[Matrix metalloproteinase-2 expression and its correlation with mesorectal metastasis in middle and lower rectal cancer].

Abstract

To examine the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and to evaluate its correlation with mesorectal metastasis in middle and lower rectal cancer. The resected primary tumors from 56 patients with middle and lower rectal cancer who received total mesorectal excision were studied from Dec. 2001 to Jul. 2003. The MMP-2 expression was positive in 42 (75%) cases. The positive rate of MMP-2 expression was 88.9% in T3 tumors and 69.6 % in T2 tumors respectively, while only 33.3% in T1 tumors (P=0.013). MMP-2 was positive in 91.2% (31/34) infiltrative rectal carcinomas while 40.0% (6/15) expansive rectal carcinomas (P=0.001). Mesorectal metastasis was detected in 36 (64.3%) of 56 cases. The expression of MMP-2 was positive in 31 (86.1%) of the 36 patients with mesorectal metastasis, while in 11(55%) of the 20 patients without mesorectal metastasis (P=0.01). The expression of MMP-2 in middle and lower rectal cancer is significantly associated with depth of tumor invasion and Ming classifications. The high expression of MMP-2 may play an important role in the development of mesorectal metastasis in middle and lower rectal cancer.