MMP-7 overexpression is an independent prognostic marker in gastric cancer

Abstract

To enable cancer to invade and to metastasize, the surrounding stroma must be degraded. Matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) is capable of degrading many extracellular matrix proteins and cellular adhesions, is overexpressed in many malignancies, and plays a role in tumour progression. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between MMP-7 tissue expression and patients' prognosis in gastric cancer. From 264 patients who underwent surgery for gastric cancer, surgical specimens were collected on tissue array blocks and stained by immunohistochemistry for MMP-7. In 27 (10.2%) of the specimens, immunopositivity was found as high, in 50 (18.9%) as moderate and in 51 (19.3%) as weak. In 136 cases (51.5%), the immunopositivity was negative. A statistically significant correlation appeared between high MMP-7 expression and poor survival. In conclusion, our results suggest that MMP-7 expression may prove helpful in evaluating gastric cancer prognosis.

Immunohistochemical expression of MMP-7 protein and its serum level in colorectal cancer

“…Physiologically, MMP-7 is found in ductal and glandular epithelium of many tissues, also in monocytes or mesangial cells [8][9][10][11]. On the other hand, its overexpression has been detected in various neoplastic lesions, including lung, prostate, stomach and colon cancer [12][13][14][15]. Active matrilysin-1 shows a proteolytic activity on the ECM components, such as collagen, elastin, laminin, proteoglycans, fibronectin and casein [9].…”

Prognostic value of MMP-7-181 A/G single nucleotid polymorphism and helicobacter pylori infection in gastric cancer

“…Furthermore, MMP-7 levels increase in premalignant lesions of colon adenomas, pancreas, stomach, breast and prostate. (10). On the basis of this results, it has been shown that MMP-7 is an independent predictor of survival in gastric cancer.…”

“…MMP-7 is called as matrilysin. Besides a large proteolytic activity it is also involved in the activation of other MMPs (10).…”

Identification of Serum Biomarkers for Gastric Cancer Diagnosis Using a Human Proteome Microarray

“…Our study is unique compared with studies on the discovery of circulating serum autoantibodies for GC diagnosis and prognosis (22)(23)(24)(25)(26), for the following reasons. First, we screened serum autoantibodies using a protein microarray, which included 16,368 human proteins, enabling us to have a better chance of globally identifying potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers.…”