Expressions of MMP-3 and TGF-β_1 in endometriosis patients

Objective:To explore the role of matrix metalloproteinase-3(MMP-3)and transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)in the pathogenesis of endometriosis(EMs ). Methods: Immunohistochemical method(SABC) was employed to detect the expression of MMP-3 and TGF-β1 in ectopic endometrial tissues from women with endometriosis(30 cases) and the normal controls(30 cases) . Results: The expressions of MMP-3 and TGF-β1 in ectopic endometrium with EMs were significantly higher than those of uterine endometrium from women without EMs(P 0.01). Conclusion: The results indicate that MMP-3 and TGF-β1 might play an important role in the pathogenesis and development of endometriosis.