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Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and matrix metalloproteinase9 (MMP9) and the recurrence or metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).MethodsThe expression of VEGF and MMP9 in 50 HCC tissues and in 30 normal liver tissues were examined by immunochemistry.ResultsThe positive rates of VEGF and MMP9 in HCC tissue were 86% and 68% respectively, and 53.3% and 33.3% respectively in normal liver tissue. The positive rates of VEGF and normal liver tissue (Plt;0.05). The correlation between expressions of MMP9 and VEGF was very significant (r=0.98，Plt;0.01). The positive rates of VEGF and MMP9 in HCC with metastasis were higher than that of HCC without metastasis.ConclusionVEGF and MMP9 are expressed cooperatively. Both of them play important role in the invasion and metastasis of HCC.