Figure 4. Matrix metalloproteinases 9 (MMP-9) expression in LGSOC and HGSOC tissue specimens.

(A) Representative pictures for immunohistochemical staining of MMP-9 in clinical samples of LGSOC and HGSOC. Magnification 20×. (B) Scatter plot shows MMP-9 IRS (Immunoreactive receptor score) values and mean ± SEM for the entire set of patients (see legend to Figure 2 for sample sizes, **p = 0.006). Bar graphs depict data (mean ± SEM) following stratification per stage (see legend to Figure 2 for sample sizes, *p = 0.04). (C) The Spearman rank correlation showed a significant positive correlation between MMP-9 IRS and CD163+ macrophages density (cells/mm²) (n = 80, *p = 0.04).