Expressions of MMP-7，VEGF-D and VEGFR-3 in colorectal carcinoma and its clinic significance

Abstract:

Objective：To study the expressions of matrix metalloproteinase-7（MMP-7），vascular endothelial growth factor-D （VEGF-D） and （Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3）（VEGFR-3） in colorectal carcinomas and relationship between MMP-7 ex－pression and lymphangiogenesis. Methods：124 primary tumors with colorectal carcinoma were studied，together with 70 normal col－orectal tissues by immunohistochemistry. Results：The expressions of MMP-7，VEGF-D and VEGFR-3 were higher in the primary tu－mors than those in mucosa. MMP-7 expression was associated with tumor volume，Dukes stage，invasive depth and lymph node metastasis. VEGF-D and VEGFR-3 expressions were associated with tumor volume and lymph node metastasis. There was positive correlation between MMP-7，VEGF-D and VEGFR-3 in primary tumors. The higher expressions of MMP-7，VEGF-D and VEGFR-3 indicated worse prognosis in colorectal carcinoma. Conclusion：MMP-7 overexpression was closely related to the expressions of VEGF-D and VEGFR-3 that might be involved in the lymphangiogenesis. MMP-7，VEGF-D and VEGFR-3 might be helpful to predict the prognosis of colorectal carcinoma.