查看文章

To investigate the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors (TIMPs) in the development of cervical metastases in papillary thyroid cancer. Our hypothesis is that level of expression of MMPs and TIMPs is associated with the development of cervical metastases and the pattern of metastatic process in papillary thyroid cancer.

This research retrospectively investigates the expression of MMP‐1, ‐2 and ‐9 as well as TIMP‐1 and ‐2 in papillary thyroid carcinoma tissue. Tissue specimens were immunohistochemically treated with primary monoclonal antibodies against MMP‐1, MMP‐2, MMP‐9, TIMP‐1 and TIMP‐2.

Single‐centre study.

In total, samples of 159 patients were analysed. In all patients, total thyroidectomy was performed, whereas 102 patients underwent selective neck dissection of either central (level VI) or lateral neck (level II‐V). Subjects were …