The overexpression and predictive significance of MMP-12 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-mediated degradation of the extracellular matrix is a major factor for tumor invasion and metastasis. MMP-12, as metalloelastase, its function in tumor progression remains contradictory. This study was undertaken to investigate the role of MMP-12 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). We analyzed the protein expression of MMP-12 and its association with clinicopatholigical parameters, as well as survival analysis. MMP-12 was highly expressed in tumor cells comparing with normal epithelial cells. The high expression of MMP-12 was significantly correlated with tumor grade and stage, nodal metastasis and poor survival of ESCC. Cox multivariate analysis revealed that MMP-12 was an independent prognostic factor in ESCC. Our results suggest that MMP-12 might act as a potential target for the development of novel therapeutics of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.