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Serum matrix metalloproteinase-2 in patients with malignant melanoma
U Wollina1, U C Hipler, B Knöll
1Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Friedrich Schiller University of Jena, Germany. Wollina-Uw@khdf.de
Purpose:
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of structurally related zinc-dependent endopeptidases that are able to degrade extracellular matrix components. MMPs play a role in tumor invasion and tumor metastasis. MMP-2 (also known as gelatinase A) is expressed in human melanoma cells.
Methods:
In this study, we measured MMP-2 in 337 serum probes of 166 melanoma patients with a recently developed enzyme immunoassay and compared these data with the tumor stage, presence of metastases, and the levels of S100beta and soluble intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) in serum.
Results:
The mean levels were (189.2 +/- 50.8) ng/ml for MMP-2, (263.2 +/- 74.1) ng/ml for sICAM-1, and (0.424 +/- 1.568) U/ml for S100beta. There was a statistical significant correlation of MMP-2 with sICAM-1 (P=0.05) and Sl00beta (P=0.01). The mean MMP-2 levels (in ng/ml) in patients with metastatic melanoma were 196.4 +/- 54.0 versus 182.6 +/- 46.9 in non-metastasizing melanoma (P=0.037). However, there was no significant difference in MMP-2 levels between the different tumor stages.
Conclusion:
Determination of MMP-2 serum levels is of limited value as a tumor marker in melanoma, though there are higher levels in the more advanced disease.
Insights
Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) serum levels are higher in metastatic melanoma patients but offer limited value as a standalone tumor marker. Further research is needed to understand its role in melanoma progression.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are enzymes involved in extracellular matrix degradation, playing a role in tumor invasion and metastasis.
- Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), also known as gelatinase A, is expressed in human melanoma cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure MMP-2 serum levels in melanoma patients.
- To compare MMP-2 levels with tumor stage, metastasis presence, and other serum markers (S100beta, sICAM-1).
Main Methods:
- Enzyme immunoassay was used to measure MMP-2 in 337 serum samples from 166 melanoma patients.
- Data were correlated with clinical parameters and levels of S100beta and soluble intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1).
Main Results:
- Mean MMP-2 levels were 189.2 ng/ml.
- MMP-2 showed significant correlations with sICAM-1 (P=0.05) and S100beta (P=0.01).
- Higher MMP-2 levels were observed in patients with metastatic melanoma (196.4 ng/ml) compared to non-metastasizing melanoma (182.6 ng/ml) (P=0.037).
Conclusions:
- MMP-2 serum levels have limited value as a tumor marker for melanoma.
- Elevated MMP-2 levels are associated with more advanced melanoma disease.