Concentration of metalloproteinase-2 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 in the serum of patients with benign and malignant thyroid tumours treated surgically

Neoplastic angiogenesis is an essential stage of growth, progression and invasion of solid tumours. The process of basement membrane degradation and remodelling of the extracellular matrix (EMC) involves proteolytic enzymes called metalloproteinases. Among the numerous proteolytic enzymes of this group the key role is played by metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP-2). Tissue expression and concentration of these compounds in body fluids have been used in early diagnostics of tumours development, assessment of tumours advancement and treatment results monitoring. The aim of the study was to evaluate the concentration of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 in blood serum of patients with benign and malignant thyroid tumours and the effect of surgical treatment on these parameters in the postoperative period as well as assessment whether to MMP-2 and TIMP-2 serum concentration in patients with thyroid cancer positively correlates with the clinical staging classification of the International Union Against Cancer (UICC).The study group consisted of 53 patients with various types of thyroid cancer and 23 patients with benign thyroid tumours, while 26 healthy adults served as controls. According to clinical staging classification of thyroid cancer the 32 patients were classified with stage I, 6 with stage II, 8 with stage III and 7 with stage IV. We have found higher mean concentration of MMP-2 in 53 patients with thyroid cancer as compared to the control group and the group of 23 patients with benign thyroid tumours. All patients were treated operatively. Additionally, a significant effect of radical surgical treatment on mean concentration of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 in patients with papillary and follicular thyroid cancer was demonstrated.MMP-2 and its tissue inhibitor TIMP-2 apparently play a significant role in the pathogenesis of thyroid cancer. Evaluation of their concentration in peripheral blood serum may be useful for the differentiation between benign and malignant thyroid tumours. Serum MMP-2 and TIMP-2 concentrations in patients with thyroid cancer did not significantly correlate with the clinical staging of thyroid cancer.