Activities of serum cathepsin (B, H and L) and metalloproteinase (MMP7-ase) in patients with gastrointestinal and bronchial malignant tumours.

Abstract

Serum lysosomal cysteine proteinases cathepsin B, H, L and metalloproteinase (MMP7-ase) activities of 14 patients suffering from gastrointestinal and bronchial carcinomas were investigated. The serum cathepsin B and H activities were significantly diminished in the carcinoma group as compared to the controls, while the activity of cathepsin L and of MMP7-ase was normal.