Abstract: Objective To investigate the potential of urinary MMP-2,MMP-9 and MMP-9/NGAL complex as biomakers for screening patients with breast cancer in high-risk female population.Methods Urinary MMP-2,MMP-9 and MMP-9/NGAL complex were detected using substrate zymography gel electrophore and their molecular identity.Urine samples were collected from healthy women(n=60),patients with benign breast disease(n=41) and patients with breast cancer(n=127).Results The expressions of MMP-2,MMP-9 and MMP-9/NGAL complex in urine were detected and expressed as percentages they were 23.33%,15% and 13.33% in normal women;43.93%,39.02% and 36.59% in patients with benign breast disease;64.56%,76.37% and 70.08% in breast cancer patients respectively.Breast cancer patients as compared with normal women(P<0.001),or patients with benign breast disease(P<0.01) showed significant higher levels.Conclusion Detection of all three urinary MMP-2,MMP-9,and MMP-9/NGAL complex may be useful in early diagnosis of breast cancer in high-risk patient population.

Key words: urine, MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-9/NGAL complex, breast cancer, diagnosis, screening