Matrix metalloproteinase-9 in broncho-alveolar lavage fluid of patients with non-small cell lung cancer

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate concentration of MMP-9 in blood plasma and broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods: Blood plasma from 40 NSCLC patients and 40 healthy donors was collected and concentrations of blood plasma and BALF MMP-9 were measured using ELISA. Correlation between MMP-9 level and gender, histological type of tumor and stage of disease was analyzed.

Results: Levels of blood plasma MMP-9 were significantly higher in NSCLC patients (p < 0.0001) then in control group, and were especially high in patients with stage IV of disease (stage I vs stage IV - p < 0.005, stage II vs stage IV - p < 0.01, stage III vs stage IV - p < 0.01). Also, stage IV of NSCLC was characterized by the highest level of BALF MMP-9 (stage I vs stage IV - p < 0.002, stage II vs stage IV p < 0.002, and stage III vs stage IV p < 0.007). Correlation between blood plasma and BALF MMP-9 levels and gender or histological type of tumor was insignificant.

Conclusion: Our data revealed significant correlation between tumor stage and BALF and plasma MMP-9 levels in NSCLC patients.