Abstract:

Objective

To explore the expression and significance of MMP-9 and CD4 ⁺ /CD8 ⁺ in lymph node metastasis of breast cancer.

Methods

Two hundred and ninety-three lymph nodes were collected from the axillary samples of 92 cases of breast cancer. The lymph nodes containing metastasis, micrometastases,or ITCS were detected by observing the expression of CK-19 and actin. The expressions of MMP-9, CD4 and CD8 were detected with immuohistochemistry method.

Results

Among the 293 lymph nodes,metastases were found in 84 nodes (28.67%), micrometastases in 42 nodes (14.33%) and ITCs in 22 nodes (7.51%). The expression of MMP-9 was found in all metastasis nodes, and a high expression of MMP-9 was found in 66 nodes (78.57 %).Amany the 42 micrometastastic nodes, a high expression of MMP-9 was found in 1 node (2.38 %), middle expression in 18 nodes (21. 43%), low expression in 15 nodes (35.72%), and no expression in 2 nodes(4.76%). Amany 22 nodes with ITCs, a low expression of MMP-9 was found in 3 nodes. The rate of CD4 ⁺ lymphocyte was significantly higher in metastastic group than in non-metastastic group and in the micrometasatis group( P ＜0.05). There was a significant different rate of CD4 ⁺T/CD8 ⁺T between the metastastic and non-metastastic groups ( P ＜0.05).

Conclusions

The high expression of MMP-9 may enhance the capability of invasion and metastasis of tumor cells. CD4 ⁺ lymphocytes increase on the site of tumor cells in the lymph nodes region, which raises the ratio of CD4 ⁺T/ CD8 ⁺T. The variation of immune response to tumor cells may be one cause to form the metastatic focus.

Key words: Breast cancer, Metastasis, Matrix metalloproteinasc-9, CD4 ⁺ T lymphocytes, CD8 ⁺ T lymphocytes