Expression of matrix metalloproteinase-26 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases TIMP-3 and -4 in benign endometrium and endometrial cancer

OBJECTIVE: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their physiological inhibitors, the tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs), play a key role in tumor cell invasion, angiogenesis, and growth. The aim of this study was to determine the expression and cellular distribution of MMP-26, TIMP-3, and TIMP-4 in endometrial cancers and benign endometrium throughout the menstrual cycle and the correlation with tumor histological subtype, stage, and grade. METHODS: Immunohistochemical analysis using polyclonal antibodies generated against pro- and active MMP-26, and mono- and polyclonal antibodies specific to TIMP-3 and TIMP-4, respectively, was performed. RESULTS: MMP-26, TIMP-3, and TIMP-4 are expressed in endometrial carcinomas (N = 86) and benign endometrium (N = 50) from various stages of the menstrual cycle. Semi-quantitative analysis of staining intensity indicated that endometrial carcinomas expressed more MMP-26, TIMP-3, and TIMP-4 compared to benign endometrium from the postmenopausal period, but not from the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle. The highest staining intensity was associated with endometrial epithelial cells, followed by vascular endothelial cells, myometrial smooth muscle cells, and endometrial stromal cells. Increased staining intensity of MMP-26 and TIMP-3 correlated with grade III tumors and MMP-26 and TIMP-4 with the depth of myometrial invasion in tumors histologically characterized as endometrioid adenocarcinoma, clear-cell, and papillary serous carcinoma staged/graded based on FIGO criteria. CONCLUSION: MMP-26 and TIMP-4 are expressed in endometrium and endometrial carcinoma and their elevated expression and correlation with myometrial invasion suggests that MMP-26 and TIMP-4 may play a key role in endometrial tumor progression.     

Expression of matrix metalloproteinase-26 and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-3 and -4 in endometrium throughout the normal menstrual cycle and alteration in users of levonorgestrel implants who experience irregular uterine bleeding

OBJECTIVE: To determine the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-26) and tissue inhibitor of MMP (TIMP) in the endometrium of women with normal menstrual cycles compared with users of levonorgestrel implants. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: Academic research center. PATIENT(S): Fifty patients with normal menstrual cycles who requested permanent surgical sterilization (tubal ligation) and 35 users of levonorgestrel implants. INTERVENTION(S): Endometrial biopsy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Expression of MMP-26, TIMP-3, and TIMP-4 by immunohistochemistry and semiquantitative analysis of staining intensity by using the H score. RESULT(S): Endometrium from women with a normal menstrual cycle and users of levonorgestrel implants expresses MMP-26, TIMP-3, and TIMP-4. These substances are present in various types of endometrial cells; expression is strongest in surface and glandular epithelial cells, followed by vascular endothelial and endometrial stromal cells. Inflammatory and immune-related cells also stained strongly for MMP-26 and TIMPs. Semiquantitative analysis of the staining intensity of endometrial epithelial and stromal cells indicated that expression of MMP-26, TIMP-3, and TIMP-4 peaks during the early to mid-luteal phase. Expression of MMP-26 is elevated in users of levonorgestrel implants who experienced irregular uterine bleeding. CONCLUSION(S): Endometrial expression of MMP-26 and TIMP-4 is present throughout the menstrual cycle and is elevated during the early to mid-luteal phase in normally cycling women. Further elevations in MMP-26 are seen in users of levonorgestrel implants who experience irregular uterine bleeding. These substances thus seem to play a role in hormonal regulation and endometrial tissue remodeling.     

Prognostic significance of stromal metalloproteinase-2 in ovarian adenocarcinoma and its relation to carcinoma progression

