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Published on: January 22, 2018
Matrix metalloproteinase-7 mRNA and protein expression in gastric carcinoma: a meta-analysis
Zi-Wen Long1, Jiang-Li Wang, Ya-Nong Wang
1Department of Gastric cancer and soft tissue sarcoma surgery, Fudan University, Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270, Dongan Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
Abstract:
Messenger RNA (mRNA) acts as template for protein synthesis. The matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) protein and its mRNA expression have been suggested to be involved in the development of various diseases and cancers. We aimed to study associations between the MMP-7 protein and mRNA expression in gastric carcinoma (GC) patients. We searched in the Science Citation Index, the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Current Contents Index, and several Chinese databases. Studies were pooled and odds ratios and their corresponding 95 % confidence intervals were calculated. Subgroup analyses and publication bias detection were also conducted. Statistical analysis was performed via Version 12.0 STATA software. An updated meta-analysis based on 16 independent cohort studies was performed to investigate this association. The study suggests that significant differences in MMP-7 protein levels were observed in tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) I-II vs. III-IV (odds radio (OR) =3.19, 95 % confidence interval (95%CI) =1.59 ∼ 6.41, P=0.001), in T1-2 vs. T3-4 invasive grade (OR=1.82, 95%CI=1.07 ∼ 3.12, P=0.028), and in distant metastasis-positive vs. metastasis-negative samples (OR=3.14, 95%CI=1.05 ∼ 9.35, P=0.040). Increased MMP-7 mRNA levels were found to be significantly correlated with invasive grade (T3-4 vs. T1-2: OR=5.61, 95%CI=2.64 ∼ 11.95, P<0.001) and in the lymph node (LN) metastasis (positive vs. negative: OR=7.08, 95%CI=4.20 ∼ 11.93, P<0.001) group. Country subgroup analysis yielded significantly different estimates in the protein expression of MMP-7 of all experimental groups. MMP-7 mRNA levels were increased in LN metastasis-positive GC in contrast to metastasis-negative in China and Korea (all P<0.05); this was not shown in Japan (P>0.05). Higher protein and mRNA levels of MMP-7 were statistically associated with aggressive LN metastasis, advanced TNM stage, and invasion in GC patients; MMP-7 can thus potentially serve as a useful biomarker in determining GC progression and prognosis.
Insights
Matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) protein and mRNA levels are linked to gastric cancer progression. Higher MMP-7 expression correlates with advanced tumor stage, metastasis, and invasion, suggesting its potential as a biomarker.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) is implicated in various diseases and cancers.
- Understanding MMP-7's role in gastric carcinoma (GC) is crucial for diagnosis and prognosis.
- Previous studies suggest associations between MMP-7 expression and GC development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between MMP-7 protein and mRNA expression in gastric carcinoma patients.
- To evaluate MMP-7 as a potential biomarker for GC progression and prognosis.
Main Methods:
- An updated meta-analysis of 16 independent cohort studies was performed.
- Searched multiple scientific databases including PubMed, Embase, and Chinese databases.
- Statistical analysis included pooling odds ratios, confidence intervals, subgroup analyses, and publication bias detection.
Main Results:
- Elevated MMP-7 protein levels were associated with advanced tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stages (I-II vs. III-IV), invasive grade (T1-2 vs. T3-4), and distant metastasis.
- Increased MMP-7 mRNA levels significantly correlated with invasive grade (T3-4 vs. T1-2) and lymph node (LN) metastasis.
- MMP-7 mRNA levels were higher in LN metastasis-positive GC in China and Korea, but not in Japan.
Conclusions:
- Higher MMP-7 protein and mRNA levels are statistically associated with aggressive LN metastasis, advanced TNM stage, and invasion in GC patients.
- MMP-7 shows potential as a useful biomarker for determining GC progression and patient prognosis.
- Geographical variations in MMP-7 expression warrant further investigation.
