Objective    To investigate the expressions of c-Met

MMP-2

MMP-9 in the invasion

metastasis and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).     Methods    We used immunohistochemistry to evaluate the expressions of c-Met

MMP-2

and MMP-9

and statistically analyzed the relationship between these expressions and clinicopathological prognostic parameters in 47 patients with HCC. Another 25 samples taken 3 cm away from the margin of tumor mass served as control.      Results    The results showed that the positive rates of the expression of c-Met

MMP-2

MMP-9 in HCC tissue samples were 38.3%

72.3% and 89.4% respectively

but in normal liver tissue were 12%

16% and 12% respectively. The expression of c-Met was significantly higher in HCC than in normal liver tissue

while the expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were significantly higher in HCC than in normal liver tissue. c-Met expression was correlated with lymph node status

capsule

metastasis (intra- or extra-hepatic metastasis) and histological grade

but not with gender

age

tumor size

and stage of the disease

similarly MMP-2

MMP-9 expressions were correlated with capsule

but not with gender

age

tumor size

lymph node status

neoplasm stage and histological grade. A statistical significant correlation was found between c-Met and abnormal MMP-2 expression (P0.01).      Conclusion    These results suggest that c-Met may be involved in the up-regulation of MMP-2

via interaction of HGF/c-Met signal pathway and MMPs

which may plays an important role in the invasion

metastasis and prognosis of HCC.