Hashimoto et al (1998) demonstrated a significant correlation between the levels of MMP-7 mRNA in the primary prostate carcinoma and pathological stage and mean serum levels of uPA were reported to be significantly higher in patients with CaP compared to healthy individuals or patients with BPH (Miyake et al, 1999). However, no significant correlation was made in a study carried out to identify changes in blood plasma levels of MMP-1 between patients with CaP or with BPH (Lein et al, 1998). The gene discussed is MMP1; the disease is benign prostatic hyperplasia.