Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are enzymes which are involved in irreversible degradation of ECM (extra cellular matrix). MMP-2 is capable in laminin-5 cleavage which increases endothelial cell migration and in the secretion of VEGF that promote angiogenesis in physiological conditions as well as tumor development also. C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute-phase protein which is used as marker of systemic inflammation. Increased CRP is associated with an increased risk of all the cancer. In the present study serum levels of MMP-2 and CRP is quantified in the NSCLC patients to establish the clinical signifi­cance of these biomarkers during NSCLC disease progression. This is a cross sectional study which includes 120 NSCLC patients and 60 age and sex matched healthy controls attending the medical oncology OPD of our institute from July, 2017 to March, 2019. Blood Samples were collected from patients and healthy controls. CRP was measured by turbidimetric technique and MMP-2 is measured by ELISA. The independent t-test was used to compare the level of MMP-2 and CRP in healthy controls and NSCLC patients. Pearson’s correlation (r) was used to correlate the MMP-2 level and CRP level in NSCLC patients. Serum MMP-2 level and serum CRP levels were found significantly high in NSCLC patients when compared with healthy controls (p<0.001). Furthermore a significant positive correlation was also observed between MMP-2 level and CRP level in NSCLC patients. Therefore measurement of MMP-2 level and CRP level could be a marker for disease progression of NSCLC and to see the association between inflammation and pathogenesis of NSCLC.

Keywords: Matrix metalloproteinases, C - reactive protein, NSCLC.

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Dr Rati Mathur

Sr. Professor, Department of Biochemistry, SMS Medical College, Jaipur, India