Expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2(MMP-2) and the relationship with invasion and metastasis in human gallbladder carcinoma

Objective To explore the relationship between the expression of MMP-2 MMP-9 and invasion and metastasis of GBC. Methods Expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were assessed by immunohistochemical methods in 42 specimens of GBC and 15 of cholecystitis,and a statistical analysis was performed.Results Positive expression rate of MMP-9 in the patients with lymphatic metastasis or serosa invasion was significantly higher than that without lymphatic metastasis or serosa invasion.Expression of MMP-2 is positive correlated to that of MMP-9( P0.05 ).Occurrence rate of serosa invasion,lymphatic metastasis or liver metastasis in the patients with MMP-2+/MMP-9+ was significantly higher than that with MMP-2+/MMP-9-,MMP-2-/MMP-9+ or MMP-2-2/MMP0-9-( P0.05 ).Conclusion The expression of MMP-2 is closed related to the differentiation,invasion,lymphatic metastasis and liver metastasis.The expression of MMP-9 is closed related to the invasion and lymphatic metastasis. Expression of MMP-2 is positive correlated to that of MMP-9.There may be cooperating effect upon invasion and metastasis of GBC between MMP-2 and MMP-9.