of melatonin

Collagenases are key proteases involved in inflammation and injury. We addressed whether collagenases have an association with the susceptibility of gastric injury under diabetes as well as the effect of melatonin on collagenases in ulcerated gastric tissues. Diabetes was induced in rats by a single dose of streptozotocin (STZ) followed by gastric ulceration using indomethacin, and melatonin's action was studied by its application prior to indomethacin exposure. Ulcer indices and damage were elevated significantly in gastric tissues of diabetic compared with nondiabetic rats. Melatonin reversed the effect of indomethacin during protection of gastric ulcers in diabetic rats. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13 (i.e., collagenase-3) was upregulated in diabetic gastric mucosa and enhanced further upon ulceration while melatonin ameliorated their activity. In addition, gastric tissues showed enhanced expression of both MMP-1 (i.e., collagenases-1) and -13 significantly in diabetic rats compared with nondiabetic animals and more so during ulceration while tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) showed an opposite trend. MMP-2 activities exhibited a ∼50% downregulation during gastric ulceration which were rescued by melatonin. Moreover, increased expression of both MMP-1 and -13 was mediated by activator protein-1 activation via extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 which were parallel to upregulation of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and heat shock protein-70 during ulceration. Melatonin arrested collagenase expression by downregulation of these signaling molecules thereby halting the progression of the disease. We conclude that diabetic gastric tissues are susceptible to ulceration and associated with MMP-1 and -13 upregulation in indomethacin-induced injury. Additionally, melatonin protects the gastric damage under diabetes via regulation of both MMP-1 and -13.

Levels of matrix metalloproteinase-1 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1 in gastric cancer

AIM: To evaluate the levels of preoperative serum matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in gastric cancer.

METHODS: One hundred gastric cancer patients who underwent gastrectomy were enrolled in this study. The serum concentrations of MMP-1 and TIMP-1 in these patients and in fifty healthy controls were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS: Higher serum MMP-1 and TIMP-1 levels were observed in patients than in controls (P < 0.001). Serum MMP-1 and TIMP-1 levels were positively associated with morphological appearance, tumor size, depth of wall invasion, lymph node metastasis, liver metastasis, perineural invasion, and pathological stage. They were not significantly associated with age, gender, tumor location, or histological type.

CONCLUSION: Increased MMP-1 and TIMP-1 were associated with gastric cancer. Although these markers are not good markers for diagnosis, these markers show in advanced gastric cancer.

Expression of tissue levels of matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases in gastric adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are one of the major classes of proteolytic enzymes involved in tumor invasion and metastasis, being inhibited by naturally occurring tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). We examined mRNA expression for MMP-2, MMP-7, MMP-9, MT1-MMP, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 in human gastric adenocarcinoma tissues, and the correlation between their expression and clinicopathological variables.

METHODS

Gastric tissue samples from 72 patients with gastric adenocarcinoma were available for this study. To determine mRNA expression for MMP-2, MMP-7, MMP-9, MT1-MMP, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2, semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was carried out on tumor and normal tissues, respectively.

RESULTS

Mean MMP-2, MMP-7, MMP-9, MT1-MMP, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 mRNA expression in the gastric adenocarcinomas was significantly higher than in the normal tissue. In terms of the invasion of the tumor, lymph node metastasis, and tumor stage of gastric adenocarcinoma, the differences in MMP-2, MMP-7, MMP-9, and MT1-MMP mRNA expression levels were significant. MMP-2, MMP-7, MMP-9, MT1-MMP, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 mRNA expression did not differ significantly in relation to histological type of gastric adenocarcinoma.

CONCLUSION

The correlation between the increased expression of MMP-2, MMP-7, MMP-9, and MTI-MMP and clinicopathological parameters reflects a role in predicting the aggressive behavior of gastric cancer.

Effect of a synthetic cannabinoid agonist on the proliferation and invasion of gastric cancer cells

Although cannabinoids are associated with antineoplastic activity in a number of cancer cell types, the effect in gastric cancer cells has not been clarified. In the present study, we investigated the effects of a cannabinoid agonist on gastric cancer cell proliferation and invasion. The cannabinoid agonist WIN 55,212-2 inhibited the proliferation of human gastric cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner and that this effect was mediated partially by the CB(1) receptor. We also found that WIN 55,212-2 induced apoptosis and down-regulation of the phospho-AKT expression in human gastric cancer cells. Furthermore, WIN 55,212-2 treatment inhibited the invasion of gastric cancer cells, and down-regulated the expression of MMP-2 and VEGF-A through the cannabinoid receptors. Our results open the possibilities in using cannabinoids as a new gastric cancer therapy.

