Study on the correlation between the expression levels of MMP-7 and VEGF in gastric cancer tissues of patients with Helicobacter pylori infection

ObjectiveTo detect the expression levels and clinical significance of matrix metalloproteinase-7(MMP-7) and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) in gastric cancer tissues of patients with Helicobacter pylori(Hp) infection.

MethodsThe gastric cancer tissues were collected from Department of General Surgery and Tumor Surgery Operating Rooms of the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College from January 2015 to November 2018, and were divided into two groups according to whether with Hp infection.The expression levels of MMP-7 and VEGF were detected using the fluorescence quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry.

ResultsAmong 60 cases of gastric cancer tissues, the mRNA expression levels of MMP-7 and VEGF in Hp-positive group, patients with serous layer infiltration and lymph node metastasis were higher than in Hp-negative group, patients without serous layer infiltration and lymph node metastasis(P < 0.01).There was a positive correlation between MMP-7 and VEGF mRNA expressions(r=0.498, P < 0.01).The Hp was positively correlated with MMP-7 and VEGF expression levels, and the expression level of MMP-7 was positively correlated with VEGF(P < 0.05 to P < 0.01).

ConclusionsMMP-7 and VEGF may be related to the occurrence and development of gastric cancer, and Hp, MMP-7 and VEGF may play a synergistic role in the occurrence and development of gastric cancer.The expression level of MMP-7 is positively correlated with VEGF.