The Utility of Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 as a tumor marker in cervical cancer

Park, Dong Choon; Yoo, Young Ok; Lee, Hyung Geun; Jung, Dae Young; Kim, Jae Hoon; Park, Jong Sub; Kim, Dae Hoon; Namgoong, Sung Eun

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
Degradation of the extracellular matrix and the basement membrane is believed to be associated with tumor invasion and metastasis. To evaluate the roles of Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in cervical cancer and its utility as a potential diagnostic tumor biomarker, we investigated the expression of MMP-2 in cervical cancer tissue and sera.
METHODS
Through the zymography of MMP-2 in cervical cancer tissues from 35 patients, we investigated the extent and distribution of MMP-2. Also, up-regulation of its gene expression was examined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis. Then, we attempted to investigate by ELISA serologic responses in the sera obtained from 35 cervical cancer patients, and examined its utility as diagnostic and prognostic tumor marker in cervical cancer by comparing it with conventional tumor markers SCCA and CEA.
RESULTS
In zymography, the active form of MMP-2 was detected in 66kDa. In cervical cancer the active form of MMP-2 is more strongly reacted with the substrates than those in normal tissues. Also, the mRNA of MMP-2 was more up-regulated in cervical cancer tissue than in normal one. MMP-2 was detected in the sera of cervical cancer patients, and its amount differed according to clinical situations. While it was not more effective than previous tumor markers SCCA and CEA in diagnosis, it was more useful in monitoring of the cancer. The effect was especially remarkable when it was combined with any other conventional tumor markers.
CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest that the expressions of MMP-2 correlate with cervical cancer invasion and metastasis. Also, it may be useful in the monitoring of the cervical cancer lesion.