Expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in Lung Cancer

Objective To study the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 2(MMP 2) and MMP 9 in lung cancer.Methods EnVision immunohistochemical technique was used to detect the expression of MMP 2 and MMP 9 in 71 cases of lung cancer and 31 cases of normal lung tissue.Results Of 71 patients,4 cases were small cell lung cancer,in which the positive immunoreactivity was demonstrated in 3(75 0%) for MMP 2 and in 2(50 0%) for MMP 9.Sixty seven cases were non small cell lung cancer(NSCLC) in which 64 cases were over 40 years,the positive immunoreactivity was demonstrated in 39(60 9%) for MMP 2 and in 46(71 9%) for MMP 9.Of 31 normal lung specimens,the positive immunoreactivities of MMP 2 and MMP 9 were all negative in cases of below 40 years.Of 26 cases of over 40 years the positive immunoreactivity was demonstrated in 9(34 6%) for MMP 2 and in 10(38 5%) for MMP 9.The expression of MMP 2 and MMP 9 in NSCLC was a significantly difference comparison with normal lung specimens.Conclusion MMP 2 and MMP 9 have high expression in NSCLC and they were good tumor markers.The positive rate of MMP 9 was higher than MMP 2,and therefore,detection of MMP 9 has more clinical significance.