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עמוד בית
Sat, 14.12.24

Original Articles

IMAJ | volume

Journal 4, April 2002
pages: 247-251

Increased Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinase-2: A Diagnostic Marker but Not Prognostic Marker of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

    Summary

    Background: Matrix metalloproteinases are proteolytic enzymes that degrade extracellular matrix components. Numerous studies have demonstrated that individual MMPs[1] play a crucial role in tumor invasion and metastasis.

    Objective:

    To examine the expression of MMPs and their inhibitor TIMP-2 in neoplastic and normal thyroid tissues.

    Methods

    :

    We examined 33 cases of thyroid tumor (papillary, follicular and medullary carcinoma, follicular adenoma and multinodular goiter). MMP protein content and activity were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and gel zymography. Immunohistochemistry was also performed.

    Results

    :

    The thyroid tissues examined secreted MMP-2 and 9 as well as TIMP-2, but only MMP-2 was significantly higher in papillary carcinoma cases compared to the adjacent normal tissue or to the other tumor entities. Increased MMP-2 immunohistochemical staining was demonstrated in the neoplastic papillary epithelial component. No significant difference was seen between papillary carcinomas with lymph node metastases and those without.

    Conclusions

    :

    Increased MMP-2 expression may be useful as a diagnostic marker to differentiate papillary carcinoma from other thyroid neoplasms, but it cannot serve as a useful prognostic marker.



    [1] MMPs = matrix metalloproteinases

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