Lipocalin 2 could predict circulating MMP9 levels in patients with breast cancer.

Objectives: Breast cancer is the most prevalent carcinoma found in Indonesian women, and its incidence remains high worldwide. Lipocalin 2 has been linked with the progression of breast cancer. Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) is an enzyme that has an important role in angiogenesis. We investigated the relationship between lipocalin 2 and MMP9 and the ability of lipocalin 2 for predicting MMP9 levels in female patients with breast cancer.

Method: A total of 55 female patients with breast cancer were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Lipocalin 2 and MMP9 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: Lipocalin 2 was significantly correlated with MMP9 levels (r = 0.756, p < 0.001). Lipocalin 2 levels could describe the MMP9 levels (𝛽 = 0.76, p < 0.001, R2 = 56.9%).

Conclusion: Higher lipocalin 2 levels in female patients with breast cancer indicate higher MMP9 levels. Lipocalin 2 can be used to predict MMP9 levels.