Evaluation of matrix metalloproteinase 9 gene expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma and its clinicopathological correlation

BACKGROUND: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are calcium-dependent and zinc-containing endopeptidases which enhance cancer progression by regulating angiogenesis, migration, proliferation, and invasion. Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common malignancies in India, and it is observed over 90% of cases. In OSCC, MMP9 which belongs to the gelatinase group promotes tumor progression by angiogenesis, disturbing tissue morphology that allows tumor growth which breaks the basement membrane and enables metastasis, and its overexpression in OSCC is proven to have prognostic value. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: To assess the expression of MMP9 in OSCC and to correlate the MMP9 expression with pathological staging of the OSCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten OSCC tissue samples and normal tissue samples were collected. Total RNA was extracted and the complementary DNA was generated. The specific primers used in the primers were synthesized. Total reaction volume was 20 μl. The polymerase chain reaction condition included 95°C for 30 s followed by 40 cycles of two steps: 95°C for 5 s and 60°C for 30 s. The relative quantification of genes was evaluated. RESULTS: Upregulation of MMP9 gene regulation was observed in OSCC tissue samples when compared to the controls. Correlating with the pathological staging, we observed that 30% tumors were stage IVA with involvement of adjacent structures and 30% had lymph node involvement. CONCLUSION: This study is done to assess the possibility of MMP9 gene expression as a prognostic biomarker for OSCC.