Matrix Metalloproteinase-9Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin Complex Activity in Human Glioma Samples Predicts Tumor Presence and Clinical Prognosis

Abstract EN

Matrix metalloproteinase-9/neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (MMP-9/NGAL) complex activity is elevated in brain tumors and may serve as a molecular marker for brain tumors.

However, the relationship between MMP-9/NGAL activity in brain tumors and patient prognosis and treatment response remains unclear.

Here, we compared the clinical characteristics of glioma patients with the MMP-9/NGAL activity measured in their respective tumor and urine samples.

Using gelatin zymography assays, we found that MMP-9/NGAL activity was significantly increased in tumor tissues (TT) and preoperative urine samples (Preop-1d urine).

Activity was reduced by seven days after surgery (Postop-1w urine) and elevated again in cases of tumor recurrence.

The MMP-9/NGAL status correlated well with MRI-based tumor assessments.

These findings suggest that MMP-9/NGAL activity could be a novel marker to detect gliomas and predict the clinical outcome of patients.