OBJECTIVETo observe the inhibitory effects of antisense MMP-9 oligodeoxynucleotides on invasiveness and adhesion ability in vitro of ovarian cancer cells, and to investigate the mechanisms of action.

METHODSMMP-9 antisense oligonucleotides were transfected by lipofectinmin into ovarian cancer cell line HO-8910PM cells expressing MMP-9 induced with fibronectin. RT-PCR, Western blot and gelatin zymography were used to detected MMP-9 expression of mRNA and protein and enzymatic activity. The ability of invasion and migration of ovarian cancer cells was assayed in Transwell cell culture chamber. Cell adhersion assay was carried out in a microculture well pre-coated with fibronectin.

RESULTSMMP-9 expressions of mRNA and protein were significantly decreased in the antisense-transfected cells. Comparing with the control group, the inhibition rate was 34. 8% and 42. 5% , respectively (P <0. 05). Its gelatin enzymatic activity was inhibited. Matrigel invasion assay and Transwell migration assay revealed markedly reduction in invasion and migration for the antisense group. The inhibition rates were 22. 4% and 24. 8% , respectively. The adhesion ability was also reduced. The inhibition rates were 49. 8% and 38. 3% at 60 min and 90 min, respectively.

CONCLUSIONMMP-9 down-regulation can significantly inhibit the ability of invasion and attachment of ovarian cells in vitro. MMP-9 may play an important role in invasion and metastasis of ovarian cells and potentially be a molecular target of blocking invasion and metastasis of ovarian cancer.