The Study of Correlation between MRI Features and Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 in Astrocytoma

Objective To investigate the correlation of MRI signs and the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 in astrocytomas.Materials and Methods The MMP 9 expression was detected and analyzed in 40 cases of astrocytomas by immunohistochemical staining using monoclonal antibody to MMP 9. The tumor signal heterogeneity, range of peritumoral edema, extent of contrast enhancement were measured on MRI.Results There was an positive correlation between the tumor signal heterogeneity, range of peritumoral edema, extent of contrast enhancement and the expression of MMP 9 (P0.01), the expression of MMP 9 was increased as the grade of astrocytoma increased (P0.01).Conclusion There is a close correlation between MRI appearance and the expression of MMP 9, the MRI features may be used as valuable index for predicting molecular biology feature of astrocytomas.