Correlation between CXCL12 and MMP-7 Expression with Lymph Node Metastasis Status in Colorectal Adenocarcinoma

Colorectal cancer is the third most frequent cancer worldwide, whereas histopathologically, adenocarcinoma is the most common type. High expression of CXCL12 in tumor cells influences tumor cell metastasis. CXCL12 will activate CXCR4, which progressively upregulates MMP-7 expression and degrades the extracellular matrix, causing the migration of cancer cells. The status of regional lymph node metastases influences prognosis. Therefore, accurate biomarkers are required to diagnose lymph node metastases. The research analyzed the expression of CXCL12 and MMP-7 to reveal their role in the process of colorectal cancer regional lymph node metastasis. This research applies an analytical observational method with a cross-sectional approach. The number of samples was 47, divided into 3 groups based on regional metastasis stage (N0, N1, and N2). Immunohistochemistry was performed with CXCL12 and MMP-7 antibodies. The relationship between CXCL12 and MMP-7 expression was analyzed using statistical tests. There were significant differences in CXCL12 and MMP-7 expression at various N stages (p = 0.005 and p = 0.001). There was a positive correlation between CXCL12 expression and MMP-7 expression in various N stage of colorectal adenocarcinoma (p=0.004). According to this study, CXCL12 and MMP-7 expression are associated with regional lymph node metastases in colorectal adenocarcinoma. Results suggest CXCL12 and MMP-7 represent an essential role in lymph node metastasis in colorectal adenocarcinoma.