Reduced expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase in nodal metastasis of stomach cancer

Clinicopathologic and Prognostic Significance of Metalloproteinase Tissue Inhibitor-2 Promoters in Tunisian Colorectal Cancer: A Case-Control Study

Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) appear to affect many aspects of cancer biology, playing a crucial role in cell signaling by regulating cell growth, apoptosis, invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis, and genomic instability. In the present study, we investigate whether TIMP-2 SNP, TIMP-2 mRNAs, and TIMP-2 protein is associated with susceptibility to colorectal cancer (CRC) in Tunisian population. Taqman and DNA sequencing techniques were used for genotyping, TIMP-2 expression of each genotype was analyzed using semiquantitative RT-PCR and TIMP-2 protein expression was analyzed using immunohistochemistry staining. Our results showed that significantly elevated CRC risk was found in individuals with CC genotype (odds ratio 1.959; 95% confidence interval, 1.055-3.637). Moreover TIMP-2 mRNA expression in the colorectal cell carcinomas was significantly higher compared with the normal colorectal tissue (0.487±0.015 vs. 0.210±0.013) (P<0.05). In addition, serum levels of TIMP-2 were significantly lower in CRC patients than in adenoma patients (P=0.01) and healthy controls (P=0.003). Serum levels of TIMP-2 correlated significantly with tumor stage and TNM stage and were the lowest in CRC patients with stage D,T4,(N1,N2,N3),M(+). In conclusion, our study demonstrate for the first time the distribution and the clinical significance of TIMP-2 promoter polymorphisms, mRNA, protein expression, and serum level in CRC Tunisian patients suggesting that the genotyping and serum level of TIMP-2 as potential markers for susceptibility to CRC will allow a precise and early identification of individuals at high risk and will aid the design of therapeutic modalities and evaluation of treatment outcome.

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.

mRNA profiling of the cancer degradome in oesophago-gastric adenocarcinoma

Background:

Degradation of the extracellular matrix is fundamental to tumour development, invasion and metastasis. Several protease families have been implicated in the development of a broad range of tumour types, including oesophago–gastric (OG) adenocarcinoma. The aim of this study was to analyse the expression levels of all core members of the cancer degradome in OG adenocarcinoma and to investigate the relationship between expression levels and tumour/patient variables associated with poor prognosis.

Methods:

Comprehensive expression profiling of the protease families (matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), members of the ADAM metalloproteinase-disintegrin family (ADAMs)), their inhibitors (tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase), and molecules involved in the c-Met signalling pathway, was performed using quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in a cohort of matched malignant and benign peri-tumoural OG tissue (n=25 patients). Data were analysed with respect to clinico-pathological variables (tumour stage and grade, age, sex and pre-operative plasma C-reactive protein level).

Results:

Gene expression of MMP1, 3, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 16 and 24 was upregulated by factors >4-fold in OG adenocarcinoma samples compared with matched benign tissue (P<0.01). Expression of ADAM8 and ADAM15 correlated significantly with tumour stage (P=0.048 and P=0.044), and ADAM12 expression correlated with tumour grade (P=0.011).

Conclusion:

This study represents the first comprehensive quantitative analysis of the expression of proteases and their inhibitors in human OG adenocarcinoma. These findings implicate elevated ADAM8, 12 and 15 mRNA expression as potential prognostic molecular markers.

Differential expression patterns of MMPs and their role in the invasion of epithelial premalignant tumors and invasive cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