OBJECTIVES: MMP-2 expression in ovarian cancer cells has been correlated with poor prognosis. This study attempts to assess the prognostic importance of stromal MMP-2 in patients with ovarian endometrioid and serous adenocarcinoma. METHODS: MMP-2, MMP-2 activator, MT1-MMP, and its inhibitor (TIMP-2) were immunostained in 84 primary epithelial ovarian carcinomas (EOCs) (35 endometrioid adenocarcinomas [ECs] and 49 serous adenocarcinomas [SCs]). Results were correlated to pathological subtypes, tumor stage, grade, size, and to recurrence-free and cancer-specific survival. RESULTS: MMP-2 and stromal MMP-2 were detected in all carcinoma cells of 22.2% of EC and 77.8% of SC tumors. MT1-MMP co-localized with MMP-2. TIMP-2 staining was weak and cytoplasmically distributed in all tumors. Univariant analysis showed expression of stromal MMP-2 significantly associated with advanced stage (P = 0.018), higher grade (P = 0.005), serous subtype (P = 0.02), smaller tumor size at operation (P = 0.001), and higher incidence of recurrence (P = 0.042), but not with the rate of death due to cancer. By multiple Cox proportional hazard regression analysis, patient survival and disease-free survival were significantly related to the presence of stromal MMP-2 in EC but not SC patients (P < 0.05). However, after multivariant analysis, the associations with patient age, tumor stage, grade, and size no longer existed. In stepwise selection, tumor stage remained the most important predictor of patient survival and disease-free survival in ovarian EC and SC, but stromal MMP-2 remained the most important predictor of recurrence-free survival in patients with EC. CONCLUSIONS: Stromal MMP-2 occurs early and may play a role early in EOC invasion. Tumor stage and stromal MMP-2 are important predictors of disease-free survival.     

Differential expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 protein and mRNA in epithelial ovarian tumors

OBJECTIVE: Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) can degrade gelatin and type IV collagen and is known to play an important role in tumor cell invasion across the basement membrane. The tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) is able to prevent activation of pro-MMP-9 and forms a 1:1 complex with the active form of MMP-9. The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in benign, borderline, and invasive epithelial ovarian tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 90 patients with epithelial ovarian tumor were treated at the Brigham and Women's Hospital and were used as the study population. Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization were performed to detect protein and mRNA expression of MMP-9 and TIMP-1. RESULTS: In the 90 epithelial ovarian tumors tested, MMP-9 expression in tumor cells was found to be significantly enhanced in serous and mucinous ovarian carcinomas compared with benign and borderline tumors. We also observed the immunostaining of MMP-9 in stromal cells of benign, borderline, and invasive epithelial ovarian tumors. Moreover, the expression levels of TIMP-1 in tumor cells were significantly higher in borderline and invasive ovarian tumors than in benign tumors. CONCLUSION: Using an in situ hybridization technique, we disclosed a direct correlation between the presence of mRNA and protein expression for both MMP-9 and TIMP-1. The present data suggest that high levels of MMP-9 protein in invasive epithelial ovarian carcinoma are strongly associated with tumor cell invasion. Enhanced expression of TIMP-1 protein in borderline and invasive tumors indicates that endogenous TIMP-1 protein may play a paradoxical role in ovarian tumor progression.     

Expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1, TIMP-2 and TIMP-3) in women with uterine prolapse but without urinary incontinence

Objective

To investigate the activities of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and its inhibitors, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1, -2 and -3 (TIMP-1, TIMP-2 and TIMP-3), in the pelvic support and nonsupport tissue of women with uterine prolapse but without urinary incontinence.

Study design

Paired samples of uterosacral ligament and cervical tissue were obtained from 11 postmenopausal and 8 premenopausal women with severe uterine prolapse. Nine premenopausal women without prolapse were selected as normal controls. Immunoreactivity of MMP-2 and TIMPs was demonstrated by immunohistochemistry. Steady state of MMP-2 as well as TIMPs messenger RNA (mRNA) expression was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with quantitative expression determined by multiplex PCR.

Results

A significantly higher expression of MMP-2 mRNA and lower expression of TIMP-2 mRNA were found in uterosacral ligament in uterine prolapse women compared to controls. In the cervical tissue, however, the MMP-2 and TIMPs mRNA expression was comparable between prolapse and control groups. With regard to menopausal status, there was no significant difference in MMP-2 and TIMPs mRNA expression between premenopausal and postmenopausal women with uterine prolapse.

Conclusions

An increase in MMP-2 mRNA and a decrease in TIMP-2 mRNA expression in uterosacral ligament are related to uterine prolapse in women without urinary incontinence.     

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression correlates with prognosis and involved in ovarian cancer cell invasion

Purpose

One of the most important characteristics of ovarian cancer is invasion and metastasis. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are known to play an important role in cancer cell invasion by mediating the degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM). The activities of MMPs are regulated by tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). In this study, we investigated the clinical significance of MMP-2, -7 and -9 and TIMP-1, -2 and -3 expression and MMP-9 functional role in cell invasion and adhesion in ovarian cancer.

Methods

RT-PCR was used to determine mRNA expression of MMP-2, -7 and -9 and TIMP-1, -2 and -3 in ovarian tissues; ELISA was used to detect the serum level of MMP-9; RNA interference (RNAi) was performed to determine the function of MMP-9 in cell invasion and adhesion in ovarian cancer cells.

