Matrix Metalloproteinases and Stress Hormones in Lung Cancer Progression

Figure 1

MMPs’ concentrations in blood samples from lung adenocarcinoma patients. MMPs were quantified in plasma or serum samples from control and LAC subjects by ELISA technique. (a, b, c) MMP-2, MMP-3, and MMP-9 were significantly enhanced in LAC samples compared to the control group (). No significant differences were identified among lung cancer groups. (d) MMP-9 concentrations were significantly increased compared to MMP-2 levels in all cancer groups (). No significant differences were detected between MMP-2 and MMP-9 in control subjects. Bars represent the mean ± standard error of the mean. Abbreviations: MMP: matrix metalloproteinase; C: control group; LAC: lung adenocarcinoma; W: LAC associated with wood smoke exposure; N: LAC patients with no recognizable risk factor; TS: LAC associated with tobacco smoking; PS: LAC associated with passive smoking; TW: LAC associated with tobacco smoking and wood smoke exposure.

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