Expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and tissue inhibitor in hepatocellular carcinoma and its relationship with invasion and metastasis.

Objective To study the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-2(TIMP-2) in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)and their relationship with invasion and metastasis.Methods The expression of MMP-9 and TIMP-2 was detected with tissue microarray by immunohistochemical method in 93 HCC tissues,66 adjacent nontumor tissues and 36 normal liver tissues. Results The expressions rate of MMP-9 in HCC tissues(62.4%) and that adjacent nontumor tissues(57.6%) was significantly higher than normal liver tissues(11.1%,P0.001);it become higher associated with the increasing of invasion and metastasis of HCC(P0.01).The expressions rate of TIMP-2 in HCC tissues(51.6%) was significantly lower than that adjacent nontumor tissues(83.3%,P0.001)and normal liver tissues(86.1%,P0.001);it become lower associated with the increasing of invasion and metastasis of HCC(P0.05).The expression of TIMP-9 and TIMP-2 was no correlation with cirrhosis,Edmondson,s histological grade of carcinoma,AFP levels and HBsAg situation(P0.05).Conclusion The expressions of MMP-9 and TIMP-2 are significantly correlated with the invasion and metastasis of HCC.They may serve as indicators for determining the metastasis in HCC.