Results

mRNA expression of MMP-2, MMP-7, MMP-9, TIMP-2 and TIMP-3 and serum level of MMP-9 were significantly high in patients with ovarian cancer. MMP-9 expression was significantly high in patients with advanced ovarian cancer and correlated with poor prognosis. The ability of cells for invasion and adhesion was significantly reduced by treatment of cells with MMP-9 siRNA.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that MMP-9 is a potential prognostic factor for ovarian cancer and could be a novel treatment target in ovarian cancer patients.     

Prognostic value of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (gelatinase-B) expression in epithelial ovarian tumors

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION: To determine the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression in malignant and borderline ovarian tumors and its correlation to prognosis. METHODS: Forty-five patients with primary epithelial ovarian tumors were enrolled in this retrospective study from 1988 to 2002. Only malignant (n = 30) and borderline (n = 15) ovarian tumors constituted the study group. All cases were surgically staged according to FIGO criteria. Patient characteristics and clinico-pathological findings were obtained from hospital records. Paraffin-embedded tissue blocks were treated with MMP-9 immunohistochemical stain. The percentage of the total number of tumors staining positively was categorised and awarded a score of 0 to 4: < 5% as 0, < or = 6-25% as 1, 26-50% as 2, 51-75% as 3 and 76-100% as 4. The intensity of immunostaining was scored on a 3-point scale: 1, weak; 2, moderate and 3, intense. A weighed score for each tumor specimen was produced by multiplying the percentage score with the intensity score and was defined as the 'epithelial MMP-9 score'. Stromal staining was also assessed as weak, moderate and intense. Cases with final epithelial MMP-9 scores < or = 6 and > 6 were then recategorised into two groups, accordingly. Based on degree of stromal staining, cases were recategorised into two final groups as mildly stained and intense or moderately stained. Tumor stages were regrouped as early (Stage I-II) and late (Stage III-IV), respectively. RESULTS: Mean ages of cases with malignant and borderline ovarian tumors were 57.2 +/- 3.1 and 49.7 +/- 2.1 years, respectively. Epithelial MMP-9 scores were higher in malignant tumors compared to borderline tumors (p = 0.014). However, with regard to stromal MMP-9 staining, no significant difference was observed among malignant and borderline tumors (p = 0.113). Among malignant ovarian tumors, epithelial MMP-9 scores did not differ between early versus late-staged and well versus poorly differentiated tumors. Median survival time of cases with epithelial MMP-9 scores < or = 6 and > 6 were 24 months and 32 months, respectively (log-rank: 0.93, p = 0.335). Cases with weak stromal MMP-9 staining had a longer median survival (48 months) compared to cases with moderate or intense stromal MMP-9 staining (24 months, log-rank: 4.46, p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Epithelial MMP-9 expression generally appears in the malignant form of ovarian tumors compared to borderline tumors. MMP-9 expression in the stroma but not in the epithelium contributes to poor survival in ovarian cancers.     

Localization and cellular distribution of pregnancy-associated plasma protein-a and major basic protein in human ovary and corpora lutea throughout the menstrual cycle

OBJECTIVE: To assess the expression and cellular distribution of pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) and major basic protein (MBP) in human ovarian tissue during the menstrual cycle. DESIGN: Ovarian tissues (n = 50) and corpora lutea (n = 18) were obtained from patients undergoing hysterectomy/oophorectomy for benign conditions and tissue sections were immunostained for MBP and PAPP-A. SETTING: University medical center. INTERVENTION(S): Immunostaining of tissue sections using antibodies to PAPP-A and MBP. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Microscopic evaluation to assess the presence, distribution, and cellular co-localization of MBP and PAPP-A and to describe any variations in their expression during the menstrual cycle. RESULT(S): Major basic protein (MBP) is found in several ovarian cell types throughout the menstrual cycle. The MBP immunostaining of ovarian follicles varied depending on the size, with primordial follicles staining in the ooplasm with a lack of staining in the granulosa and theca cells. In the intermediate/mature follicles, MBP was immunolocalized in theca, but not in granulosa cells except in the mature follicles. Pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) was immunolocalized in primordial follicle ooplasm, theca externa of intermediate/mature follicles, and in granulosa cells with increased intensity as luteinization progressed. The luteal tissue is the major site of MBP and PAPP-A with highest intensity found during the midluteal phase associated with both small and large luteal cells. CONCLUSION(S): The expression and distinct pattern of MBP and PAPP-A cellular localization in human ovarian tissue during folliculogenesis and in luteal tissue suggest that their individual and combined actions in a cell specific fashion may play a role in growth and differentiation of theca, granulosa, and luteal cells.     

