Determination of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) protein expression in laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas based on digital image analysis
Papadas, T.A.; Naxakis, S.S.; Mastronikolis, N.S.; Stathas, T.; Karabekos, N.C.; Tsiambas, E.
Journal of Buon Official Journal of the Balkan Union of Oncology 18(4): 977-981
2013
ISSN/ISBN: 1107-0625 PMID: 24344026 Document Number: 666684
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) is a superfamily of proteins involved in angiogenesis and metastatic tissue invasion in many cancers. Overexpression of MMP- 9 has been detected in significant proportions of laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas (LSCCs), but its prognostic impact remains unclear. In this study we performed a digital image analysis for analyzing MMP-9 protein expression in a series of LSCCs correlating them with clinicopathological factors. MMP-9 protein expression level was determined immunohistochemically in 30 tissue sections surgically derived from patients (21 male and 9 female) with LSCC. Using digital image analysis, we measured their corresponding protein expression levels (staining intensity/S.I. range values 0-255). Moderate and high MMP-9 protein expression levels (grouping as 2+/3+ overexpression) were detected in 19/30 (63.3%) cases. Statistical significance was observed correlating stage with SI (p=0.02), whereas a borderline association with differentiation grade of the examined tumors was also registered (p=0.05). Interestingly, high levels of MMP-9 expression were observed in cases that demonstrated a significant level of inflammatory (predominantly lymphocytic) infiltration. MMP-9 protein overactivation is a frequent and significant genetic event in LSCC, correlating with its biological behavior (increased TNM stage). MMP-9 seems to mediate an epithelial-stromal intra-reaction correlating also with induction of specific inflammation pathways.