Matrix Metalloproteinases and Stress Hormones in Lung Cancer Progression

Figure 3

MMP-2 and MMP-9 immunoblotting. (a) Bands corresponding to proMMP-2 and active MMP-2 were detected by Western blot in serum from healthy and lung cancer patients with disease stage IV. (b) ProMMP-2 bands’ intensity was lower in samples from patients with stages IIIA, IIIB, and some stage IV. Active MMP-2 bands were thinner in patients from N and W groups with stages IIIA and IIIB, respectively. (c) MMP-9 active and latent forms were detected in LAC patients with stage IV. (d) Some stage IIIA and IV patients’ samples showed lower intensity in bands corresponding to MMP-9 latent and active forms. Disease stages are indicated at the bottom of each blot. 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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