Relationship between Trace Elements and Matrix Metalloproteinases 2 and 9 and their Tissue Inhibitors in Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma

Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC) constitutes around 5% of all thyroid cancers. Trace elements assessment has emerged as a useful strategy in the diagnostics of MTC combined with Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) and Tissue Inhibitors of Matrix Metalloproteinases (TIMPs) analysis. The aim of this study was to compare the presence and content of trace elements (i.e., Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe), and Manganese (Mn)) in MTC with respect to control samples and their potential relationship with markers of MTC in tissues. The study included 26 patients who had undergone thyroidectomy, due to the diagnosis of MTC and 17 patients as control. We combined tumour pathology and staging, immunohistochemical analysis of calcitonin, MMPs, and TIMPs, with analytical biochemistry using Inductively Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) to determine the levels of trace elements. No differences by MTC type for MMPs and their TIPMs, although strong TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 immunohistochemical expression of MTC were unveiled. Additionally, Zn, Fe, and Mn tended to be decreased, and Cu to be increased in samples presenting MTC with respect to controls. Moreover, Zn was the unique trace element which seemed to be correlated with MMPs and TIMPs. Trace elements such as Zn, Fe, and Mn are decreased in tissues affected by MTC. In addition, Zn may be the trace element which saves more relationship with the proportion and intensity of MMPs, being considered altogether useful biomarkers of MTC. We therefore suggest the analysis of novel and traditional markers of MTC as a novel approach in this pathology.

Copper as ancillary diagnostic tool in preoperative evaluation of possible papillary thyroid carcinoma in patients with benign thyroid disease

Preoperative diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) comprises numerous diagnostic procedures which are mostly applicable in tertiary institutions. Normal thyroid function depends on the presence of many trace elements and copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) are some of those. The study is based on retrospective review of 118 patients with preoperatively diagnosed benign thyroid disease (BTD) and 12 with PTC, who underwent thyroid surgery at the Center for Endocrine Surgery Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, between 2010 and 2012. The objective was to evaluate concentrations of Cu and Zn in serum as possible prediction markers for PTC in patients who underwent surgery for preoperatively diagnosed BTD. Concentrations of Cu and Zn ions in serum were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Data were analyzed using methods of descriptive statistics, Anova and t-test (p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant). Definitive pathohistological findings revealed PTC in 23 (19.5%) and papillary microcarcinoma-mPTC in 13 (11.0%) of BTD patients. The concentrations of Cu ions in serum of PTC patients as well as in serum of patients with mPTC were significantly higher than in serum of BTD patients (p < 0.05). The concentrations of Zn ions and Cu/Zn ratio in serum of PTC and mPTC patients were not significantly higher than in serum of BTD patients. The concentration of Cu ions in serum of patients before thyroid surgery can be useful, easy available, and a low-cost tool in prediction of preoperatively undiagnosed PTC in patients with BTD.

Activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase in different stages of colorectal carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Reactive oxygen species are involved in the pathogenesis of colorectal carcinoma. Clarification of oxidative/antioxidant specificities of different stages of colorectal carcinoma is of special importance.

AIM

To determine oxidative/antioxidant status in plasma of patients with different stages of colorectal carcinoma using malondialdehyde concentration, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase activities and distribution of superoxide dismutase isoforms.

METHODS

Lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes activity were estimated using spectrophotometric methods. Reverse zymography was applied for characterization of superoxide dismutase isoforms.

RESULTS

Lipid peroxidation is increased in all groups compared to the control, but without differences between different stages of colorectal carcinoma. Total superoxide dismutase activity is lower in all colorectal carcinoma groups than in control, and there is a significant increase in tumor stage IV when compared with tumor stage II. Manganese superoxide dismutase isoform is dominant in all groups and its relative activities are significantly higher than activities of a copper/zinc isoform. Total peroxidase potential reflected in catalase and glutathione peroxidase activity is increased when compared to the control, but without any significant differences between colorectal carcinoma groups. Glutathione reductase activity is lower in all colorectal carcinoma groups than in control, and a significant decrease in glutathione reductase activity was obtained between patients in tumor stage II and III compared to tumor stage IV.

