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Elevated level of circulating matrix metalloproteinase-9 in patients with lung cancer
1Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Physiology and Biochemistry, Medical University of Lódź, Poland. hrabec@lodz.cc
Abstract:
The 72 kDa matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-2) and the 92 kDa matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-9), are type IV collagenases that have been implicated as important factors in cancer invasion and metastasis formation. We have used quantitative zymography and computer-assisted image analysis to measure the levels of MMP-9 and MMP-2 in 19 samples of serum of lung cancer patients and in 23 samples of normal serum. Mean levels of MMP-9 were significantly elevated in cancer samples compared with normal sera (1.33 +/- 0.61 microU microl(-1) vs. 0.37 +/- 0.10 microU microl(-1), P<0.0001). MMP-2 levels did not differ significantly in these two groups. However, there was no significant correlation between serum MMP-9 activity and the disease stage. We found that circulation levels of MMP-9 in lung cancer patients is 3.6-fold higher than in healthy volunteers, however, we do not consider this elevation to be a direct reflection of MMP-9 over-production by tumour cells.
Insights
Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) levels are significantly elevated in lung cancer patients compared to healthy individuals. However, this increase in circulating MMP-9 may not directly indicate overproduction by tumor cells.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), specifically MMP-2 and MMP-9, are crucial type IV collagenases.
- These enzymes play significant roles in cancer invasion and the formation of metastases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify and compare serum levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in lung cancer patients versus healthy individuals.
- To investigate the correlation between serum MMP-9 activity and lung cancer disease stage.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative zymography was employed to measure MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels.
- Computer-assisted image analysis was utilized for precise quantification.
- Serum samples from 19 lung cancer patients and 23 healthy controls were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Mean serum MMP-9 levels were significantly higher in lung cancer patients (1.33 +/- 0.61 microU/microl) compared to normal controls (0.37 +/- 0.10 microU/microl) (P<0.0001).
- Circulating MMP-9 levels were found to be 3.6-fold higher in lung cancer patients.
- No significant difference in MMP-2 levels was observed between the two groups.
- Serum MMP-9 activity did not show a significant correlation with the stage of the disease.
Conclusions:
- Serum MMP-9 is significantly elevated in lung cancer patients.
- The elevated circulating MMP-9 levels in lung cancer patients may not solely result from direct tumor cell overproduction.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise origins and implications of elevated MMP-9 in lung cancer.