Expression of gelatinase (MMP-2 and MMP-9) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in endometrial carcinoma

Objective: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are key players in the degradation of extracellular matrix and basement membranes, and are thus important in tumor invasion. Gelatinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) in particular are prognostic factors in many solid tumors. In this study the immunohistochemical expression of both COX-2 and matrix metalloproteinases has been shown for the first time in endometrium carcinoma. Methods: Forty-two endometrial carcinoma tissues were immunostained for MMP2 antibody (1:100, Rabbit polyclonal), MMP9 antibody (]:100, Rabbit polyclonal) and CoX2 antibody (1: 100, Epitope specific rabbit antibody). Results: 90.5% of the cases were positive for MMP-2 and MMP-9, and 83.3% of the cases were positive for COX-2. A statistically significant association was found between COX-2 overexpression and FIGO stage (p = 0.001). A positive correlation was also found with histological grade (p = 0.006), myometrial invasion (p = 0.033), vascular invasion (p = 0.017), and lymphatic invasion (p = 0.007). A positive correlation was found between MMP-2 overexpression and vascular and lymphatic invasion (p 0.030 and p = 0.003, respectively). MMP-9 overexpression was also found to be correlated with vascular and lymphatic invasion (p 0.001 and p = 0.012, respectively). Furthermore, there was a statistically significant correlation between MMP-2 and MMP-9 overexpression (p = 0.0001). Conclusion: The results showed that COX-2, MMP-2 and MMP-9 were expressed in a high percentage of primary endometrial carcinomas and their expressions may be associated closely with parameters of tumor aggressiveness.