Serum levels of endostatin and matrix metalloproteinase-9 associated with high stage and grade primary transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder☆

Abstract Objectives To analyze the preoperative serum levels of endostatin and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in patients with primary transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder according to tumor stage and grade and to evaluate their clinical diagnostic application. Methods Preoperative serum levels of endostatin and MMP-9 were determined in 52 patients with transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder (13 with superficial carcinoma and 39 with advanced carcinoma) and 32 healthy controls by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results The serum levels of endostatin and MMP-9 were significantly greater in the 52 patients with bladder cancer than in the healthy controls (endostatin 46.8 ng/mL versus 30.6 ng/mL, P P R = 0.55, P P P Conclusions Elevated endostatin and MMP-9 levels are associated with a greater stage and grade of primary transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder.