ROLE OF MATRIX METALLOPROTEINASES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF ENDOMETRIOSIS IN WOMEN WITH INFERTILITY

The expression of matrix metalloproteinases 2, 9 and 11 (MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-11) was investigated in 20 samples of the endometriotic tissue from women with endometriosis-associated infertility. The obtained results are indicative of the enhanced MMP-2 activity against the ground of endometriotic lesion and the peritoneum, as well as in capillaries and in the area of endometrial infiltration in underlying tissue. The elevation of MMP-9 activity was observed in the stroma of the ectopic endometrium bordering with underlying stroma. The intensified MMP-11 expression was found to prevail in outer membranes of endometrial cells. Thus, the obtained findings are indicative of the increased MMP-2, MMP-9 and MMP-11 activity in the sites of endometriotic lesion, that, considering their ability to demonstrate lytic and remodeling action upon underlying connective tissue, may promote endometrial cells infiltration into the underlying tissue (peritoneum), improve capillary permeability and involvement of macrophage and lymphocyte cellular components with further formation of infiltrates. Therefore, the investigation results evidence the role of matrixmetalloproteinases in the progression of endometriosis.