Serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 and conventional tumor markers (CEA and CA 19-9) in patients with colorectal and gastric cancers.

Abstract

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), especially MMP-2 and MMP-9, play an important role in tumor invasion and metastasis. This study aimed to determine the serum levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, 130- and 225-kDa gelatinolytic bands and conventional tumor markers, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and cancer antigen (CA) 19-9, in patients with gastrointestinal cancers.

The relationship between these parameters and clinicopathological factors was also studied. Serum levels of MMP-9, 130- and 225-kDa gelatinolytic bands, CEA, and CA 19-9, but not MMP-2, in colorectal and gastric cancer were significantly higher than that of controls.

No significant correlation was found between histological grade or clinical stage and levels of MMP-9, 130- and 225-kDa gelatinolytic bands, which were correlated. Our findings suggest that determination of MMP-9, 130- and 225-kDa gelatinolytic bands in colorectal and gastric cancer may be useful in studying these types of cancer in parallel with conventional tumor markers.