Abstract
To study the clinical significance of MMP-7 in colorectal cancers, we investigated 69 cases of imprint smear using immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization. A total of 39 of 69 cases were positive for MMP-7 expression by immunocytochemistry. The expression of MMP-7 protein and mRNA were correlated. Positive cases of MMP-7 proteintented to be moderately differentiated tumors of the sigmoid colon or rectum, and invasive cases. The expression of MMP-7 and metastases to lymph nodes and liver were strongly correlated. In conclusion, MMP-7 may be a useful marker for invasion and metastasis in colorectal cancer.
