Expression Of Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) And MMP-2 In Endometriotic Tissues

Objective To detect the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and MMP-2 in endometriotic tissues and investigate the roles of them in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.Methods Imraunohistochemical S-P method -was employed to detect the expression of MMP-1 and -2 in tne ectopic tissues and eutopic endometrium of the patients with endometriosis (51 cases) and the normal controls(30 cases). And silver impregnation method was used to investigate the integrity of the argyrophilic fibrillar network and the condition of the matrix breakdown.Results 1. The expression of MMP-1 and -2 was observed in both gland epidermis and strome of the endometriotic tissues, and their expression level was higher than that in the normal endometrium (P<0. 001) ; And their expression was irrespective of the phase of menstrual cycle because no difference was found between proliferous and secretory endometriotic endometrium. 2. Silver impregnation showed that matrix breakdown was observed in almost all areas expressing MMP-1 (29/36cases,80.56%), whereas it was observed infrequently in lesions not expressing MMP-1(2/10cases, 20%).This suggested the focal expression of MMP-1, especially in stroma, wasrelated inversely to the integrity of the argyrophilic fibrillar network (P<0.01). 3. The expression of MMP-1 and -2 in the eutopic endoraetrium was correlated with menstrual cycle , and compared with normal endometrium, no difference was found in the expression level. The staining of MMP-1 and -2 in stroma in ovarian endometriosis was stronger than in blue peritoneal lesions (P<0.05), but no difference in gland epidermis,which showed their expression was related to the activity of endometriotic tissues. 4. There was no obvious correlation between the stage of endometriosis and their expression level (P>0.05).Conclusions 1. Endometriotic tissues have capacity to express MMP-1 and MMP-2, and they are obviously over expressed than in normal endometrium, which make ectopic endometrial tissues have a greater capacity to invade peritoneal and surrounding tissues and which may play an important role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. 2. The expression level of MMP-1 MMP-2 in the active lesions was higher than in the inactive lesions, which may be closely correlated with the secondary shedding and reimplantation of active endometriotic lesions. And this can make the state of endometriosis progressly develop. 3. All ectopic tissues in different stage have a stronger capacity to invade, which may be one of the reasons for the progressive development of endometriosis.