Overexpression of matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) correlates with tumor proliferation, and a poor prognosis in non-small cell lung cancer

SummaryBackgroundMatrix metalloporteinase-7 (MMP-7) is a member of the MMP family, and it has been reported to play an important role in tumorigenesis, invasion and metastasis. We performed a retrospective study on the MMP-7 expression in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) according to the clinical characteristics, biological markers and the Wnt1 expression.Patients and methodsOne hundred forty-seven postsurgical NSCLC patients were investigated. Immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate the MMP-7 expression, the Ki-67 proliferation index, tumor angiogenesis and the Wnt1 expression. The TUNEL method was performed to investigate tumor apoptosis.ResultsSeventy-six carcinomas (51.7%) were MMP-7-positive. The MMP-7 expression was significantly higher in squamous cell carcinomas than in adenocarcinomas (P < 0.0001). The Ki-67 proliferation index was significantly higher in MMP-7-positvie tumors than in MMP-7-negative tumors (P = 0.0003). However, there was no difference in the MMP-7 expression in relation to apoptosis or angiogenesis. Regarding its regulation, the MMP-7 expression signif