Evaluation of Serum Levels of Matrix MetalloProteinase-9 (MMP-9) in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Its Clinicopathological Correlation

Background: One of the most prevalent malignancies in India is oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), which is found in more than 90% of cancer cases and has a reduced survival rate of 30%. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are zinc-containing and calcium-dependent endopeptidases that regulate angiogenesis, migration, and proliferation. MMP-9 in OSCC increases tumor progression through angiogenesis, degrades the basement membrane, and facilitates metastasis by changes in tissue shape. Its overexpression in OSCC has also been shown to have prognostic significance. Aim: This study aims to evaluate the serum levels of MMP-9 in OSCC patients and healthy controls and to correlate with its clinicopathological staging. Materials and methods: This study included 40 individuals; 20 patients with OSCC and 20 healthy controls. MMP-9 was determined in serum samples utilizing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Results: Descriptive statistics showed that 90% of the patients included in the OSCC groups were above 40 years, and 85% were males. There was a significant increase in the serum level of MMP-9 in OSCC patients compared to healthy controls with a mean difference of +28% (393.21 pg/ml) and a significant p-value of 0.001. (1365.80 ±236.414 pg/ml vs 973.67 ± 83.416 pg/ml). There was a significant increase in the serum levels of MMP-9 among the tumor stages and nodal involvement with a significant p-value of 0.002 and 0.001. No significant association was found between the age and gender groups in OSCC patients and serum levels of MMP-9. Conclusion: MMP-9 was significantly increased in OSCC when compared to healthy controls. Hence, MMP-9 can be used as a prognostic indicator in assessing tumor staging and nodal involvement.