Abstract:

Transmissible venereal tumor (TVT) is a sexually transmitted, naturally occurring tumor of the canine family and often occurs in tropical and subtropical countries. The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are endogenous proteases accountable for the degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, such as collagen and other proteins including the basement membrane. MMPs play a vital role in the tumor metastasis and angiogenesis. Both MMP-2 and -7 strongly associated with the invasion and metastasis of different cancer types. This study aims to investigate the MMP-2 and -7 expression in naturally occurring TVT in 20 dogs using immunohistochemical methods. Immunohistochemically, we observed increased MMP-2 and -7 expressions in tumor cells. In addition, a positive correlation was determined between the tumor size and immunoexpressions of the markers indicating that both MMP-2 and -7 participate in the TVT pathogenesis.

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