基质金属蛋白酶及其组织抑制因子在子宫内膜癌中的表达及其意义

目的　研究基质金属蛋白酶 (matrixmetalloproteinases,MMPs) 2、9及其组织抑制因子(tissueinhibitorofmetalloproteinases ,TIMPs) 1、2在子宫内膜癌中的表达 ,探讨其与子宫内膜癌浸润转移的关系。方法　应用链霉菌抗生物素蛋白 过氧化物酶免疫组织化学方法和明胶酶谱法对 37例内膜癌及 7例绝经期妇女子宫内膜组织中MMP 2、MMP 9、TIMP 1、TIMP 2蛋白及其活性进行检测。结果　MMP 2、MMP 9及TIMP 1、TIMP 2蛋白主要分布在内膜癌细胞、血管内皮细胞及绝经期子宫内膜腺上皮细胞中 ,在间质细胞中也有少量表达。内膜癌细胞中 ,MMP 2、MMP 9及TIMP 1蛋白的表达 ,病理分级为G3内膜癌的强阳性率分别为 73%、2 0 %及 6 7% ,高于G2 (13%、0及 2 7% )、G1 者 (均为 0 ,P<0 0 5 ) ;深肌层浸润内膜癌的强阳性率分别为 6 3%、16 %及 6 8% ,高于浅肌层浸润的 8%、0及 0 (P<0 0 1) ;有淋巴结转移者的强阳性率分别为 4例中 4例、4例中 3例及 4例中 4例 ,高于无淋巴结转移者的 2 5 %、0及 2 5 % (P <0 0 5 ) ;手术病理分期为Ⅲ～Ⅳ期者强阳性率分别为 5例中 5例、5例中 3例及 5例中 5例 ,高于Ⅰ～Ⅱ期者的 30 %、0及 30 % (P <0 0 5 ) ;TIMP 2蛋白在不同病理分级、肌层浸润、淋巴结转移和手术病理分期的内膜癌细     

基质金属蛋白酶-9及其组织抑制剂TIMP-3在子宫内膜异位症的表达

目的 :探讨基质金属蛋白酶 9(MMP 9)及其抑制剂TIMP 3在子宫内膜异位症发生发展中的作用。方法 :采用免疫组化链霉菌抗生物素蛋白 过氧化物酶染色法 (SP法 )检测 4 3例子宫内膜异位症的异位内膜和在位内膜中MMP 9、TIMP 3的表达 ,以 19例正常子宫内膜为对照组 ,并用银染法观察腺上皮基底膜的完整性。结果 :在异位内膜组织的腺上皮细胞MMP 9呈高表达状态 ,与子宫内膜异位症在位内膜和正常子宫内膜相比 ,差异有高度显著性 (P <0 .0 1)。子宫内膜异位症的在位内膜和异位内膜TIMP 3均呈低表达 ,与正常内膜相比 ,差异有高度显著性 (P <0 .0 1) ,异位内膜较在位内膜TIMP 3的表达降低 ,差异有显著性 (P <0 .0 5 )。子宫内膜腺上皮的基底膜银染结果显示 :MMP 9与TIMP 3的染色强度比值与基底膜的阳性率呈负相关 (P <0 .0 1)。MMP 9、TIMP 3的表达强度与子宫内膜异位症的严重程度无显著相关性。结论 :异位内膜组织中MMP 9过度表达 ,而TIMP 3的表达下降 ,导致MMP 9/TIMP 3的比例增高 ,使子宫内膜异位症患者的异位内膜更具侵袭性 ,在子宫内膜异位症的发生发展中起重要作用     

