Abstract: To study expressions of matrix metalloproteinase1，2，7 ( MMP-1，MMP-2，MMP-7)，tissue inhibitor of matrix metallo proteinase 1(TIMP-1) and metastasis associated gene 1 (MTA1)in esophageal cancer tissue and normal tissue among Kazaks and to investigate the relationship between their expressions and clinical pathological features. METHODS：Using RT-PCR to detect the expressions of MMP-1，MMP-2，MMP-7，TIMP-1 and MTA1 in 75 esophageal cancer specimens. RESULTS：The mRNA expressions of MMP-1，MMP-2，MMP-7 ，TIMP-1 and MTA1 in cancer tissue were higher than those of normal tissues(P＜0.05)．While the expression levels of MMP-2，MMP-7 and MTA1 mRNA were significantly related to the lymph node metastasis. The expression levels of MMP-1，MMP-7 mRNA were significantly related to the TNM stages(P＜0.05)． The expression of TIMP-1 in the Kazak's esophageal cancer was positively related to the expressions of MMP-1，MMP-7，MTA1 ( r = 0.446、0.458、0.333，respectively， P<0.01 )． CONCLUSION：The overexpressions of MMP-1，MMP-2，MMP-7，TIMP-1 and MTA1 gene could have important roles in carcinogenesis of esophageal cancer in the Kazaks. Their synergistic effect could promote carcinogenesis and development of esophageal cancer. The MMP-2，MMP-7 and MTA1 genes may be the main players of progression and metastasis in esophageal cancer among Kazaks．

Key words: esophageal cancer, matrix metalloproteinase, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 1, metastasis associated gene 1