Background: Matrix metalloproteinases are involved in tumor invasion and metastatic spread. Expression of metalloproteinases is induced by the extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN). Their activity can be inhibited by several tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP1-to-4). Whereas TIMP-1 expression is described for high-grade malignant lymphomas and seems to be correlated with unfavourable prognosis, there are no data on the expression of EMMPRIN in malignant lymphoma.
Materials and methods: We investigated 60 cases of Hodgkin's lymphoma and anaplastic large cell lymphoma for TIMP-1 and EMMPRIN expression using immunohistochemistry.
Results: EMMPRIN was expressed in all but four cases. EMMPRIN and TIMP-1 were co-expressed in two-thirds of the Hodgkin's lymphomas and anaplastic large cell lymphomas.
Conclusion: This is the first report on the expression of EMMPRIN in malignant lymphoma. We speculate that EMMPRIN and TIMP-1 may be important in the pathogenesis of anaplastic large cell lymphoma and Hodgkin's disease.