An immunohistochemical study was performed using tissue arrays and specific antibodies against MMPs (MMP-2, -7, -9, -11, -13, and -14) and TIMPs (TIMP-1, -2, and -3) at the tumor center in 104 patients with primary ductal invasive breast tumors.
MMP-11 expression by ECs was related to shorter relapse-free survival, whereas TIMP-3 expression was related to low occurrence of distant metastasis. In addition, MMP-11 and TIMP-2 expression by ECs was associated with shorter overall survival, whereas TIMP-3 expression by ECs was associated with longer overall survival. Our findings indicate significant relationships between the expression of MMPs/TIMPs by ECs and the global expression of these factors at the tumor scene.
High MMP/TIMP expression by ECs from breast carcinomas, which may be consequence of the cross-talk between tumor cells and their surrounding microenvironment.