Abstract:ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), MMP-9 and pepsin on local invasion of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC).MethodsSpecimens of cancer tissue and paracancerous tissue from 32 patients with LSCC surgically treated in our department between Oct 2020 and March 2022 were collected. The mRNA expressions of MMP-2, MMP-9 and pepsin in the tissue samples were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and analyzed in combination with clinical data.ResultsThe mRNA expressions of MMP-2, MMP-9 and pepsin in LSCC tissues were higher than those in the adjacent tissues (P < 0.05). The expression levels in stage Ⅲ and Ⅳ groups were higher than those in stage Ⅰ and Ⅱ groups (P < 0.05), and that in lymph node metastasis group was higher than that in non-metastasis group (P < 0.05). The mRNA expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in medium-low differentiated LSCC group were higher than those in well differentiated group (P < 0.05). The mRNA expression of pepsin in LSCC group with age ≥ 60 years was higher than that in LSCC group with age﹤60 years (P < 0.05).ConclusionMMP-2, MMP-9 and pepsin have synergistic effect on promoting the local invasion of LSCC. Prevention and treatment of laryngopharyngeal reflux is important to prevent local invasion of LSCC.