Matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 in situ mRNA expression in colorectal tumors from Iraqi patients
Mohanad M Ahmed, Suhad Hadi Mohammed Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Kerbala University, Kerbala, Iraq
Context: Matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 (MMP-2 and MMP-9) preferentially degrade the basement membrane, a key step in tumor invasion, metastases, and induction of vascularization of tumor tissue. Aim: To determine MMP-2 and MMP-9 in situ mRNA expressions in colorectal adenocarcinomas from Iraqi patients. Materials and Methods: Forty archived paraffin-embedded colorectal adenocarcinoma samples and their resection margins were enrolled in our study. Thin paraffin embedded sections (3-5 μm thick) of both tumor and resection margins were prepared for each respective biopsy and were used to detect MMP-2 and MMP-9 in situ mRNA expressions based on in situ hybridization technique. Statistical Analysis: Statistical analyses were conducted to describe different variables and parameters in this research, and to describe relationships with each other as well. For the comparisons, the t test of significance was used. The associations were found by chi-square (χ2 ) and analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests, or as appropriate, as well as 95% confidence interval.
