Prevalence of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-9) in urinary bladder cancer

Abstract

Background: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of extracellular matrix degrading proteinases are involved in tumor invasion, metastasis as well as in the early stages of carcinogenesis,the aim of this study was to explore whether changes in matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) are involved in the urinary bladder cancer.Methods: Expression of MMP-9 was evaluated in the tumor of 30 urinary bladder cancer cases and 20 control group with in situ hybridization.Results: Increased expression of MMP-9 was significantly higher in tumor compared with normal samples. Expression of MMP-9 did not found any significant association with tumor age, sex, grade and muscle invasion.Conclusion: This study shows that MMP-9 may play an essential role in the determination of bladder cancer.