[1439] Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinase Type 9 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Correlation with Histopathologic Parameters

D Nart, N Incili, M Zeytunlu, M Kilic, Z Karasu, F Yilmaz. Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey

Background: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-9) are known to play an important role in the cell migration during cancer invasion by degrading extracellular matrix proteins. This study aimed to determine the role of MMP-9 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) carcinogenesis.
Design: Eighty-nine cases who underwent transplantation for HCC in cirrhotic liver were selected for this study. The tumor charecteristics such as nodule number, maximal diameter, portal vein invasion were reviewed. Parafin sections were immunostained with antimouse monoclonal antibodies for MMP-9 (GE-213, 1:10, Neomarkers). The intensity of immunostaining and the percentage of immunoreactive cells were evaluated. The Pearson Chi Square analysis was used.
Results: In 31 patients (34,8%) HCC presented as a solitary nodule, 15 (16,9%) as two nodules; 9 (10,1%) as three nodules; and 34 patients (38,2%) as more than three nodules. There were 61 patients (68,5%) with maximal diameter of the largest tumor between 1-3 cm, 17 patients (19,1%) with maximal diameter of the largest tumor between 3-5 cm and 11 patients with maximal diameter of the largest tumor exceeding 5 cm. The histopathological grade of differentiation of the tumors was assessed as well in 20 patients (22,5%), moderate in 52 (58,4%), and poor in 17 (19,1%). While 47 patients had no sign of vascular involvement, 36 tumors showed segmental vasculer invasion (40,4%) and six large vessel involvement (6,7%). Among 89 HCC, the incidence of a positive (+) and (++) expression of MMP-9 in carcinoma cells was 30,3% (23/89) and 43,8% (39/89), respectively. There was no immunostaining in 23 tumors (25,8%). There was a significant correlation between increased MMP-9 expression and poor differentiation (p=0,001). A significant correlation between MMP-9 expression and large tumor (>5 cm) was also observed. There was a positive correlation between large vascular invasion and MMP-9 immunoreactivity (p=0,002).
Conclusions: In this study, our results indicate a positive association between MMP-9 expression and histopathologic parameters indicating poor prognosis. We conclude that MMP-9 expression in HCC may aid to predict poor outcome.
Category: Liver & Pancreas

Tuesday, March 10, 2009 9:30 AM

Poster Session III # 172, Tuesday Morning