Relationship of EB virus latent membrane protein 1 to matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma and lymph node metastasis

Objective:To investigate the relationship of EB virus latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1)to matrix metalloproteinase 2(MMP 2) and MMP 9 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and lymph node metastasis.Methods:LMP1,MMP 2 and MMP 9 were detected by SP immunohistochemical technique in 30 NPCs,24 lymph node metastases and 30 specimens of chronic nasopharyngitis.Results:The expression rates of LMP1,MMP 2 and MMP 9 in NPCs and lymph node metastases were obviously higher than those in control specimens( P 0.01).Immunostaining for MMP 2 and MMP 9 was seen in stromal fibroblast,macrophages,lymphocytes and vascular endothelial cells surrounding neoplastic islands besides in tumor cells.Spearman correlation analysis showed that there was a positive relationship of LMP1 to MMP 2 and MMP 9 in lymph node metastases( P 0.01)rather than in NPCs(P0.05).Conclusion:MMP 2 and MMP 9 play an important role in the invasion and subsequent metastasis of NPC by degrading basement membrane components,and LMP1 may be also implicated in the carcinogenesis,invasion and metastassis of NPC.