Elevated serum matrix metalloproteinase-3 and -7 in H. pylori-related gastric cancer can be biomarkers correlating with a poor survival

BACKGROUND

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection up-regulates the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which may be involved in chronic inflammation, ulceration, and even cancer development. This study aimed to test if serum levels of MMP-3, -7, and -9 are correlated with different clinical outcomes in H. pylori-infected subjects and if these are predictive of progression to H. pylori-related gastric cancer.

METHOD

Two hundred one patients, 28 with H. pylori-negative gastritis and 173 with different H. pylori-positive gastrointestinal diseases (46 gastritis, 43 duodenal ulcers, 29 gastric ulcers, and 55 gastric cancers) were assessed for serum MMP-3, -7, and -9 titers by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and validated to their correlations with the different clinical features and survival of patients with H. pylori-positive gastric cancer.

RESULTS

Among the H. pylori-infected subjects, gastric cancer patients had higher serum levels of MMP-3 and MMP-7 than those with duodenal ulcer and gastritis (P < 0.05). For gastric cancer patients, concomitant elevated MMP-3 (>14 ng/ml) and MMP-7 (>4.5 ng/ml) independently correlated with lymph node invasion (P < 0.05) and could be predictive to have shorter 2- or 5-year survivals (log rank test, P = 0.006).

CONCLUSION

Concomitant elevations of MMP-3 and MMP-7 serum levels in the H. pylori-infected gastric cancer patients could serve as potential biomarkers to correlate with poor survival.

Dysregulation of cellular signaling in gastric cancer

The pathogenesis of gastric cancer is complex and related to multiple factors. Dysregulation of intracellular signaling pathways represents a common pathogenic mechanism and may be amenable to drug targeting. Multiple well-established oncogenic pathways, such as those mediated by cell cycle regulators, nuclear factor-kappaB, cyclooxygenase-2 and epidermal growth factor receptor are implicated in gastric carcinogenesis. Emerging evidence also underscores the importance of signaling pathways involved in the developmental process, including transforming growth factor-beta/bone morphogenetic protein signaling, Wnt/beta-catenin signaling, Hedgehog signaling and Notch signaling. Understanding their biological significance will provide a rational basis for drug development. Their relative importance and cross-talk in gastric carcinogenesis, however, are still not completely understood and warrant further investigation.

Immunohistochemistry of MMPs and TIMPs

Immunohistochemistry is a useful and powerful method to determine the cells responsible for the production of MMPs and TIMPs and localize them to the tissue areas where they are functioning. This chapter describes the detailed methods of the immunohistochemistry applied to human pathological tissues using commercially available monoclonal antibodies against MMPs and TIMPs. Information about the monoclonal antibodies and solution of the problems with immunostaining is also provided.

Active MMP-2 effectively identifies the presence of colorectal cancer

Fully active MMP-2 is expressed at such low levels in human tissues that studies often fail to confirm its value as a cancer marker despite strong associations with malignancy. Our study utilized careful extraction, accurate activity measurements, standardization to purified controls and a new statistical metric to determine whether active MMP-2 is an effective indicator of colorectal cancer compared to pro-MMP-2 or pro-MMP-9. MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities were analyzed in matched normal and cancer samples from 269 patients by gelatin zymography, computer-assisted image analysis, serial dilutions of strong samples and standardization to controls. An index of effect size was designed for comparative evaluation of active MMP-2, pro-MMP-2 and pro-MMP-9 activities. For each gelatinase, mean activity and protein levels/mg soluble protein in normal mucosa and colorectal cancer were calculated for the first time with respect to commercial standards. Active MMP-2 activity, detected in 99% of colorectal cancers, was higher in 95% of cancers (on average 10-fold) than in normal mucosa. Levels of pro-MMP-2 and pro-MMP-9, but not active MMP-9, activities were also significantly higher in cancers versus normal. However, active MMP-2 activity provided the most effective test for the presence of cancer (p<0.0.0001) with an effect size statistically significantly larger than for either pro-MMP-2 or pro-MMP-9. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves demonstrated that a cut-off for active MMP-2 of >44 SDU activity/mg soluble protein (>180 pg/mg), which is three times mean normal levels, would permit detection of colorectal cancer with an estimated sensitivity of 84% and estimated specificity of 93%.

