IMAJ | volume
Journal 4, April 2002
pages: 247-251
Summary
Background: Matrix metalloproteinases are proteolytic enzymes that degrade extracellular matrix components. Numerous studies have demonstrated that individual MMPs 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.
MMPs = matrix metalloproteinases