Investigation of TGF-β1 and MMP-2 expression in

Objective: TGF-β1 is a multifunctional cytokine involved in the regulation of cell growth and differentiation. Although it inhibits the growth of epithelial cells, the growth inhibitory effect of TGF-β1 is lost in many types of tumors. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) is central to matrix degradation, which is a key event in tumor invasion and metastasis. Study Design: In an attempt to find molecular prognostic markers for pancreatic carcinoma, we studied immunohistochemical expression of TGF-β1 and MMP-2 proteins in 25 ductal pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The results were compared with grade, vascular space and perineural invasion, desmoplasia and lymph node metastasis. Results: TGF-β1 and MMP-2 immunoreactivity were seen in 13(53%) and 19(76%) cases, respectively. TGF-β1 reactivity was seen in higher-grade tumors. Statistically significant correlation of TGF-β1 (+) immunoreactivity with grade, desmoplasia and vascular invasion was found. Although MMP-2 reactivity was seen in most of the cases, significant correlation was not found between MMP-2 and clinicopathologic parameters. Conclusion: The results implicated that, TGF-β1 reactivity might play a role in the progression of ductal adenocarcinoma, however MMP-2 expression might not be related with the progression. Since conflicting results have been reported on this subject, TGF-β1 and MMP-2 deserve further study