Quantification of MMP-2 and TIMP-1 expressions in breast cancer

Background and Aims: MMP-2 and TIMP-1 are vital molecules in the remodeling of the extracellular matrix, and they have a critical role in the metastatic process of breast cancer. This study aimed to detect expression levels of MMP-2 and TIMP-1 genes by Quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) and identify their potential roles in breast cancer prognosis. Methods: MMP-2 and TIMP-1 gene expression levels in 17 breast cancer tumor tissues and normal breast tissue were examined. The expression levels of MMP-2 and TIMP-1 were analyzed by qRT-PCR. The association between the expression levels of MMP-2 and TIMP-1 and clinicopathological manifestations of breast cancer was examined. Results: Lower gene expression levels of MMP-2 and TIMP-1 were detected in tumors compared to the controls. A statistical correlation was not observed between the expression level of MMP-2, TIMP-1, and clinicopathological parameters (tumor Conclusion: Our findings have been suggesting that expression profiles of MMP-2 and TIMP-1 might be independent prognostic and predictive biomarkers for breast cancer. These biomarkers are candidate molecules for personalized therapy. MMP-2 and TIMP-1 expression patterns will also aid in the identification of more precise and targeted subgroups of breast cancer.