Direct cancer-stromal interaction increases fibroblast proliferation and enhances invasive properties of scirrhous-type gastric carcinoma cells

BACKGROUND

Scirrhous-type gastric carcinoma (SGC) exhibits an extensive submucosal fibrosis and extremely poor patient prognosis. We investigated the importance of the cancer-stromal interaction in the histogenesis of SGC.

METHODS

Gastric fibroblasts NF-25 and intestinal fibroblasts NF-j2 were co-cultured with SGC-derived (HSC-39) or non-SGC-derived (HSC-57 and HSC-64) cells. To identify genes that are up- or downregulated in NF-25, complementary DNA (cDNA) microarray analysis was performed. The antibody against vascular-cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) was used for cell growth test and immunohistochemistry. Moreover, the impact of interaction with NF-25 fibroblasts on HSC-39 cells was investigated using western blot and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

HSC-39 cells stimulated growth of NF-25 but not NF-j2 when co-cultured. Induction of VCAM-1 in NF-25 fibroblasts was identified, which was specific when co-cultured with HSC-39 but not with non-SGC-derived HSC-57 and HSC-64 cells. Neutralising antibody to VCAM-1 suppressed NF-25 growth in dose-dependent manners. In tissue samples, positive immunoreactivity of VCAM-1 in SGC-derived fibroblasts was significantly higher than that in non-SGC-derived fibroblasts. Furthermore, interaction with NF-25 fibroblasts not only induced the epithelial-mesenchymal transition-like change, but also expressions of matrix metalloproteinase- related genes in HSC-39 cells.

CONCLUSION

Direct interaction between SGC cells and gastric fibroblasts establishes the tumour microenvironment and reinforces the aggressiveness of SGC.

Impact of plasma tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 on long-term survival in patients with gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

The expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) is correlated with tumor invasion and metastases.

METHODS

The plasma TIMP-1 concentration was examined preoperatively in 149 patients with gastric cancer who underwent a surgical resection. The cutoff value of TIMP-1 was set at 112.5 ng/ml based on a previous report. These patients were followed up for more than 5 years prospectively.

RESULTS

Plasma TIMP-1 was positive in 30 of the 149 patients (20.1%). The overall survival rate was 78.2% at 5 years in patients with negative plasma TIMP-1, while this rate was 26.7% at 5 years in patients with positive plasma TIMP-1. By univariate analyses, T, N, M, and R category, and TIMP-1, were significant prognosticators. Multivariate analyses demonstrated T, N, and TIMP-1 to be significant prognosticators. The survival curve was clearly separated with respect to TIMP-1.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that plasma TIMP-1 is a strong independent prognosticator for the long-term survival of patients with gastric cancer.

Role of CD14 promoter polymorphisms in Helicobacter pylori infection--related gastric carcinoma

PURPOSE

Genetic variation in CD14 may affect CD14 expression and susceptibility to Helicobacter pylori infection-related cancers. This study examined functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the CD14 promoter and their associations with risk of developing gastric carcinoma in relation to H. pylori infection.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Thirty individual DNAs were sequenced to identify variants, and the function of the variants was examined by reporter gene assays. Genotypes and haplotypes were analyzed in 470 patients and 470 controls, and odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated by logistic regression. Serologic H. pylori antibody and soluble CD14 (sCD14) levels were measured by ELISA.

RESULTS

Two SNPs (-651C>T and -260C>T) were identified, of which the -260CT and -260TT genotypes were associated with elevated risk of gastric carcinoma (OR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.09-2.85 and OR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.20-3.16, respectively). Haplotype analysis suggested a synergistic effect of the two SNPs (OR for the T(-651)-T(-260) haplotype, 3.39 versus OR for the C(-651)-T(-260) haplotype, 1.45; P = 0.02), which is consistent with reporter gene assays. A multiplicative joint effect between H. pylori infection and -260C>T polymorphism was observed (OR for the presence of both -260TT genotype and H. pylori infection, 4.03; 95% CI, 1.80-9.04). Patients had significantly higher sCD14 than controls (1,866 +/- 2,535 ng/mL versus 1,343 +/- 2,119 ng/mL; P < 0.001), and this difference was associated with the CD14 -260 polymorphism and H. pylori infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Functional polymorphism in CD14 is associated with greater risk of H. pylori-related gastric carcinoma, which might be mediated by elevated sCD14.

Serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase 3 (stromelysin 1) for monitoring synovitis in rheumatoid arthritis

CONTEXT

Matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP-3) is expressed in synovial tissues and involved in cartilage destruction in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE

To study whether measurement of MMP-3 serum concentrations is useful to monitor the activity of rheumatoid synovitis.

DESIGN

Levels of MMP-3 in serum and synovial tissue samples obtained from 29 rheumatoid arthritis patients and 20 osteoarthritis patients were measured by the 1-step sandwich enzyme immunoassay system.

RESULTS

Levels of MMP-3 in the serum and synovial samples were significantly higher in rheumatoid arthritis than in osteoarthritis (P < .001), and the levels correlated directly with each other (r = 0.712, P < .001; N = 49). Immunohistochemistry demonstrated almost exclusive localization of MMP-3 to the lining cells in rheumatoid synovium. The immunoreactivity correlated directly with the scores of synovial inflammatory cell infiltration (r = 0.606, P < .001; n = 29) and the MMP-3 levels in the synovial tissues (r = 0.564, P = .001; n = 29) and those in the serum samples (r = 0.529, P = .003; n = 29) in rheumatoid arthritis. Levels of MMP-3 in rheumatoid serum samples dropped to low values at 1 and 2 weeks after total knee arthroplasty, while the levels of C-reactive protein increased at 1 week and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate and counts of white blood cells and platelets were unchanged at 1 and 2 weeks postoperative.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate that MMP-3 levels in the serum of rheumatoid arthritis patients correlate with the levels produced by the synovial lining cells and suggest that the activity of rheumatoid synovitis can be monitored by measuring serum levels of MMP-3.

Clinical significance of tissue levels of matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases in gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are one of the major classes of proteolytic enzymes involved in tumor invasion and metastasis, being inhibited by naturally occurring tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). In this study, we examined the expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, membrane-type 1 (MT1)-MMP, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 in biopsy tissues of gastric cancer, and the correlation between their expression and clinicopathological parameters.

METHODS

Biopsy specimens from 66 patients with gastric carcinoma were available for this study. To determine the expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, MT1-MMP, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2, semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was carried out on tumor and normal tissues, respectively, sampled during diagnostic gastroscopic examination. Immunohistochemical staining of representative samples using monoclonal antibody directed against MT1-MMP was done, and the clinicopathological variables were reviewed retrospectively.

RESULTS

The expression level of MMPs and TIMPs was evaluated using the tumor : normal (T/N) ratios of MMPs and TIMPs. The T/N ratio of MT1-MMP mRNA showed a significant correlation with lymph node metastasis and tumor stage (P < 0.05). The other RT-PCR data of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 did not show any significant correlation with clinicopathological parameters. Immunohistochemistry for MT1-MMP showed a positive immunoreaction in gastric adenocarcinoma and negative staining in normal mucosa.

CONCLUSIONS

The correlation between the increased expression of MT1-MMP and clinicopathological variables reflects a role in predicting the aggressive behavior of gastric cancer. Because an RT-PCR assay can be performed on biopsy specimens obtained before surgery, an evaluation of MT1-MMP expression in biopsy specimens by RT-PCR may provide useful preoperative information on tumor aggressiveness.

Roles of calcium-binding proteins, S100A8 and S100A9, in invasive phenotype of human gastric cancer cells

Gastric cancer is one of the most common malignancies and is a frequent cause of cancer-related death in Korea. Cure rate of gastric cancer is quite low because of local invasion and metastasis. S100 proteins are calcium-binding proteins which exert various calcium-mediated cellular functions including cell growth, differentiation, migration and signal transduction. S100A8 and S100A9 are overexpressed in many human tumors and have been shown to be implicated in tumor development or progression. In the present study, we investigated the role of S100A8 and S100A9 in invasive phenotype of a human gastric cancer cell line, SNU484. Expression of S100A8 and S100A9 were detected in SNU484 cells. When the expression of these proteins was suppressed by small-interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting S100A8 or S100A9, the invasive and migratory phenotypes of SNU484 cells were significantly inhibited. The siRNAs for S100A8 and S100A9 inhibited matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 expression in SNU484 cells as evidenced by gelatin zymogram assay, immunoblot analysis and reverse transcription (RT)-PCR. These results demonstrate that S100A8 and S100A9 are required for transcriptional activation of MMP-2 gene in SNU484 cells. Taken together, this study revealed a functional contribution of S100A8 and S100A9 proteins to processes required for malignant progression including invasion, migration and proteinase expression in SNU484 human gastric cancer cells.

