Correlation between N-Cadherin and MMP-7 expression in regional clear cell renal cell carcinoma regional node metastasis status

Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common subtype of renal malignancy and is frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage due to nonspecific early symptoms.Regional lymph node metastasis represents an important prognostic factor in ccRCC and is closely related to tumor invasiveness.Biological processes such as Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition (EMT), involving N-Cadherin, and extracellular matrix degradation mediated by matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7), are believed to contribute to metastatic progression.However, the relationship between these biomarkers and regional lymph node status in ccRCC remains insufficiently clarified, particularly in the Indonesian population.This study aimed to analyze the differences and correlations between N-Cadherin and MMP-7 expression and regional lymph node metastasis status in ccRCC.An analytical observational study with a cross-sectional design was conducted using 45 paraffin-embedded ccRCC nephrectomy specimens.Immunohistochemical staining for N-Cadherin and MMP-7 was evaluated using the H-score method.Statistical analysis included the Kruskal Wallis test and Spearman's correlation.The results demonstrated a significant difference and positive correlation between MMP-7 expression and lymph node metastasis status, whereas N-Cadherin showed an increasing trend without statistical significance.A significant positive correlation was observed between N-Cadherin and MMP-7 expression.In conclusion, MMP-7 appears to be a stronger indicator of regional lymph node metastasis in ccRCC than N-Cadherin.The combined expression of N-Cadherin and MMP-7 may serve as a potential biomarker panel for prognostic assessment and risk stratification in ccRCC.