[MMP-2 expression (type IV collagenase) in gastric cancer].

The protein MMP-2 (type IV collagenase) belongs to the family of metalloproteinases. Its function is related to cellular matrix degradation including basement membrane type IV collagen. Its presence in the neoplastic cells might enhance its capacity for dissemination. To find out some of its clinico-pathological and immunohistochemical behavior, 98 adenocarcinomas of the stomach were immunohistochemically studied, in search for MMP-2 in neoplastic cells. The results showed a correlation between MMP-2 with parietal depth of infiltration (p = 0.03) and with metastases in regional lymph nodes (p = 0.05). On the other hand, no correlation was found with sex, gastric localization, size of the tumor, histological type or grade neither with expression of MIB-1, c-erbB-2 nor p53 proteins, recurrence nor 5 year survival or no recurrency.