The clinical relevance of stromal matrix metalloproteinase expression in ovarian cancer

PURPOSE

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are proteolytic enzymes implicated in cancer progression and metastasis. We sought to determine the role of epithelial (tumor cell-derived) and stromal (host-derived) expression of MMPs in predicting the clinical outcome of patients with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC).

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

MMP-2, MMP-9, and membrane type 1 (MT1)-MMP expression was evaluated using immunohistochemistry in 90 invasive EOCs, and samples were scored for epithelial and stromal staining. Results were correlated with clinicopathologic characteristics using univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

High expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, and MT1-MMP in tumor epithelium was detected in 54%, 97%, and 100% of cases, and in stromal compartments, in 38%, 70%, and 38% of cases, respectively. High stromal expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, and MT1-MMP was significantly associated with aggressive features such as high stage, high grade ascites, and positive lymph node status. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that high epithelial and stromal expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, and MT1-MMP were each significantly associated with shorter disease-specific survival (DSS; P < 0.01). On tree-structured survival analysis, patients with strong epithelial MT1-MMP expression had the shortest DSS, whereas patients with moderate epithelial MT1-MMP and low stromal MMP-9 expression had the longest DSS (P < 0.01). On multivariate analysis, high stromal expression of MMP-9 (P = 0.01) and MT1-MMP (P = 0.04), strong epithelial MT1-MMP (P = 0.01) and high stage (P = 0.04) were independent predictors of poor DSS.

CONCLUSIONS

Overexpression of stromal MMP-9 and MT1-MMP is independently associated with shorter DSS in EOC. Thus, host-derived MMPs are valuable predictors of clinical outcome in EOC.

Differential expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 by fibroblasts in co-cultures with keratinocytes, basal cell carcinoma and melanoma

To address whether matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 expression by mesenchymal fibroblasts may be differentially modulated by interactions with normal or malignant epidermal cells, we set up a fibroblast co-culture model separately with keratinocytes, basal cell carcinoma cells and melanoma cells. Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and gelatin zymography were used to detect and quantify the expression of MMP-2 by these different kinds of cells. In independent cultures, MMP-2 was highly expressed by fibroblasts and melanoma cells constitutively, but barely expressed by keratinocytes and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) cells. MMP-2 expression by fibroblasts was downregulated in co-cultures with keratinocytes or BCC cells, but not with melanoma cells. These results indicate that epidermal-mesenchymal interactions are important modulators for MMP-2 expression by cutaneous cells and suggest a host-defense mechanism against the tumor progression of BCC.

Protein levels of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 in tumor extracts as a marker for prognosis and recurrence in patients with gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) correlates with tumor progression in patients with gastric cancer; however, the clinical significance of TIMP-1 as a marker for prognosis and recurrence has not been fully clarified.

METHODS

TIMP-1 protein was measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in tumor samples from 86 patients who had undergone surgical resection. An intratumoral TIMP-1 value of 10.0 ng/mg protein or more was defined as positive. Patients were followed up for more than 5 years prospectively.

RESULTS

Thirty-one of the 86 patients (36.0%) were positive for TIMP-1. Kaplan-Meier curves for overall survival were significantly different between patients who were positive and those who were negative for TIMP-1. Univariate analysis of factors affecting overall survival showed that depth of tumor invasion; lymph node metastasis; peritoneal dissemination; lymphatic invasion; venous invasion; Lauren classification of histology; curability; and TIMP-1 were statistically significant. Stepwise multivariate analysis for overall survival demonstrated that depth of tumor invasion, nodal metastasis, peritoneal dissemination, and TIMP-1 remained independent prognostic factors. Kaplan-Meier curves for disease-free survival were significantly different between patients who were positive and those who were negative for TIMP-1. The incidence of recurrence was significantly higher in patients positive for TIMP-1 than in those who were negative for TIMP-1. The frequency at each site of recurrence was higher in patients positive for TIMP-1.

