Expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in endometriosis

AIM:To evaluate the role of matrix metalloproteinase 2 and 9(MMP-2 and MMP-9) in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.METHODS: The expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 protein in 25 specimens of endometriosis and 22 specimens of normal endometrium were studied by immunohistochemical SP,while the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 mRNA in 33 specimens of endometriosis and 30 specimens of normal endometrium were further assessed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR).RESULTS: The protein and mRNA expression levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in endometriosis were significantly higher than that in normal endometrium,respectively(P0.05).CONCLUSION: MMP-2 and MMP-9 maybe play an important role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.