Matrix-metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in plasma and tumor tissue of patients with renal cell carcinoma

Matrix-metalloproteinases (MMPs) are associated with invasive and metastati c behavior of several human malignant tumors. We have determined MMP-2 and MMP-9 and tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMP-1 and TIMP-2) in blood plasma and in renal tissue samples of patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) from c ancerous and non-cancerous parts of the same kidney. In tumor tissue, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 were significantly higher than in normal counterparts. MMP-2 wa s not different between tumor tissue and normal counterparts. TIMP-2 values could not be measured. In plasma, MMP-9 concentrations were significantly higher in RCC patients than in healthy controls, MMP-2 and TIMP-2 concentra tions were higher in healthy controls and TIMP-1 concentrations were not di fferent. (C) 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.