CONCLUSION

These results suggested that the protein concentration of TIMP-1 in the tumor extracts was a useful marker for overall survival, disease-free survival, and disease recurrence in patients with gastric cancer. Thus, tumor TIMP-1 may serve to identify a high-risk group, for whom optimal surgical and medical treatment can be given.

Balance between polyoma enhancing activator 3 and activator protein 1 regulates Helicobacter pylori-stimulated matrix metalloproteinase 1 expression

Helicobacter pylori infection and elevated expression of tissue matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) are both associated with gastric cancer. We investigated the regulation of MMP-1 expression during H. pylori infection. Real-time reverse transcription-PCR was used to examine mucosal MMP-1 mRNA levels in 55 patients with gastric cancers and 61 control patients. Increased MMP-1 mRNA levels in the gastric mucosa and epithelial cells were observed in H. pylori infections in which both the cag pathogenicity island (PAI) and outer inflammatory protein A (OipA) were expressed. The combined induction of c-fos, c-jun, and polyoma enhancing activator-3 (pea-3) by H. pylori caused maximal increase in MMP-1 expression. Activation of the MMP-1 promoter by H. pylori involved occupation of the activator protein 1 (AP-1) sites at -72 and -181 and, surprisingly, vacancy of the -88 PEA-3 site. Electrophoretic mobility shift, supershift, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed increased binding of c-Fos and c-Jun to the -72 and -181 AP-1 sites during H. pylori infection. Importantly, during wild-type H. pylori infection, we detected increased PEA-3 binding to the -72AP-1 site and decreased PEA-3 binding to the -88 PEA-3 site. However, during infection with the cag PAI and oipA mutants, PEA-3 binding to the -88 site was detected. MMP-1 and pea-3 activities are increased in gastric cancers. Maximal activation of MMP-1 transcription requires the cag PAI and OipA, which regulate AP-1 and PEA-3 binding. Thus, cag PAI and OipA provide a possible link between bacterial virulence factors and important host factors related to disease pathogenesis.

Lymph node micrometastasis and its correlation with MMP-2 expression in gastric carcinoma

AIM: To examine matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) expression in gastric cancer tissues and to evaluate its relationship with lymph node micrometastasis.

METHODS: The authors studied 850 lymph nodes resected from 30 patients with gastric carcinoma who underwent gastrectomy with lymphadenectomy using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay in addition to H-E staining. MMP-2 expression of the tumor tissues was detected by immunohistochemical technique (EliVision^TM plus).

RESULTS: MMP-2 expression was positive in 21 (70%) cases and negative in 9 (30%) cases. No significant correlations were found between MMP-2 expression and other variables such as age, gender, tumor location, tumor diameter, Lauren classification and lymphatic invasion. In contrast, MMP-2 expression correlated significantly with depth of tumor infiltration (P = 0.022), lymph node metastasis (P = 0.030) and tumor differentiation (P = 0.043). Lymph node micrometastases were detected in 77 (12.5%) lymph nodes of 14 (46.7%) gastric carcinoma patients. MMP-2 expression was positive in 12 (85.7%) of the 14 patients with lymph node micrometastasis, and in 9 (56.3%) of the 16 patients without lymph node micrometastasis (P = 0.118).

CONCOUSION: Our results demonstrate that MMP-2 expression has significant correlation with tumor invasion, tumor differentiation and lymph node metastases. MMP-2 expression may be an important biological characteristics and significant prognostic parameter of gastric carcinoma. We also conclude that MMP-2 may participate in the development of lymph node micrometastasis of gastric carcinoma. Further investigations are needed to draw a conclusion.

Aerodigestive Tract Invasion by Well-Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma: Diagnosis, Management, Prognosis, and Biology

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

1) To describe the clinical entity invasive well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma (IWDTC), 2) to determine prognostic factors for survival in patients with IWDTC, 3) to describe and compare types of surgical resection to determine treatment efficacy, 4) to offer a staging system and surgical algorithm for management of patients with IWDTC, 5) to examine alterations in expression of E-cadherin and beta-catenin adhesion molecules in three groups of thyroid tissue and propose a cellular mechanism for invasion of the aerodigestive tract.

