Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of proteolytic enzymes, involved in the degradation of extracellular matrix components. The physiological function of MMP-9 is associated with regulation of immune processes, embryogenesis, reproduction and wound healing. MMP-9 also plays a critical role in tumor invasion, degrading the basement membrane, what is observed in different types of cancers: breast, gastrointestinal, and gynecological. AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the plasma levels and diagnostic utility of MMP-9 and CA 125 in cervical cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 72 patients with cervical cancer and 24 healthy women. Plasma levels of the MMP- 9 was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and CA 15-3 - by chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA). RESULTS: This studies have shown increase levels of MMP-9 and CA 125 in cervical cancer patients compared to health control group. In addition, the MMP-9 concentration increased with the clinical stage of tumor. The sensitivity and specificity of MMP-9, positive and negative predictive value, were higher or equal than CA 125, but this parameter can not be used as a single marker. Our studies of MMP-9 have shown a high utility to the exclusion of cancer, similarly to CA 125. The combined analysis of MMP-9 and CA 125 significantly increased the ability to diagnose a cervical cancer and the possibility exclusion of cancer. CONCLUSIONS: MMP-9 has shown the usefulness in the diagnosis of cervical cancer, but only in the combined analysis with CA 125, as a new diagnostic panel.
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of proteolytic enzymes, involved in the degradation of extracellular matrix components. The physiological function of MMP-9 is associated with regulation of immune processes, embryogenesis, reproduction and wound healing. MMP-9 also plays a critical role in tumor invasion, degrading the basement membrane, what is observed in different types of cancers: breast, gastrointestinal, and gynecological. AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the plasma levels and diagnostic utility of MMP-9 and CA 125 in cervical cancerpatients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 72 patients with cervical cancer and 24 healthy women. Plasma levels of the MMP- 9 was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and CA 15-3 - by chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA). RESULTS: This studies have shown increase levels of MMP-9 and CA 125 in cervical cancerpatients compared to health control group. In addition, the MMP-9 concentration increased with the clinical stage of tumor. The sensitivity and specificity of MMP-9, positive and negative predictive value, were higher or equal than CA 125, but this parameter can not be used as a single marker. Our studies of MMP-9 have shown a high utility to the exclusion of cancer, similarly to CA 125. The combined analysis of MMP-9 and CA 125 significantly increased the ability to diagnose a cervical cancer and the possibility exclusion of cancer. CONCLUSIONS:MMP-9 has shown the usefulness in the diagnosis of cervical cancer, but only in the combined analysis with CA 125, as a new diagnostic panel.