Matrix Metalloproteinases 2 and 9 and Their Tissue Inhibitors in the Diagnostics of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma

Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC) is a tumor of the neuroendocrine system. In recent years, the need to assess the MTC diagnostic-related parameters has emerged with the aim to elucidate the mechanisms involved in this pathology. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) 2 and 9, their tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs), S100 protein, and amyloid in the diagnostic of MTC. Thirty-two samples with MTC (72% women) were included in this cross-sectional study and divided by groups: T category 1 (T1)<= 20 mm and T category 2 (T2) 20 to 40 mm of tumor size. MMPs 2 and 9, TIMPs 2 and 1, S100 protein, and calcitonin in tissues were obtained by immunohistochemical techniques. The presence of amyloid in tissue sections was detected on Thioflavin T-stained slides under fluorescent microscope. Percentage of positive cells (P) observed for MMP-2 was higher in those samples presenting T2 MTC with respect to those with T1 MTC (P<0.05). Moreover, P-MMP-2 showed a direct correlation with higher T category of MTC (Rho=0.439, P < 0.001), whereas P-MPP-9 was directly correlated with S100 protein and the intensity of calcitonin in tissues (Rho=0.419, P=0.017; Rho=0.422, P=0.016, respectively. Therefore, MMPs were directly correlated with some traditional biomarkers of MTC. In this regard, P-MMP-2 was more expressed in type 2 MTC. Combining the analysis of traditional and other useful biomarkers of MTC as MMPs 2 and 9 could be a useful strategy in the diagnostic of MTC.

Automated summary

This study aimed to evaluate the role of MMPs 2 and 9, TIMPs, S100 protein, and amyloid in the diagnosis of MTC. The results showed a direct correlation between MMPs 2 and 9 and traditional biomarkers of MTC. Therefore, combining the analysis of MMPs 2 and 9 with traditional biomarkers could be a useful strategy in the diagnosis of MTC.