Pages: 32-39

Abstract

Background and Objective by releasing growth factors, MMP-9, or gelatinase B, plays a major role in the formation and progression of tumors. Changes in MMP-9 expression on a cellular level and forms of its secretion promote prostate cancer growth and increase the rates of metastasis and angiogenesis. The purpose of this study was to examine tissue expression of MMP-9 gene in the diagnosis of prostate cancer.  Methodology in this study, 63 patients were selected: 33 patients with Benign Prostate Hypertrophy (BPH) and 30 with Prostate Cancer (PCa). Fore gene expression, the RNA was extracted using TRIZOL and converted to cDNA via a reverse transcription enzyme. Finally, MMP-9 genes along with cDNA were injected into the Real-Time PCR device using a set of specifically designed primers. Results the results indicated that MMP-9 gene expression was significantly higher in patients with PCa than those with BPH (p ≤0.001). Moreover, MMP-9 gene expression was significantly higher in stages 1, 2, 3 and 4 in patients with PCa than in those with BPH (p ≤0.001). Conclusions before the detection of cancer cells, the first changes in the metabolism of cells prone to cancer are observed via laboratory or radiological methods.  Therefore, by periodic measurement of MMP-9 gene expression levels, protein levels and enzymic activity with methods used in the current study, it may become possible to diagnose prostate cancer before the formation of cancer cells and their invasion to other tissues, and thus, take very effective steps in the process of prostate cancer treatment