Matrix Metalloproteinase-9/Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin Complex Activity in Human Glioma Samples Predicts Tumor Presence and Clinical Prognosis

• Main Authors: Ming-Fa Liu, Yong-Yang Hu, Tao Jin, Ke Xu, Shao-Hong Wang, Guang-Zhou Du, Bing-Li Wu, Li-Yan Li, Li-Yan Xu, En-Min Li, Hai-Xiong Xu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hindawi Limited 2015-01-01
• Series: Disease Markers
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2015/138974

Matrix metalloproteinase-9/neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (MMP-9/NGAL) complex activity is elevated in brain tumors and may serve as a molecular marker for brain tumors. However, the relationship between MMP-9/NGAL activity in brain tumors and patient prognosis and treatment response remains unclear. Here, we compared the clinical characteristics of glioma patients with the MMP-9/NGAL activity measured in their respective tumor and urine samples. Using gelatin zymography assays, we found that MMP-9/NGAL activity was significantly increased in tumor tissues (TT) and preoperative urine samples (Preop-1d urine). Activity was reduced by seven days after surgery (Postop-1w urine) and elevated again in cases of tumor recurrence. The MMP-9/NGAL status correlated well with MRI-based tumor assessments. These findings suggest that MMP-9/NGAL activity could be a novel marker to detect gliomas and predict the clinical outcome of patients.