Aim: CD44, one of the adhesion molecules, is thought to play an important role in cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. Matrix metalloproteinases are degradative enzymes that remodel extracellular components. In this study the relation of MMP-2 and CD44 expressions with the histologic classification and the pathologic stage of urothelial carcinoma was revealed using immunohistochemistry.

Material and Methods: Thirty-nine patients with urothelial carcinoma of the bladder were studied. The histological classification was performed according to WHO criteria. Patients were grouped as infiltrating urothelial carcinoma, low grade non-invasive papillary urothelial carcinoma, and high grade non-invasive papillary urothelial carcinoma. The pathological staging was done according to the TNM classification. Immunohistochemical staining using CD44 and MMP-2 antibodies was performed on tissue blocks.

Results: CD44 immunoreactivity was detected in 77% (30/39) of the tumours which was significantly higher in non-invasive papillary urothelial carcinomas, low grade non-invasive papillary urothelial carcinomas, high grade infiltrating urothelial carcinomas (p≥0.05). MMP-2 expression was observed in 69% (27 of 39) of the tumours. There were no significant differences in MMP-2 expression between various histologic subtypes and noninvasive and infiltrative tumours.

Conclusion: In conclusion, higher expression of CD44 is inversely correlated with infiltrative potential of urothelial carcinoma. These results should be supported by further studies.