Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are associated with invasion and metastasis of several human malignant tumors, in particular MMP-7, which is mainly produced by the cancer cell itself. We examined the expression of MMP-2, 7 and 9, and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 and 2 in uterine endometrial carcinoma, and compared the expression with clinicopathological characteristics in uterine endometrial carcinoma (UEC). A group of 256 patients with UEC received surgery at the Osaka City University Medical School Hospital, and 196 tumor samples were immunohistochemically stained to examine the expression of MMP-2, 7 and 9, and TIMP-1 and 2. Additionally, the invasion ability of cell stain established from UEC was examined using an in vitro invasion assay. The expression of MMP-2, 7 and 9, and TIMP-1 and 2 was observed in the cytoplasm, and the expression of MMP-2 and 7, and TIMP-1 and 2 was observed in stromal cells around the tumor cells. The expression of MMP-7 was significantly stronger in higher-grade than lower-grade tumors (P<0.05). The invasion assay showed that the invasion of cells derived from UECs was significantly inhibited by TIMP-1 and 2. The disease-free interval was significantly shorter when MMP-7 expression was intense. This increased expression of MMP-7 in high grade UECs may be associated with tumor invasion and metastasis, and MMP-7 could serve as a prognostic maker in UEC.

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