State of extracellular matrix in testicular embryonal carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE

Aim: To study peculiarities of the state of extracellular matrix in testicular embryonal carcinoma.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Materials and

Methods

Samples of testicular embryonal carcinoma tissue were collected from 3 groups of patients (group «1» - stages T1N0S0-2, group «2» - T2N1-3S0-2, group «3» - T2-3N0-3S0-2 with distant metastases) to assess the state of its extracellular matrix investigating MMP-1, MMP-3 and MMP-9 expression.

RESULTS

Results

The levels of MMP-1, MMP-3 and MMP-9 expression were statistically significantly higher in patients with tumorous vascular/lymphatic invasion, metastases in regional lymph nodes, distant metastases and invasion into the spermatic cord (except of lightness of MMP-3 expression) in comparison with patients without these characteristics.

CONCLUSION

Conclusions

MMP-1, MMP-3 and MMP-9 are involved in carcinogenesis already at the early stages of embryonal carcinoma and at the transition to late stages there is an increase of their synthesis, what proves their significant role in the destruction of extracellular matrix, invasion and metastatic process. Studied MMPs can be regarded as a prognostic factors of the embryonal carcinoma course as well as a potentially important therapeutic targets.