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| The ratio of MMP-2 to TIMP-2 in hilar cholangiocarcinoma: a semi-quantitative study |
| Mei Xiao， Nin-Xing Zhou，Zhi-Qiang Huang，Ya-Li Lu, Ling-Hong Chen, Dian-Jun Wang and Wei-Lin Chang |
Beijing, China
Author Affiliations: Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, General Airforce of Hospital， Beijing 100036, China (Xiao M) and General Hospital of People’s Liberation Army, Beijing 100853, China (Zhou NX, Huang ZQ, Lu YL, Chen LH, Wang DJ and Chang WL)
Corresponding Author: Mei Xiao, MD, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery of General Airforce of Hospital, Beijing 100036, China |
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Abstract BACKGROUND: Hilar cholangiocarcinoma is associated with low resectability and poor survival. The aim of this study was to evaluate the roles of matrix metalloproteinases-2 (MMP-2) and its tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2(TIMP-2) in tumor invasion or as a prognostic factor in patients with human hilar cholangiocarcinoma.
METHODS: The expressions of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 were investigated in patients. Paraffinized tissue sections obtained from 50 patients with human hilar cholangiocarcinoma were analysed. The expressions of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 were examined immunohistochemically. Image analysis with image-pro plus analysis software was used to semiquantitatively determine the ratio of MMP-2 to TIMP-2.
RESULTS: The expression levels of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 were strongly associated with tumor hepatic invasion in patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Significant differences in the ratio of MMP-2 to TIMP-2 between some pathologic factors were observed in patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma.
CONCLUSIONS: MMP-2 plays an essential role in tumor invasion and metastasis，while TIMP-2 is shown to strongly inhibit cancer invasion and metastasis. The ratio of MMP-2 to TIMP-2 may be a prognostic indicator for patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma.
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2004, Vol. 3 
