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The expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 in human gliomas of different pathological grades
Maode Wang1, Tuo Wang, Shuoxun Liu
1Department of Neurosurgery, the First Hospital, Xi'an Jaotong University, No. 1 Jiankang Road, Xi'an 710061, China. maodewang@yahoo.com.cn
Abstract:
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been implicated to play a critical role in glioma invasiveness. In this study, we aimed to investigate the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in human gliomas of different degrees of malignancy, and evaluated the correlation between MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression in gliomas. The samples from 65 cases of glioma were divided into four groups according to the WHO classification: there were 16 cases of grade I, 17 cases of grade II, 20 cases of grade III, and 12 cases of grade IV. Normal brain samples served as the control group, and biopsy specimens were obtained from 8 glioma patients with a needle placed into the adjacent brain 1 cm from the margin after tumor resection. All the samples were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemistry. A computer-aided image-analysis system was employed to measure the integral optical density (IOD) of positive slides. No positive staining was found in the control group. The positive staining was localized in the cytoplasm of glioma cells, the extracellular matrix (ECM), the basement membrane (BM), and the endothelial cells of blood vessels. Positive staining rates increased significantly when the degree of malignancy of gliomas was elevated. The IOD value of MMP-2 and MMP-9 also indicated that the intensity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression was elevated significantly with the degree of malignancy of the gliomas. There was a positive correlation between MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression in gliomas. Glioma invasion and angiogenesis were particularly seen in the biopsied tissues, and MMP-9 immunostaining seemed to be much more intense and extensive than MMP-2 immunostaining in these samples. These results suggest that MMP-2 and MMP-9 staining in gliomas is localized in the cytoplasm of tumor cells, BM, and endothelial cells, and that MMP-2 and MMP-9 together play an important role in the invasiveness of gliomas, mediating the degradation of the ECM and angiogenesis. MMP-2 and MMP-9 could be molecular targets in the treatment of malignant glioma.
Insights
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), specifically MMP-2 and MMP-9, are crucial for glioma invasiveness. Their expression and correlation increase with glioma malignancy, suggesting they are key targets for treating malignant gliomas.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Cancer biology
- Molecular pathology
Background:
- Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are implicated in glioma progression.
- Understanding MMP-2 and MMP-9 roles is vital for glioma treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression in human gliomas of varying malignancy.
- Evaluate the correlation between MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression in gliomas.
- Assess the role of MMPs in glioma invasion and angiogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed 65 glioma samples across WHO grades (I-IV) and normal brain controls.
- Utilized hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry.
- Employed a computer-aided image-analysis system to quantify MMP expression (IOD).
Main Results:
- MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression and positive staining rates significantly increased with glioma malignancy.
- Positive staining observed in glioma cells, ECM, basement membrane, and endothelial cells.
- A positive correlation was found between MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression.
Conclusions:
- MMP-2 and MMP-9 play a significant role in glioma invasiveness and angiogenesis.
- Elevated MMP expression correlates with higher glioma grade.
- MMP-2 and MMP-9 represent potential molecular targets for malignant glioma therapy.