STUDY DESIGN

Basic science: quantification of expression of E-cadherin and beta-catenin in three groups of thyroid tissue. Clinical: retrospective review of patients with IWDTC surgically treated and followed over a 45-year time period.

METHODS

Basic science: immunohistochemical staining was used with antibodies against E-cadherin and beta-catenin in three groups of tissue: group 1, normal control thyroid tissue (n = 10); group 2, conventional papillary thyroid carcinoma (n = 20); group 3, IWDTC (n = 12). Intensity scores were given on the basis of protocol. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to evaluate differences between groups. Post hoc ANOVA testing was completed. P < .05 was significant. Clinical: patients were divided into three surgical groups within the laryngotracheal subset: group 1, complete resection of gross disease (n = 34); group 2, shave excision (n = 75); group 3, incomplete excision (n = 15). Cox regression analysis was used to determine significance of prognostic factors. Kaplan-Meier plots were used to evaluate survival. P < .05 was significant.

RESULTS

Basic science: a significant difference between the three thyroid tissue groups for E-cadherin expression was demonstrated on one-way ANOVA testing. When controls were compared with either experimental group in post hoc ANOVA testing, differences between all groups were demonstrated (P < .001). For beta-catenin, the intensities of the three groups were not different by one-way ANOVA testing. Similar nonsignificant results were found on post hoc ANOVA testing. Clinical: there was a statistically significant difference in survival for patients with and without involvement of any portion of the endolarynx or trachea (P < .01). There was a significant difference among all three surgical groups when compared (P < .001). When complete and shave groups were compared with gross residual group there was a significant decrease in survival in incomplete resection group (P < .01). Cox regression analysis demonstrated invasion of larynx and trachea were significant prognostic factors for poor outcome. The type of initial resection was significant on multivariate analysis. Removal of all gross disease is a major factor for survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Basic science: there is a decrease in membrane expression of E-cadherin in IWDTC, and loss of this tumor suppressor adhesion molecule may contribute to the invasive nature of well-differentiated thyroid carcinomas. Clinical: laryngotracheal invasion is a significant independent prognostic factor for survival. Patients undergoing shave excision had similar survival when compared with those undergoing radical tumor resection if gross tumor did not remain. Gross intraluminal tumor should be resected completely. Shave excision is adequate for minimal invasion not involving the intraluminal surfaces of the aerodigestive tract.

Systematic search for gastric cancer-specific genes based on SAGE data: melanoma inhibitory activity and matrix metalloproteinase-10 are novel prognostic factors in patients with gastric cancer

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. Genes expressed only in cancer tissue will be useful molecular markers for diagnosis and may also be good therapeutic targets. However, little is known about cancer-specific genes, at least in GC. In this study, we searched for GC-specific genes by serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) data analysis and quantitative reverse transcription (RT)-PCR. Comparing GC SAGE libraries with those of various normal tissues in the SAGEmap database, we identified 54 candidate GC-specific genes. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis of these candidates revealed that APin protein (APIN), taxol resistance-associated gene 3 (TRAG3), cytochrome P450, family 2, subfamily W, polypeptide 1 (CYP2W1), melanoma inhibitory activity (MIA), matrix metalloproteinase-10 (MMP-10), dickkopf homolog 4 (DKK4), GW112, regenerating islet-derived family, member 4 (REGIV), and HORMA domain-containing 1 (HORMAD1) were expressed much more highly in GC than in 14 kinds of normal tissues. Immunohistochemical staining for MIA, MMP-10, and DKK4 was found in 47 (31.1%), 68 (45.0%), and two (1.3%) of 151 GCs, respectively, and staining for both MIA and MMP-10 was correlated with poor prognosis in advanced GC (P=0.0001 and 0.0141, respectively). Moreover, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed high levels of MMP-10 (65/69, 94.2%) in serum samples from patients with GC. Levels of MIA were raised in a small proportion of serum samples from patients with GC (4/69, 5.8%). In Boyden chamber invasion assays, MIA-transfected GC cells were up to three times more invasive than cells transfected with empty vector. Taken together, these results suggest that MMP-10 is a good marker for the detection of GC and that MIA and MMP-10 are prognostic factors for GC. As expression of MIA and MMP-10 is narrowly restricted in cancer, these two molecules may be good therapeutic targets for GC.