Objectives—To screen for expression of 9 predominant
members of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family,
including membrane-type matrix metalloproteinases (MT-MMPs)
and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), in
primary tumor tissue biopsy specimens of vaccine
site-associated sarcomas (VSS) in cats and compare expression
profiles of VSS with expression profiles of non-VSS and
carcinomas.
Sample Population—31 primary tumor tissue biopsy
specimens and 6 nontumor (normal) tissue biopsy specimens.
Procedures—Tissue specimens were obtained from
primary tumor biopsy specimens of cats. Primers for reverse
transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction assay were designed on
the basis of known sequences. Data were analyzed for patterns
of expression of MMPs, MT-MMPs, and TIMPs. Differences in
expression patterns were evaluated among cats of differing
genders, ages, metastasis status, and overall survival
durations, and between cats with VSS and cats with non-VSS
tumor types.
Results—A total of 31 primary tumor tissue biopsy
specimens and 6 nontumor (normal) tissue biopsy specimens were
screened for the presence of 6 MMPs and 3 TIMPs. Matrix
metalloproteinase and TIMP expression was found in non-VSS,
carcinomas, and VSS. No significant differences were found in
patterns of expression among tumor types. Metastasis was found
to be the only predictive factor for overall survival
duration. A significant correlation was found between MMP2 and
MT-MMP16 expression and overall duration of survival.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The
identification of MMPs in feline VSS supports an underlying
inflammatory pathogenesis for this tumor. Expression of MMP2
and MT-MMP16 were correlated with survival time in our study.
(Am J Vet Res 2004;65:373–379)