Expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and prostate-specific antigen in localized and metastatic prostate cancer.

Background: The matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 are known to degrade the extra-cellular matrix (ECM) and to be involved in the invasion and metastasis of cancer cells. In order to establish the clinical significance of the determination of serum MMP-2 levels for prostate cancer (PCa), we determined serum levels of MMP-2 and PSA in patients with PCa at different stages.

Patients And Methods: In this study, serum samples from 39 patients with prostate hypertrophy and 51 PCa patients diagnosed at Kitasato University Hospital, Japan, were examined. MMP-2 levels were determined by measuring pro-MMP-2 using an enzyme immunoassay. PSA was also determined by enzyme immunoassay. Immunohistochemical analysis of prostate cancer specimens was performed according to the labeled streptavidin-biotinylated antibody (LSAB) method.

Results: Serum levels of MMP-2 and PSA increased with PCa disease progression. Serum levels of both markers in patients with invasive and metastatic PCa were significantly higher than in those with localized PCa. No significant association was found between serum levels of MMP-2 and PSA in patients with PCa. Extremely high levels of MMP-2 greater than 950 ng/ml or increased levels of PSA over 300 ng/ml were found only in PCa patients with bone metastases.

Conclusion: Our findings indicate that MMP-2 may be involved in the invasion and metastasis of PCa and that serum MMP-2 levels may be able to become an auxiliary indicator of serum PSA to detect the progression of PCa.