Correlation of matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors with hypoxia and angiogenesis in premenopausal patients with adenocarcinoma of the breast

ObjectivesThe present study was designed to correlate the expression of proteins regulating invasion and angiogenesis in patients with adenocarcinoma of the breast.Design and methodSeventy-five premenopausal breast cancer patients histologically categorized as grades I, II and III were chosen for the study. We analyzed the expression of MMP-2, and -9 and their inhibitors TIMP-2 and RECK together with HIF-1α and VEGF in tumor, adjacent tissues and serum samples by immunohistochemical and Western blot analysis.ResultsThe breast tumors analyzed in the present study were characterized by increased expression of MMP-2, -9, HIF-1α and VEGF with differential expression patterns of TIMP-2 and downregulation of RECK.ConclusionsThe simultaneous analysis of the expression of these molecular markers is important to understand the intricate network between key molecules involved in invasion and angiogenesis that eventually determines the clinical course of the disease.