Co-expression of several members of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family is characteristic of human malignant tumors. MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-2, and MT1-MMP are thought to be involved in the process of destruction of basement membranes and stromal invasion by neoplastic epithelial cells. In this study, we investigated the expression and role of MMPs in cutaneous oncogenesis. Tissue microarray consisting of 62 squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), 32 Bowen's disease (BD) samples, 25 normal epidermis samples were obtained for the study. MMP-2,-9, MT1-MMP and TIMP-2 proteins were examined by immunohistochemical staining and mRNA level was detected by quantitative RT-PCR in fresh tissues consisting of 5 cutaneous SCCs and paired normal epidermis samples. Gelatinase activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 was investigated by gelatin zymography and protein levels of MT1-MMP and TIMP-2 were measured by western blot in 2 human SCC cell lines. The invasive property was evaluated with invasion assays using Transwell filters. SCC exhibited significantly increased MMP-2, MT1-MMP and decreased TIMP-2 mRNA and protein expression compared to that of the normal epithelium. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that MT1-MMP was strongly expressed on the invasive front of SCCs, whereas BD exhibited higher expression around the dyskeratotic cells in the epithelium. In comparison with the expression observed in BD, SCC exhibited significantly increased MMP-2 expression. In addition, high MMP-2 and MT1-MMP expression and low TIMP-2 expression had a significant positive correlation with the invasiveness of SCC cell lines in vitro. Our results revealed significantly increased MT1-MMP and MMP-2 expression and decreased TIMP-2 expression in cutaneous SCC, and the expression correlated with the invasiveness of SCC cell lines. Therefore, the expression of these factors in cutaneous tumors may serve as an indicator of tumor aggressiveness and invasion.

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.

The expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 and cathepsin B in gastric carcinoma is associated with lymph node metastasis, but not with postoperative survival

Degradation components of basement membrane could be crucial for tumor invasion. A key role in this process has been assigned to cysteine proteases, i.e. cathepsins and matrix metalloproteinases. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of the expression of MMP-9 and cathepsin B with tumor aggressiveness expressed by lymph node metastases and survival rates in gastric carcinoma patients. Slides of 5 mum-thick serial sections from 91 patients with primary gastric carcinoma were prepared and analyzed for MMP-9 and cathepsin B expression using anti-human monoclonal antibody (NCL-MMP-9 clone; dilution 1:40 and NCL-CATH-B clone; dilution 1:40). The patients were clinically monitored for 84 months. We found no association between the expression of MMP-9 and cathepsin B in main mass of tumor and patients' gender, tumor location, Lauren's classification or histological differentiation. Also no correlation was observed between the expression of MMP-9 in main mass of tumor and depth of invasion. A strong statistically significant association was found between the expression of MMP-9 and cathepsin B in main mass of tumor and lymph node involvement (p<0.001; p<0.001, respectively). However, we observed no correlation between the expression of MMP-9 and cathepsin B in main mass of tumor and lymph node involvement or 5-year overall survival. Our results may suggest that the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and cathepsin B is correlated with lymph node metastasis in advanced gastric carcinoma, but not with patients' postoperative survival.

Differential expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 and TIMP-2 in non-melanoma skin cancer: implications for tumour progression

AIMS

To investigate the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 and TIMP-2 in non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) and to compare their expression between different tumour types and with clinicopathological factors.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A study of 11 normal skin, 29 Bowen's disease (BD), 40 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and 38 basal cell carcinoma (BCC) samples for MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 expression was carried out using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. The expression of all metalloproteinases was greater in tumours than in normal skin. MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression was more extensive in the stroma of SCC than of BCC or BD. TIMP-1 expression was greater in the stroma of BCC than of SCC or BD and TIMP-2 expression was greater in the stroma of SCC than of BD. There was a correlation between increased metalloproteinase expression and depth of lesion (MMP-2 and TIMP-2), inflammation (MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2) and microvessel density (MMP-2, MMP-9 and TIMP-2).

CONCLUSIONS

MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 play an important role in the pathogenesis of non-melanoma skin cancer, but differ significantly in their expression levels between the tumour types examined. The immunoexpression of these proteins may be useful indicators of cutaneous cancer invasion and progression.

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.

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.

Matrix metalloproteinases and their role in pancreatic cancer: a review of preclinical studies and clinical trials

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have received much attention in recent years for their role in a variety of malignancies. Pancreatic cancer is no exception; MMP-2 and MMP-9 show high levels of expression in clinical and experimental models. Inhibition of MMPs has shown great promise with synthetic inhibitors, such as BB-94, as tumorostatic agents in preclinical models, particularly when these are combined with gemcitabine. These findings have led to several clinical trials using the MMP inhibitors Marimastat and BAY12-9566. Herein, we discuss the roles of MMPs and their inhibition in pancreatic cancer.

