Increased serum MMP-2, MMP-7, MMP-9, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 levels in colorectal cancer development

Background: We and others have previously shown that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play role in colorectal cancer (CRC) invasion and metastasis. However, the serum changes of various MMPs and their inhibitors (TIMPs) have scarcely been concomitantly investigated in the normal colon-adenoma-CRC sequence. Methods: The MMP-2, MMP-7, MMP-9, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 serum antigen concentrations were determined in 19 tumor-free control patients, 19 patients with high-risk colorectal adenoma and 47 patients with CRC by ELISA technique. The analyzed parameters were also investigated in correlation with CRC stages. Statistic…