Plasma concentration of tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 1 in patients with colorectal carcinoma

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Abstract
Background: The expression of tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP) 1 in tumour tissue from patients with colorectal carcinoma has been reported to be related to disease progression. However, the clinical significance of plasma TIMP-1 has not been fully elucidated. Methods: The plasma level of TIMP-1 protein was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in samples from 54 patients who underwent resection of the primary tumour. Results: Plasma TIMP-1 levels were associated significantly with depth of invasion and metastasis to lymph nodes and liver. Circulating TIMP-1 levels were significantly higher in patients with serosal invasion, liver metastases and Dukes' stage C tumours. Using a cut-off value of 160 ng/ml, serosal invasion and Dukes' C stage could be predicted with an accuracy of 68·5 per cent. With a cut-off value of 170 ng/ml, metastasis to the lymph node and liver could be predicted with an accuracy of 66·7 and 70·4 per cent respectively. These values were greater than those for carcinoembryonic antigen and CA19-9. Conclusion: These data suggest that the plasma concentration of TIMP-1 correlates with both invasion and metastasis in patients with colorectal carcinoma.