Expression and Clinical Significance of E-cadherin and Matrix Metalloproteinase-7 in Colorectal Carcinoma

Objective To observe the expression and clinical significance of E-cadherin(E-CAD) and Matrix metalloproteinase-7(MMP-7) in colorectal carcinoma.Methods Expression of E-CAD and MMP-7 in normal colorectal mucosa,colorectal adenoma and colorectal carcinoma was determined by immunohistochemical staining,and relationship between E-CAD and MMP-7 expression and pathological features in colorectal carcinoma.Results The positive expression of E-CAD in normal colorectal mucosa was significantly higher than those in adenoma and colorectal carcinoma.In colorectal carcinoma and adenoma,the positive expression of MMP-7 was significantly higher than those in normalcolorectal mucosa.The expression of E-CAD was decreased and that of MMP-7 was increased with Dukes stage and depth of invasion rising and lymph node transferring.Conclusion The positive expression of E-CAD and MMP-7 may play a pivotal role in the carcinogensis of colorectal carcinoma.The reduced-expression of E-CAD and over-expression of MMP-7 may be important promoting factors in invasion and metastasis of colorectal carcinoma.They may be valuable indicators for diagnosing in early colorectal carcinoma,selecting therapy and assessing prognosis.