Expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and survivin in pancreatic carcinoma

Abstract

Background and Aim Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) is a member of the MMP family, which is a zinc-dependent endopeptidase that degrades all extracellular matrix components and vascular basement membrane. Survivin plays a leading role in the process of apoptosis regulation. Survivin is unique for its expression in human malignancies but not in normal adult cells. This study aimed to assess immunoexpression of MMP-2 and survivin in pancreatic carcinoma. Patients and methods A total of 25 pancreatic carcinomas were evaluated for immunohistochemical expression of MMP-2 and survivin. The expression was evaluated by immunoreactive score that combines the intensity of immunoreactions with the percentage of positive cells. Results In this study, 24/25 of the cases were pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and 1/25 was acinar cell carcinoma. Regarding tumor differentiation, PDAC included five cases of adenocarcinoma that were well differentiated, 16 cases were moderately differentiated, and three cases were poorly differentiated. Pancreatic carcinoma specimens showed positive cytoplasmic MMP-2 staining with high expression in 22/25 (88%) studied specimens ranging from 6/9 to 9/9 with high extent and intensity. Survivin staining with high expression was seen in 23/25 (92%) studied specimens, ranging from 9/12 to 12/12 with high extent and intensity. Conclusion MMP-2 and survivin expressions were positive in pancreatic carcinoma with various grades but negative in non-neoplastic parenchymal, acinar, and pancreatic ductal epithelium. There were significant positive relationships between MMP-2 and survivin expression and poor histological grade in PDAC (P<0.024 and 0.021, respectively).