Significance of the expression of matrix metalloproteinases-7 in benign and malignant thyroid tissues / 中国医师杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the expression of matrix metalloproteinases-7 (MMP-7) in benign and malignant thyroid tissues and its clinical significance. Methods The expression of MMP-7 in 50 thyroid cancers, 45 adenoma and 20 adjacent noncancerous portion tissues were studied by microwave-LSAB immunohistochemical method. Results The positive rate of MMP-7 in thyroid cancer was 64. 0%, which was significantly higher than 37. 0% in adenoma and 25.0% in adjacent noncancerous portion(X_2=8. 72,6. 52, P < 0.01 ). No correlation was observed between the expression of MMP-7 and histological grading of thyroid cancer. The expression of MMP-7 in lymph node metastasis and Grade Ⅲ～Ⅳ were both higher than that in negative cases and in Grade Ⅰ～Ⅱ ( P < 0. 05 ). The percentage of recurrence and death in MMP-7 positive cases were notably higher than that in negative cases( P <0. 05). Conclusion The expression of MMP-7 can be regarded as a parameter for evaluating the degree of malignancy, biological behavior and prognosis of thyroid cancer.