Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinase, a Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase, and Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase in Human Chondrosarcoma

Abstract

Malignant degree of human chondrosarcoma can be difficult to determine using only histological findings. We therefore assessed expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM) with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTSs) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) in chondrosarcoma and ascertained relationships to histological degree of malignancy. As methods, in 28 chondrosarcoma cases, immunostaining was performed using antibodies against MMP 2, 3, 7, 9, 13, ADAMTS 4, 5 and TIMP 1, 2, 3. Chondrosarcoma were classified into groups of 7, 15 and 6 cases based on histologically malignant grade I, II and III, respectively. All target proteins were expressed in chondrosarcoma. Positive correlations (p<0.05) existed between immunostaining scores and histological grades for all proteins except MMP 9, with strong correlations (p<0.01) for MMPs 2, 3 and 13, both ADAMTSs and all 3 TIMPs. It was concluded that these proteins could be used to indicate degree of malignancy in human chondrosarcoma.