Background/Aim: To evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of matrix metalloproteinase‑7 (MMP‑7)
in colorectal adenomas, and to correlate this expression with different clinicopathological parameters. Patients
and Methods: The study was retrospectively designed. Thirty three paraffin blocks from patients with colorectal
adenoma and 20 samples of non‑tumerous colonic tissue taken as control group were included in the study.
MMP‑7 expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry method. The scoring of immunohistochemical
staining was conducted utilizing a specified automated cellular image analysis system (Digimizer). Results:
The frequency of positive immunohistochemical expression of MMP‑7 was significantly higher in adenoma
than control group (45.45% versus 10%) (P value < 0.001). Strong MMP‑7 staining was mainly seen in adenoma
cases (30.30%) in comparison with control (0%) the difference is significant (P < 0.001). The three digital
parameters of MMP‑7 immunohistochemical expression (Area (A), Number of objects (N), and intensity (I)) were
significantly higher in adenoma than control. Mean (A and I) of MMP-7 showed a significant correlation with
large sized adenoma (≥ 1cm) (P < 0.05), also a significant positive correlation of the three digital parameters (A,
N, and I) of MMP‑7 expression with villous configuration and severe dysplasia in colorectal adenoma had been
identified (P < 0.05). Conclusion: MMP‑7 plays an important role in the growth and malignant conversion of
colorectal adenomas as it is more likely to be expressed in advanced colorectal adenomatous polyps with large
size, severe dysplasia and villous histology. The use of automated cellular image analysis system (Digmizer) to
quantify immunohistochemical staining yields more consistent assay results, converts semi‑quantitative assay
to a truly quantitative assay, and improves assay objectivity and reproducibility.
Key Words: Colorectal adenoma, digimizer, matrix metalloproteinase-7
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2014
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