Comparison of Serum and Plasma MMP-9 Level in Breast Cancer Patients and its Correlation with the Clinical f Features of the Patients.

Background: Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) has been reported as a new marker gene for several cancers. With respect to the significance function of this gene in diagnosis of cancers in the present study we compare the correlation between the plasma and serum MMP-9 levels and clinical features of breast cancer patients. Methods: In this case-control study, 120 breast cancer patients and 87 healthy controls were studded. MMP-9 level was quantitatively measured by zymography and specific kit. The results were compared with clinical features of patients. Finding: Plasma MMP-9 level was significantly elevated in breast cancer patients compared with the control subjects (P < 0.001). Also there was a correlation between the plasma MMP-9 level and lymph node metastasis (OR, 3.43; P = 0.019) and venous invasion (OR, 4.14; P = 0.033) of the patients. There was no correlation between the serum MMP-9 level and lymphatic metastasis or venous invasion. Conclusion: according to our findings the plasma MMP-9 level in comparison with the serum MMP- 9 level is a better determinant for early diagnosis, lymph node metastasis and venous invasion in patients with breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]