Relationship between biologic behavior and phenotypic expression in intramucosal gastric carcinomas

We investigated the biologic behavior of gastric phenotype carcinoma of the stomach, especially in association with degradation of the extracellular matrix. One hundred fourteen lesions of intramucosal gastric carcinoma (IMGC) of differentiated type were studied. IMGCs were classified into 4 phenotypic categories--complete intestinal type (C type), incomplete intestinal type (I type), gastric type (G type), and unclassified type--through a combination of the expression of CD10, MUC2, HGM, and Con A. The expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-2, and type IV collagen was investigated by immunohistochemical staining. The incidence of C-type IMGC, I-type IMGC, and G-type IMGC was 7.9%, 55.3%, and 36.8%, respectively. The incidence of positive MMP-9 expression in G-type IMGCs (57%) was significantly higher than that in C-type IMGCs (11%) or I-type IMGCs (35%) (P < .01). There was no significant correlation between phenotypes and expression of MMP-2, TIMP-2, or type IV collagen. There was a reverse correlation between the expression of type IV collagen and the expression of type IV collagenase (P < .001). In conclusion, gastric phenotype carcinomas have been shown to be highly invasive and metastatic, However, although they can potentially degrade the extracellular matrix via overexpression of MMPs compared with intestinal phenotype carcinoma, our data show no statistically significant separation of subtypes of intramucosal gastric cancer based on gross classification, histologic type, lymphatic or venous invasion, or lymph node metastases.

The biologic features of intramucosal gastric carcinoma with lymph node metastasis

This review concentrates on the clinicopathologic studies and molecular biologic studies of intramucosal gastric carcinomas (IMGCs) with lymph node metastasis that have been published to date. There have been several reports in which IMGCs with lymph node metastasis were compared with IMGCs without lymph node metastasis from the view of clinicopathologic features. However, there have been a few reports in which IMGCs with lymph node metastasis were compared with IMGCs without lymph node metastasis from the view of molecular biologic features. In general, IMGCs with lymph node metastasis have been commonly reported to be large lesions, poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma, and associated with peptic ulcer, in comparison with IMGCs without lymph node metastasis. Regarding genetic studies or molecular biologic studies, only DNA distribution pattern, proliferative cell nuclear antigen and the monoclonal antibody Ki-67, or matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 have been investigated in IMGCs with lymph node metastasis. The malignant potential of the carcinoma cells cannot been evaluated by a clinicopathologic study with the use of hematoxylin and eosin staining. It may be unavoidable that minimal operation is widely accepted for the treatment of IMGCs. It may be more essential to establish the staging by both clinicopathologic and molecular biologic examinations to rule out the presence of IMGCs with lymph node metastasis.

Expression of MMP-2 is associated with progression and lymph node metastasis of gastric carcinoma

AIMS

One important step in tumour invasion is the penetration of the basement membrane. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a key role in the migration of normal and malignant cells through the basement membrane. The aim of this study was to investigate correlations between matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) immunoreactivity and currently used classification systems and possible relationships between lymph node metastasis and MMP-2 expression.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This prospective study analysed specimens obtained from 114 gastric cancer patients (mean age 64 years; range 33-86 years) who underwent gastrectomy with extended lymphadenectomy. All specimens were categorized according to UICC classification, WHO classification, tumour differentiation, Laurén classification, Ming classification and Goseki classification. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumour specimens were stained using an avidin-biotin complex peroxidase assay. MMP-2 expression in the tumour epithelium was studied by immunohistochemistry with semiquantitative (score 0-3) evaluation. The MMP-2 staining pattern was positive (score 1-3) in 93 (81.6%) specimens and negative (score 0) in 21 (18.4%) samples. No significant correlations were found between MMP-2 expression and other variables such as age, tumour differentiation, WHO, Lauren, Goseki, and Ming classifications. In contrast, the intensity of MMP-2 staining in tumour cells correlated significantly with depth of tumour infiltration (T-stage), lymph node metastasis (N-stage), distant metastasis (M-stage), and UICC stage.

CONCLUSIONS

Expression of MMP-2 is strongly associated with tumour progression and lymph node metastasis in gastric cancer. Therefore MMP-2 staining may be clinically useful as predictor of tumour progression, especially for lymph node metastasis.