MATRIX METALLOPROTEINASE MATRILYSIN (MMP-7) PARTICIPATES IN THE PROGRESSION OF HUMAN GASTRIC AND ESOPHAGEAL CANCERS

Matrilysin is one of matrix metalloproteinases, which is supposed to h ave a specific role in tumor progression. Expression of matrilysin was investigated in gastric and esophageal cancers by an immunohistochemi cal examination. Matrilysin was expressed in all esophageal squamous c ell carcinomas (13/13) and in the majority of gastric adenocarcinomas (31/35, 89%). The positive staining was observed in tumor-cells of can cerous tissues. In gastric cancers, there were significant statistical correlations between matrilysin expression at the invasive front and nodal metastasis or advanced stage. These results suggest that overexp ression of matrilysin has an important role in the progression of uppe r gastrointestinal cancers.