Relationship between Matrilysin Expression and Angiogenesis in Colorectal Cancer

Objective 　To investigate the correlation of mat rilysin (MMP-7) expression with the angiogenesis in colorectal cancer. Methods 　High sensitive S-P immunohistochemical method was used to detect the expression of MMP-7 and microvessel density (MVD) in clinical specimens. Results 　MVD was gradually increased from normal mucosa, ACF, adenomas, early colorectal cancers to advanced colorectal cancers ( P < 0.05, respectively) . the level of MVD increased in parallel with the depth of invasion ( P < 0. 05), the level of MVD in cancers with metastasis was higher than those with no metastasis ( P < 0. 05) . There was significant difference of MVD between MMP-7 positive colorectal cancers and negative ones ( P <0. 05) . In colorectal cancer the MMP-7 expression was positively correlation with the MVD ( r = 0. 7236, P < 0. 05) . Conclusion 　MMP-7 may promote carcinogenesis, infilt ration and metastasis by means of angiogenesis in colorectal cancer.