Prognostic values of matrix metalloproteinase family expression in human colorectal carcinoma.

Background We examined expression patterns of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP), and reversion-inducing cysteine-rich protein with Kazal motifs (RECK) in colorectal cancer tissues to assess their prognostic significance. Materials and methods mRNA expressions of 17 MMPs, 4 TIMPs, and RECK were measured in 112 colorectal cancerous tissues, 20 normal mucosa tissues, and 11 metastatic liver lesions by real-time reverse-transcriptional-polymerase chain reaction. The protein level expressions were confirmed with immunohistochemistry. Results Cancers and normal mucosa displayed highly significant differences ( P P P P P Conclusions MMP, TIMP, RECK expression patterns may provide an insight into extracellular matrix degrading (which is characteristic of colorectal cancers) and its role in metastasis.