The relationship between the expression of tumor matrix-metalloproteinase and the characteristics of magnetic resonance imaging of human gliomas

Objective: To investigate the relationship between the expression level of matrix-metalloproteinases (MMPs) with the pathological grades and MRI characteristics of human gliomas. Methods: Prior pre- and post-contrast enhancement MRI was performed on 31 patients with gliomas, which were confirmed by post-operational pathology. The expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were determined by immunohistochemical staining in both a low grading group (grades I and II, n = 20) and high grading group (grades III and IV, n = 11). Results: Compared to the low grading group, the expression levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, as well as the tumor edema index (EI), enhanced percentage (EP) and maximum diameters were significantly greater in the high grading group. MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression were correlated with the tumor EI, EP and the maximum diameters. There were no differences in MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression between the unclear border definition group and the clear border definition group, whereas the MMPs expression levels were greater in the heterogeneous signal group than in the homogeneous signal group. Conclusion: The expression level of MMPs is correlated with the invasion ability of human gliomas. The MRI parameters, such as tumor EI, EP, maximum diameter, and signal heterogeneity technically reflect the expression level of MMPs, and can be used to estimate the tumor's malignant behavior, thus providing the guidance for clinical therapies.