CONCLUSIONS

Colorectal carcinoma is characterized by increased oxidative stress and antioxidant disbalance. Progression of disease is followed by an increase in redox disbalance.

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 and the Cu/Zn ratio as ancillary diagnostic tools in distinguishing between the classical and follicular variants of papillary thyroid carcinoma

The most common histological variants of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), classical (CPTC) and follicular (FPTC), have different diagnostic features, molecular biology, and prognosis. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) endopeptidase which degrades the components of the extracellular matrix is essential in the invasive growth and metastasizing of malignant tumors. The serum copper (Cu)/zinc (Zn) ratios are sensitive diagnostic and prognostic indicators in oncology since Cu- and Zn-dependent enzymes play important roles in the genesis and the progression of tumors. The aim of this study was to examine the expressions of MMP-9 in tissues of CPTC and FPTC, as well as to determine the Cu/Zn ratios in the same samples. MMP-9 was determined immunohistochemically, and the concentrations of copper and zinc in thyroid tissue were determined by means of flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The results obtained revealed significantly higher expressions of MMP-9 in CPTC in comparison with FPTC, as well as higher Cu/Zn ratios in CPTC than in FPTC. Thus, determining MMP-9 activities and the Cu/Zn ratios could improve the accuracy of the standard histopathological diagnosis of these two types of PTC.

Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and -9 (MMP-9) in preoperative serum as independent prognostic markers in patients with colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer related death in developed countries. One of the reasons is the absence of tumor specific diagnostic and prognostic markers. The aim of this study was to examine the correlation of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and -9 (MMP-9) expressions in serum and clinicopathological features of the colorectal adenocarcinoma. Another aim was to examine expression of MMP-9 in the tissue of the colorectal carcinoma in MMP-9 serum positive patients. In addition, we tried to establish the correlation between preoperative levels of serum markers (CEA and CA 19-9) and presence of MMP-2 or MMP-9. The study was performed on 32 patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma who underwent surgery and 11 patients in a control group who were operated for benign diseases. The samples were analyzed by SDS-PAGE to determine the molecular mass and SDS-PAGE zymography to determine levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9. Expression of MMP-9 was determined immunohistochemically in the tissue of the colorectal carcinoma of MMP-9 serum positive patients. MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels were increased in the serum of the patients with colorectal cancer compared to the control group. There was significant correlation in MMPs levels among the patients with tumor stage I and II and the patients with tumor stage III and IV. Obtained results did not demonstrate correlation between levels of CEA, CA 19-9 and presence of MMP-2 or MMP-9. MMP-9 expression was positive in 85% of MMP-9 serum positive patients with colorectal carcinoma. The overexpression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 strongly suggests its association with colorectal adenocarcinoma. Detection of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in serum might be useful for identification of patients with higher risk for colorectal cancer recurrence.

Detection of gelatinase B activity in serum of gastric cancer patients

AIM: To determine the proteolytic activity and expression of gelatinase B in serum of gastric cancer patients and their correlation with the stage of the tumor.

METHODS: Sera from 23 patients who underwent surgery for primary gastric cancer as the experimental group and from 11 as the control group were used to determine the proteolytic activity and its inhibition by EDTA and 1,10-phenanthroline. Gelatinase B activity was detected by SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and SDS-PAGE zymography.

RESULTS: Proteolytic enzyme activity was increased in gastric cancer patients when compared to the control group (P<0.05). The proteinases were determined to be metalloproteinases upon inhibition test with specific metalloproteinase inhibitors 1,10-phenanthroline (P<0.05) and EDTA (P <0.01). SDS-PAGE and SDS-PAGE zymography revealed gelatinase B (proMMP-9) activity and its molecular mass of 92 ku.

CONCLUSION: Proteinase activity is overexpressed in serum of gastric cancer patients. Gelatinase B in serum plays an important role in the progression of gastric cancer. ProMMP-9 can be used as a marker for invasiveness of gastric cancer.