Markers of the uPA system and common prognostic factors in breast cancer

Am J Clin Pathol. 2007 Jul;128(1):112-7. doi: 10.1309/M0GXVXA89BVLJ5C9.

Abstract

The urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) system includes uPA and plasminogen activator inhibitor types 1 (PAI-1) and 2 that mainly act by regulating extracellular matrix degradation, and it is involved in tumor progression. The -675 4G/5G polymorphism of the PAI-1 gene regulates PAI-1 activity in serum. We aimed at studying the -675 4G/5G polymorphism of the PAI-1 gene and uPA, PAI-1, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) immunohistochemical expression in a series of breast cancer cases. Homozygosity for the 4G allele of the PAI-1 gene was associated with node-positive breast cancer ( P = .02). We showed a direct correlation between uPA and estrogen receptor expression ( P = .03); negative uPA expression was associated with negative hormonal expression, high tumor grade, and high proliferation index ( P < .05). A direct correlation was seen between uPA and PAI-1, uPA and COX-2, and PAI-1 and COX-2 expression ( P < .05). Interaction between uPA and COX-2 systems in breast cancer deserves further study.

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers
  • Breast Neoplasms / chemistry*
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Cyclooxygenase 2 / analysis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 / analysis
  • Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 / genetics*
  • Polymorphism, Genetic
  • Prognosis
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic
  • Receptors, Estrogen / analysis
  • Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator / analysis*

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1
  • Receptors, Estrogen
  • Cyclooxygenase 2
  • Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator