The metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) are proteinases of the extracellular matrix (MEC), zinc-dependent, involved in the initial process of carcinogenesis, allowing the invasion by the tumor cell and promoting the process of metastasis. The polymorphism of these proteinases has been studied recently in order to validate its expression and / or activity as a marker prognosis. Evidence shows cumulative important role of MMPs 1 and 7 in different stages of carcinogenesis. The MMP-1 is direct action on the main protein of the MEC, which is the collagen of interstitial connective tissue. Its increased expression in this tissue may indicate high potential for spread in different tumor types of cancer, including colorectal. The association of this increase of expression also appears to be true for MMP-7.
Colorectal neoplasms; Matrix metalloproteinase 1; Matrix metalloproteinase 7