Immunohistochemical detection of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) 1 and 2, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP 2) in stage IB cervical cancer

Objective: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) al-e a family of zinc-dependent metalloendopeptidases which participate in the degradation of collagen and other extracellular matrix macromolecules. Expression of gelatonic MMPs, s uch as MMP-2 has been linked to enhanced tumor invasion and metastases in i n vitro and in vivo model systems. If was the aim of this study to determin e whether the expression of MMP-1, MMP-2, and TIMP-2 correlates with surviv al in patients with surgically treated cervical cancer stage IB. Methods: A sample of 154 paraffin-embedded tumor specimens of surgical treated FIGO s tage IB cervical cancer was immunohistochemically investigated Results: MMP -1, MMP-2, and TIMP-2 were detected by immunohistochemistry in 74 % (113/15 4), 32 % (49/154), and 80 % (107/154) of the tumor samples, respectively. C orrelation coefficients for MMP-1/MMP-2 MMP-1/TIMP-2 MMP-2/TIMP-2 were 0.14 (p = 0.12), 0.37 (p = 0.0001), and 0.17 (p:0.005), respectively. A signifi cant correlation was found between MMP-1 and lymph node status (P < 0.01) a nd lymphvascular space invasion (P < 0.05). The expression of MMP-1 (log-ra nk test, p = 0.6), MMP-2 (log-rank test, p = 0.8), and TIMP-2 (log-rank tes t, p = 0.15) were not correlated with overall survival. Conclusion: MMP-1, detected by immunohistochemistry; seems to play a role in the development o f lymphvascular space invasion and lymph node metastases, but is not helpfu l in predicting the prognosis of cervical cancer patients.