Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the behavior of the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) 2 and 9 and the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP-1) in human prostate cancer.
Methods: mRNA and protein expression patterns of MMP-2, MMP-9, and TIMP-1 were studied in cancerous and noncancerous parts of 17 prostates removed by radical prostatectomy. Competitive RT-PCR, gelatin-substrate zymography, and ELISA techniques were used for quantification.
Results: On the mRNA level, MMP-2 expression was decreased and MMP-9, TIMP-1, the ratios of MMP-2 and MMP-9 to TIMP-1 were unchanged in cancerous tissue compared to the normal counterparts. On the protein level, expression of MMP-9 was significantly higher and TIMP-1 expression was significantly lower, MMP-2 was unchanged and the ratios of MMP-2 and MMP-9 to TIMP-1 were increased in tumor tissue.
Conclusions: The higher concentration of MMP-9 as well as the increased ratios of MMP-2 and MMP-9 to TIMP-1 in malignant tissue prove the proteolytic dysbalance in prostate cancer, which does not seem to be associated with the stage and grade of the tumor. Comparison of mRNA and protein expression of MMP-2, MMP-9 and TIMP-1, respectively, did not show any significant relationships illustrating the necessity to study these components at both molecular levels.
Copyright 2002 Elsevier Science B.V.