Serum matrix metalloproteinase-2 in patients with malignant melanoma

Purpose: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of structurally rela ted zinc-dependent endopeptidases that are able to degrade extracellular ma trix components. MMPs play a role in tumor invasion and tumor metastasis. M MP-2 (also known as gelatinase A) is expressed in human melanoma cells. Met hods: In this study, we measured MMP-2 in 337 serum probes of 166 melanoma patients with a recently developed enzyme immunoassay and compared these da ta with the tumor stage, presence of metastases, and the levels of S100beta and soluble intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) in serum. Results: The mean levels were (189.2 +/- 50.8) ng/ml for MMP-2, (263.2 +/- 74.1) ng /ml for sICAM-1, and (0.424 +/-1.568) U/ml for S100beta. There was a statis tical significant correlation of MMP-2 with sICAM-1 (P=0.05) and S100beta ( P=0.01). The mean MMP-2 levels (in ng/ml) in patients with metastatic melan oma were 196.4 +/- 54.0 versus 182.6 +/- 46.9 in nonmetastasizing melanoma (P=0.037). However, there was no significant difference in MMP-2 levels bet ween the different tumor stages. Conclusion: Determination of MMP-2 serum l evels is of limited value as a tumor marker in melanoma, though there are h igher levels in the more advanced disease.