[Relationship between expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and angiogenesis in renal cell carcinoma].

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is closely related to tumor invasion and metastasis. It has been recently found that MMP-9 also plays a role in tumor angiogenesis. This study was designed to investigate the relationship between MMP-9 and angiogenesis in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and its clinical significance. METHODS: SP immunohistochemistry was used to determine the expression of MMP-9, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and microvessel density (MVD) in 78 RCC tissues. RESULTS: The expression of MMP-9 was related to the pathological stage and the histological grade in RCC (P< 0.05). The MVD value in MMP-9-positive group (110.46+/-50.16) was much higher than that in MMP-9-negative group (84.77+/-44.52)(P< 0.05). There was a positive correlation between the intensity of the expression of MMP-9 and that of VEGF in RCC tissues (r=0.4096,P< 0.01). MMP-9 and VEGF took synergistic effect on angiogenesis in RCC. CONCLUSION: MMP-9 is associated with angiogenesis in RCC, and can serve as a biomarker for the potentialities of invasion and metastasis of RCC.