Clinical significance and expression of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in endometriosis

Objective To investigate mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9(MMP-9)and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1(TIMP-1)in ectopic endometriosis tissue and uterine endometrium from women without endometriosis. Methods Fifty-six women with endometriosis were selected as experiment group. Eighteen specimens of endometrium from reproductive women undergoing laparoscopic surgery without endometriosis were obtained as control group. The mRNA expressions of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 were detected with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.Results The expression of TIMP-1 mRNA was detected in all samples. The mRNA expression of MMP-9 of patients with endometriosis was higher than that in control group (P0.05). As for the mRNA expressions of TIMP-1, it was lower in patients with endometriosis than that in control group (P0.05). The same result appeared in advanced stage compared with early stage. Conclusion It is suggested that MMP-9 and TIMP-1 may play an important role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Detection of MMP-9 and TIMP-1, especially the ratio of MMP-9/TIMP-1 has an important clinical significance.