[Comparison of matrix proteinase mRNA expression in morphologically normal, neoplastic, and metastatic colon tissue and colon biopsies from healthy donors].

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) responsible for the extracellular matrix remodeling, the activation of various growth factors, and angiogenesis play an important role in the colorectal cancer (CRC) development. In the present work the comparative analysis of MMP-7, -8, -9, and -11 mRNA as well mRNA of the Ki-67 proliferation marker in tissue samples obtained from CRC patients and healthy individuals. Employing the real time PCR method the expression levels of several MMPs (MMP-7, -8, -9, and -11) and cell proliferation marker, Ki-67, were simultaneously measured in 256 tissue samples obtained from 112 patients with CRC: 112 samples of the primary tumor (CRC), 112 samples of the most distant border of morphologically normal colonic mucosa (MNT), 16 samples of liver metastases) and from 16 healthy volunteers who underwent colonoscopy and biopsy.