Correlation between expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and angiogenesis in colorectal adenocarcinoma.

Matrix metalloproteinases-2 (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), which degrade extracellular matrix, are believed to play a crucial role in tumor invasion and metastasis. Angiogenesis is also perceived as an important step in tumor growth and metastasis. To investigate the expression of MMPs and the correlation between the expression of MMPs and angiogenesis in colorectal adenocarcinoma, we studied 72 cases of colorectal adenocarcinoma in Inha University Hospital from 1996 to 1997. We evaluated the expression of MMPs by immunohistochemistry and angiogenesis by counting the microvessels. The expression of MMP-2 was increased according to the Astler-Coller stage (p< 0.05). Angiogenesis in the metastatic group was higher than that of the localized one (p<0.05). The expression of MMP-2 positively correlated with angiogenesis (p<0.05), and marked expression of MMP-9 positively correlated with angiogenesis (p<0.05). The present results suggest that the expression of MMP-2 provides clues for tumor progression and angiogenesis provides significant information to predict whether metastasis is present in colorectal adenocarcinoma.