Clinicopathological correlations of TIMP‐1 and TIMP‐2 in Hodgkin's lymphoma

Abstract: Objectives: The influence of matrix–tumour interactions in Hodgkin's lymphoma is poorly characterised, although a large part of the tumour often consists of reactive tissue. The aim of the present study was to assess the clinicopathological role of two main inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases, TIMP‐1 and TIMP‐2, in Hodgkin's lymphoma. Materials and methods: The TIMP‐1 and TIMP‐2 protein expressions were studied from paraffin‐embedded tumour sections of 68 patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma by using immunostaining with TIMP‐1 and TIMP‐2‐specific antibodies. The results of the stainings were compared with the clinicopathological disease characteristics. Results: A total of 33.3% of the tumour tissue sections expressed TIMP‐1 and 46.8% expressed TIMP‐2. The expression of the TIMP‐1 protein was found to be strongly associated with the nodular sclerosis subtype ( P = 0.015) and the existence of a bulky tumour ( P = 0.004) in Hodgkin's lymphoma. The expression of the TIMP‐2 protein, on the other hand, correlated with the occurrence of B symptoms ( P = 0.032). Conclusions: These results provide the first clinical evidence suggesting that TIMP‐1 could promote growth of Hodgkin's lymphoma, and may be linked to connective tissue turnover in the nodular sclerosis subtype. However, TIMP‐2 is shown to correlate with systemic symptoms.