Expression of matrix metalloproteinase-3 and tissue inhibitor of metallo proteinases-3 in endometriosis

Objective:To investigate the genic expression of matrix metalloproteinase-3(MMP-3)and tissue inhibitor of metallo proteinases-3(TIMP-3)in eutopic and ectopic endometrial tissues of endometriosis and to explore the correlation between the two factors and the biological property of endometriosis.Methods:The expressions of MMP-3 and TIMP-3 on the level of mRNA were detected in 38 cases of ectopic endometrium of endometriosis(16 cases of red peritoneum lesion,22 cases of chocolate cyst of ovary),20 cases of eutopic endometrium of endometriosis,and 25 patients with uterine fibroids as controls by RT-PCR.The differences in mRNA expression of the MMP-3,TIMP-3 in different tissues were compared and the results were analyzed statistically.Results:①The levels of MMP-3 mRNA in the group of red peritoneum lesion were elevated when compared with the groups of chocolate cyst of ovary and controls(P0.05);The expressions of TIMP-3 mRNA in the group of chocolate cyst of ovary were rise when compared with the groups of red peritoneum lesion and controls(P0.05);The rate of MMP-3 mRNA/TIMP-3 mRNA in the group of red peritoneum lesion were striking rise(P0.05).②In the group of eutopic endometrium of endometriosis,the expressions of MMP-3 mRNA were higher than those in controls(P0.05),while the expressions of TIMP-3 mRNA were not(P0.05);In the group of eutopic endometrium,the expressions of MMP-3/TIMP-3 mRNA were higher than those in controls(P0.05)Conclusion:①The persistently exaggerated expression of MMP-3 mRNA may plays an important role in the invasion at the early stage of endometriosis;The higher expression of TIMP-3 may contribute to decline the activity of the disease in its late stage.②The exaggerated expression of MMP-3 mRNA in eutopic endometrium of endometriosis may be the origin of endometriosis's occurrence.