RT-PCR expression profiling of matrix metalloproteinases and their specific inhibitors in cell lines and fresh biopsies of squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck.

The expressions of MMP2, -7, -9, -13 and TIMP1, -2, -3 were examined in biopsies and cell lines of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) to determine the association between the expression profile and TNM-staging of the primary. The expressions of MMP2, -7, -9, -13 and TIMP1, -2, -3 were analyzed in 30 HNSCC biopsies, 7 HNSCC cell lines and 1 keratinocyte cell line using RT-PCR. Negative correlation was determined between N-status and MMP13-RNA expression [Kendall-tau-b -0.404 (p = 0.016), Spearman-rho -0.448 (p = 0.014)], histological grading [Kendall-tau-b -0.291 (p = 0.049), Spearman-rho -0,333 (p = 0.048)], and MMP7 and TIMP2 expression [Kendall-tau-b -0.318 (p = 0.045); Spearman-rho -0.353 (p = 0.045)]. Positive correlation was determined between M-status and MMP9-RNA expression [Kendall-tau-b 0.341 (p = 0.025), Spearman-rho 0.377 (p = 0.024)] and MMP13 and TIMP2 expression [Kendall-tau-b 0.727 (p = 0.037), Spearman-rho 0.850 (p = 0.016)]. The results point to a role of the tested MMPs and TIMPs in the metastatic spread of HNSCC.