The expressions of CD147 and matrix metalloproteinases-9 in hepatocellular carcinoma, and its correlations with clinical pathology and angiogenesis

Objective:To explore the expressions of CD147 and matrix metalloproteinases-9 in hepatocellular carcinoma, and its correlation with angiogenesis.Methods:The expressions of CD147 and MMP-9 in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues of 63 cases were detected using immunohistochemistry SP method.The microvessel density labeled by differentiation antigen 105(CD105) was recorded under optical microscope.Results:The positive expression rates of CD147 and MMP-9 in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues of 63 cases were 65.1% and 73.0%, respectively.The differences of positive expression rates of CD147 and MMP-9 in tumor size, portal vein cancer embolism, tumor differentiation and TNM stage were statistically significant(P<0.05 to P<0.01), but their differences in gender, age and serum level of α-fetal protein were not statistically significant(P>0.05).The level of microvessel density in case with positive CD147 and MMP-9 expressions was significantly higher than that in case with negative CD147 and MMP-9 expressions(P<0.01).The expressions of CD147 and MMP-9 were significantly positive correlation in hepatocellular carcinoma(P<0.01).Conclusions:Upregulation of the CD147 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma can promote angiogenesis through increasing the production of MMP-9, which can lead to tumor invasion and metastasis.