Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinase 1( MMP1 ) in Hepatocellular Carcinoma ( HCC ) : Immunohistochemical and Biochemical Studies

Abstract

Background: The present study aimed to evaluate the expression of Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 (MMP1) in HepatoCellular Carcinoma (HCC) by using the Immunohistochemical technique, which allows us to integrate the biological aspects of this enzymatic expression in the morphological context of HCCs. Material and Methods: The study was performed on 70 subjects from out and in patients of Tropical medicine Department, Thiodor Billhars Institute during the period from January 2011 until June 2012. The present study included 60 patients with chronic hepatitis C who had undergone liver biopsy. They consisted of 42 men and 28 women with ages ranging from 36 to 66 years. The diagnosis of chronic hepatitis C was made on the basis of positivity for anti-HCV (by the second generation ELISA), and confirmed by HCV-RNA reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Patients were divided into four groups: Group I: included 10 normal persons with no history of liver disease with normal liver enzymes and free ultrasonographic finding as normal control. It included 6 males, 4 females, with ages ranging from 34 to 48 years. Group II: included 20 HCV infected patients without cirrhotic changes. It included 11 males, 9 females, with ages ranging from 39 to 53 years. Group III: included 20 HCV infected patients with liver cirrhosis, 12 males, 8 females, with ages ranging from 48-63 years. Group IV: included 20 HCV infected patients with HCC, 16 males, 4 females, with ages ranging from 53-64 years. Results: Blood Picture, (Hb, WBCs, RBCs, Plts, PC and ESR). Liver Function Test (ALT, AST, ALB, GGT, ALP, T. BIL and D. BIL). Matrix Metalloprotenase 1(MMP1) Measurements: Serum MMP1. Histopathological investigation Including histopathological changes in the liver tissue. Conclusion: our results suggest that MMP-1 is overexpressed in a large proportion of patients with HCC and the high expression level of protein correlated with the disease progression and poor clinical outcome in HCC. Furthermore, MMP-1 high expression proved to be a risk factor for tumor recurrence and independent molecular marker of prognosis in HCC and may become a novel target in the strategies for the prediction of tumor progression and prognosis of this disease.