Abstract:

Objective  To evaluate the value of serum high-mobility group box-1(HMGB1) and matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9) expressions in the diagnosis of early gastric cancer(EGC) and its clinical significance. Methods  92 patients with EGC，40 patients with benign gastric diseases and 30 healthy controls were recruited in this study. Then the HMGB1 and MMP-9 levels in the serum of all the subjects were measured by ELISA respectively and compared. Results  The levels of serum HMGB1 and MMP-9 in the EGC group were significantly higher than those in benign gastric diseases and healthy controls (all P<0.05),   while no  obvious difference in the levels of serum HMGB1 and MMP-9 was observed between benign gastric diseases and healthy controls (P>0.05); the correlation analysis showed that the HMGB1 level was positive correlated with the MMP-9 level (P<0.01); the levels of serum HMGB1 and MMP-9 were significantly associated with lymph node metastasis and tumor differentiation (P<0.05); the HMGB1 and MMP-9 levels were significantly lower in EGC after surgery (P<0.05). Conclusion  HMGB1 and MMP-9 play a role in the tumorigenesis and development of EGC.Measuring of serum HMGB1 and MMP-9 may be a valuable tool in diagnosis, effect monitoring and prognosis in EGC.

Key words: Early gastric cancer; High-mobility group box-1; Matrix metalloproteinase-9; Lymph node metastasis