Immunohistochemical expression of matrix metalloproteinase-7 in human colorectal adenomas using specified automated cellular image analysis system: a clinicopathological study

• Published in: Saudi journal of gastroenterology 2013-01, Vol.19 (1), p.23-27
• Main Authors: Qasim, Ban J, Ali, Hussam H, Hussein, Alaa G
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adenoma - enzymology; Adenoma - pathology; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Automation; Cell Transformation, Neoplastic; Colon - enzymology; Colon - pathology; Colorectal adenoma; Colorectal cancer; Colorectal Neoplasms - enzymology; Colorectal Neoplasms - pathology; digimizer; Equipment and supplies; Female; Hepatology; Histology; Humans; Image processing; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted - methods; Immunohistochemistry; Immunohistochemistry - methods; Male; Matrix Metalloproteinase 7 - biosynthesis; matrix metalloproteinase-7; Middle Aged; Original; Retrospective Studies; Software; Teaching hospitals; Technology application; Young Adult
• ISSN: 1319-3767; 1998-4049
• DOI: 10.4103/1319-3767.105916

To evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) in colorectal adenomas, and to correlate this expression with different clinicopathological parameters. The study was retrospectively designed. Thirty three paraffin blocks from patients with colorectal adenoma and 20 samples of non-tumerous colonic tissue taken as control group were included in the study. MMP-7 expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry method. The scoring of immunohistochemical staining was conducted utilizing a specified automated cellular image analysis system (Digimizer). The frequency of positive immunohistochemical expression of MMP-7 was significantly higher in adenoma than control group (45.45% versus 10%) (P value < 0.001). Strong MMP-7 staining was mainly seen in adenoma cases (30.30%) in comparison with control (0%) the difference is significant ( P < 0.001). The three digital parameters of MMP-7 immunohistochemical expression (Area (A), Number of objects (N), and intensity (I)) were significantly higher in adenoma than control. Mean (A and I) of MMP-7 showed a significant correlation with large sized adenoma (≥ 1cm) ( P < 0.05), also a significant positive correlation of the three digital parameters (A, N, and I) of MMP-7 expression with villous configuration and severe dysplasia in colorectal adenoma had been identified ( P < 0.05). MMP-7 plays an important role in the growth and malignant conversion of colorectal adenomas as it is more likely to be expressed in advanced colorectal adenomatous polyps with large size, severe dysplasia and villous histology. The use of automated cellular image analysis system (Digmizer) to quantify immunohistochemical staining yields more consistent assay results, converts semi-quantitative assay to a truly quantitative assay, and improves assay objectivity and reproducibility.