Clin Exp Otorhinolaryngol.  2011 Jun;4(2):88-94.

Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinases and Their Inhibitors in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Tonsil and Their Clinical Significance

• Lee SY
• Park SY
• Kim SH
• Choi EC

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
To investigate expressions of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) in squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil and to correlate expression profiles with clinicopathological characteristics.
METHODS
Paraffin blocks were obtained from 45 tonsil squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) patients, who underwent surgery as an initial treatment between 1994 and 2004, and from 20 normal controls. Expressions of MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-13, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 were investigated immunohistochemically.
RESULTS
The expressions of MMPs (except MMP-2) and TIMPs were found to be significantly different in tonsil SCC and normal control tissues. Furthermore, MMP-13 expression was found to be correlated with tumor invasion (P=0.05), and the expressions of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 with nodal metastasis (P=0.048, 0.031). No relation was found between MMP or TIMP expression and recurrence. However, MMP-9 expression was found to be significantly associated with 5-year survival in tonsil SCC patients by multivariate analysis (hazard ratio, 3.853; P=0.013).
CONCLUSION
Significant overexpressions of multiple MMPs and TIMPs were found in tonsil SCC tissues. Furthermore, our findings suggest that MMP-9 expression might be a useful prognostic factor.

Keyword

MMP; TIMP; Tonsil; Squamous cell carcinoma; Prognosis

MeSH Terms

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell
Humans
Matrix Metalloproteinases
Metalloproteases
Multivariate Analysis
Neoplasm Metastasis
Palatine Tonsil
Paraffin
Prognosis
Recurrence
Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1
Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2
Matrix Metalloproteinases
Metalloproteases
Paraffin
Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1
Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Immunohistochemistry in squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and 13 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 and 2 immunostaining were observed in tumor cells and/or stroma but MMP-9 immunostaining was observed in tumor cells only (×400). (A) MMP-2 immunostaining in tumor cells. (B) MMP-2 immunostaining in stroma. (C) MMP-9 immunostaining in tumor cells. (D) MMP-13 immunostaining in tumor cells. (E) MMP-13 immunostaining in stroma. (F) TIMP-1 immunostaining in tumor cells. (G) TIMP-1 immunostaining in stroma. (H) TIMP-2 immunostaining in tumor cells. (I) TIMP-2 immunostaining in stroma.

• 

  Fig. 2 Overall 5-year survival of tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma patients (n=44).

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  Fig. 3 Kaplan-Meier curves for tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma with respect to matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 expression in tissues.

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