Background

Upregulation of the matrix metalloproteinases MMP-2 and MMP-9 in various cancers has been associated with worse survival of the patients.

Methods

We assessed MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels in normal colorectal mucosa from colorectal cancer patients in relation to the course of the disease.

Results

A high protein expression of MMP-2 as well as MMP-9 in normal mucosa was found to be correlated with worse 5-year survival. The combination of both parameters was an even stronger prognostic factor. These protein levels were found not to be related to the corresponding single nucleotide polymorphisms of MMP-2 (-1306C>T) and MMP-9 (-1562C>T). Multivariate analyses indicated that the MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels in normal mucosa are prognostic for survival, independent of TNM classification.

Conclusion

MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels in normal mucosa are indicative of the course of disease in colorectal cancer patients.

The prognostic significance of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and tumour protein levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 was evaluated in 215 colorectal cancer patients. Single-nucleotide polymorphism MMP-2(-1306T) and high MMP-2 levels were significantly associated with worse survival. Extreme tumour MMP-9 levels were associated with poor prognosis but SNP MMP-9(-1562C>T) was not. Tumour MMP levels were not determined by their SNP genotypes.