Constitutive overexpression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) is frequently observed in malignant tumors. MMPs are a family of zinc endopeptidases consisting of at least 20 different members. In particular, MMP-2 and MMP-9 are reported to be closely associated with invasion and metastasis in several cancers. We investigated whether expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 is associated with invasion ability of seven cervical cancer cells by administration of o-phenanthroline as MMP inhibitor. In two cell lines, Siha and Caski, MMP-2 mRNA and protein were expressed at high levels. After treatment with o-phenanthroline, the rate of invasion in these two cell lines was significantly decreased. In contrast, in the other two cell lines, HT-3 and Caski, high levels of MMP-9 mRNA and protein were expressed but there was no decrease in the rate of invasion in these cells after treatment with o-phenanthroline. The data suggest that expression level of MMP-2 mRNA may regulate with invasion ability of cervical cancer.

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