The matrix metalloproteinase matrilysin has been implicated in the progression of gastrointestinal and other cancers. The aim of this study was to determine whether matrilysin has clinicopathological and prognostic significance in pancreatic carcinoma. Using immunohistochemistry, we analyzed 39 pancreatic adenocarcinoma tissues for expression of matrilysin. The results were matched with clinicopathological characteristics and patient survival. The relationship of matrilysin expression with p53 expression or cellular proliferation determined by Ki-67 expression was also investigated. Sections with immunostaining signals in more than 30% of carcinoma cells at the invasive front, which were observed in 25 (64%) cases, were judged to be positive for matrilysin. Matrilysin positivity was significantly correlated with infiltrating growth pattern, lymph node metastasis, and postoperative recurrence. Expression of matrilysin was not correlated with either Ki-67 or p53 expression. Patients with matrilysin-positive carcinoma had a significantly shorter overall survival time than did those with matrilysin-negative carcinoma. Our results suggest that matrilysin plays a key role in the progression of pancreatic carcinoma.

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