Expression and Significance of Matrix Metalloproteinase-2,9 and tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1,2 in Serum and Peritoneal Fluid of Patients with Endometriosis

Objective: To explore the clinical significance and expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2,9( MMP-2,9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1,2( TIMP-1,2) in serum and peritoneal fluid of patients with endometriosis( EMs). Methods: We measured the concentrations of MMP-2,9 and TIMP-1,2 in serum and peritoneal fluid of patients with EMs( n = 37) and compared them with those in a control group( n = 25),as assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay( ELISA). Results: MMP-2,9 concentrations in serum and peritoneal fluid were higher in patients with EMs than those in the control group( p 0. 05),while TIMP-1,2 concentrations in serum and peritoneal fluid were lower in patients with EMs than those in the control group( p 0. 05). MMP-2,9 concentrations in serum and peritoneal fluid of stage ⅢorⅣ was higher than that of stageⅠorⅡ( p 0. 05),TIMP-1,2 concentrations in serum and peritoneal fluid of stage Ⅲ or Ⅳ was lower than that of stageⅠorⅡ( p 0. 05). Conclusion: These results suggest that MMP-2,9 and TIMP-1,2 may play an important role in the pathogenesis of EMs. Detection of MMP-2,9 and TIMP-1,2 in serum and peritoneal fluid has important clinical value to diagnostic,treatment and prognosis of patients with EMs.