[Roles of matrix metalloproteinases and tissue specific inhibitors of metalloproteinases in dentinogenic ghost cell tumor and ghost cell odontogenic carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the roles of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP) in dentinogenic ghost cell tumor (DGCT) and ghost cell odontogenic carcinoma (GCOC). METHODS: The expressions of MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-14, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 were examined in 15 DGCT cases and 9 GCOC cases by immunohistochemistry. Their mRNA expression in one DGCT case and one GCOC case were investigated by RT-PCT.MMP-2 and MMP-9 protein activities in the two cases were analyzed by gelatin zymography. RESULTS: MMP-9 and TIMP-1 expressions elevated greatly in GCOC, and there was a significant difference (P < 0.05) in TIMP-1 expression between GCOC and DGCT.Pro-MMP-9, MMP-9 activated form, pro-MMP-2, and MMP-2 activated forms were detected in the GCOC case, while pro-MMP-9 and MMP-9 activated form were very faint in the DGCT case. The mRNA level of MMP-9 elevated obviously in the GCOC case, which was similar to that of TIMP-1. CONCLUSIONS: The elevated expression of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 may influence the behaviour of GCOC.