Korean J Pathol.  2004 Apr;38(2):73-78.

Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

• Gu MJ
• Bae YK
• Choi JH

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) is known to be one of the key molecules for tumor invasion and metastasis. MMP-2 activity is modulated through interaction with the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the expression of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
METHODS
Using immunohistochemical staining, we investigated the expression of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 in 30 pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas and 10 normal pancreas.
RESULTS
MMP-2 expression was present in tumor cells in 11 cases, and in stromal cells in 24 cases, out of 30 carcinomas. MMP-2 expression of tumor cells was significantly higher in poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas than in well/moderately differentiated adenocarcinomas, and in cases with vascular invasion than in cases without. MMP-2 expression was stronger in the marginal areas than in the central area of the tumor. TIMP-2 expression was detected in the tumor and stromal cells of all carcinomas. MMP-2 and TIMP-2 expression had no significant correlation with tumor size, lymph node metastasis, or TNM stage. MMP-2 expression was not correlated with TIMP-2 expression.
CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that MMP-2 expression may play an important role in the invasive property of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, whereas TIMP-2 expression increases as a reaction to invasion.

Keyword

Pancreas; Duct; Adenocarcinoma; MMP-2; TIMP-2

MeSH Terms

Adenocarcinoma*
Lymph Nodes
Matrix Metalloproteinase 2*
Neoplasm Metastasis
Pancreas
Pancreatic Ducts*
Stromal Cells
Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2*
Matrix Metalloproteinase 2
Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2