卵巢上皮性肿瘤组织中KiSS-1、基质金属蛋白酶9和核因子κBp65蛋白的表达及其相关性

目的 探讨KiSS-1、基质金属蛋白酶9（MMP-9）、核因子κB（NF-κB）p65蛋白3者在卵巢上皮性肿瘤组织中的表达及其相关性。方法 采用免疫组化方法检测50份卵巢上皮性癌（卵巢癌）、20份卵巢交界性肿瘤、20份卵巢良性肿瘤和10份正常卵巢组织中KiSS-1、MMP-9、NF-κBp65蛋白的表达,并分析其临床意义及3者间的相关性。结果 KiSS-1蛋白在卵巢癌组织中的阳性表达率（80％）明显高于良性肿瘤组织及正常卵巢组织（分别为35％、10％;P〈0．05）;在卵巢交界性肿瘤组织中阳性表达率（65％）明显高于正常卵巢组织（P〈0．05）。在卵巢癌组织中,KiSS-1蛋白阳性表达率与淋巴结转移有关（P〈0．05）,与手术病理分期、病理类型及病理分级均无关（P〉0．05）;MMP-9蛋白阳性表达率与手术病理分期及淋巴结转移有关（P〈0．05）,而与病理类型及病理分级均无关（P〉0．05）;NF-KBp65蛋白阳性表达率与手术病理分期、病理分级及淋巴结转移有关（P〈0．05）,而与病理类型无关（P〉0．05）。在卵巢癌组织中,KiSS-1与MMP-9、NF．KBp65蛋白表达呈显著负相关关系（rs=-0．547,P〈0．05;rs=-0．414,P〈0．05）;MMP-9与NF-κBp65蛋白表达呈显著正相关关系（rs=0．695,P〈0．05）。结论 KiSS-1基因可能对卵巢癌的转移起一定的抑制作用;KiSS-1基因可能通过抑制MMP-9、NF-κB基因,从而发挥抑制卵巢癌转移的作用。     

基质金属蛋白酶MMP-2 MMP-9及其抑制因子TIMP-1TIMP-2在子宫内膜异位症中的表达及意义

目的　研究基质金属蛋白酶MMP 2、9和组织抑制因子TIMP 1、2在子宫内膜异位症中的表达及意义。方法　 2 0 0 0年 3月至 2 0 0 2年 4月应用免疫组化S P法检测卵巢巧克力囊肿 4 5例的异位内膜和其中 2 0例在位内膜 ,以及 2 2例正常子宫内膜中MMP 2、9及TIMP 1、2的表达。结果　异位内膜组织中MMP 2、9和TIMP 1、2的表达均显著高于在位内膜和正常内膜 (P <0 0 1)。在位内膜和正常子宫内膜组织细胞中的表达率比较 ,差异无显著性 (P >0 0 5 )。子宫内膜异位症组织中MMP 2、9的表达与侵袭程度正相关。TIMP 1、2的表达则与侵袭程度呈负相关。结论　MMP 2、9是检测子宫内膜异位症较好的分子标志 ,人工诱导TIMP 1、2或阻断MMP 2、9的表达可能抑制内异症的发生发展 ,有望成为子宫内膜异位症治疗新的辅助手段     

Effect of insulin on rat ovarian leptin expression by immunohistochemical staining

AIM: Leptin and insulin may interact in regulating ovarian steroid synthesis. The objective of this study was to investigate immunohistochemical staining of leptin in normal rat ovarian tissues and in rats treated with insulin and insulin plus human chorinoic gonadotropin (hCG). METHODS: Paraffin blocks of rat ovarian tissues from a previous study, in which 18 adult, female Wistar rats with an average weight of 250 g were divided into three groups to receive either saline solution, human insulin (2 U/day) or human insulin (2 U/day) plus hCG (4 U/day) for 4 weeks, were used in this study to compare the effects on leptin staining. The results were analysed using a semiquantitative scoring system, such as mild, moderate and strong. RESULTS: No staining was observed in granulosa cells and theca interna cells of normal ovarian tissues. Theca externa cells had mild staining intensity (+), corpus luteum had moderate (+ +) and stroma had mild (+) staining intensity. Histological structure was impaired in the insulin group, luteinized cells had mild staining, there was no difference in other cell groups. Only theca externa cells of the developing follicles were stained in insulin plus hCG group, luteinized cells again had mild staining. CONCLUSIONS: Besides damaging the rat ovarian structure, insulin reduced staining intensity of leptin in luteinized cells. Insulin may stimulate ovarian steroid synthesis not only through its own receptors, but also by acting on the leptin expression of these cells.     

MMP-26和TIMP-4在人正常月经周期中的表达

目的:观测MMP-26、TIMP-4和ER-α在正常月经周期不同时相子宫内膜组织中的表达及其调节机制。方法:正常子宫内膜组织(n=76)按月经周期时相分为增生早期、增生中期、增生晚期、分泌早期、分泌中期、分泌晚期和月经期。所有标本应用免疫组化和RT-PCR检测MMP-26、TIMP-4和ER-α。结果:MMP-26和TIMP-4蛋白主要定位于子宫内膜腺上皮细胞。增生晚期和分泌早期子宫内膜MMP-26表达高于增生早、中期和分泌中、晚期及月经期子宫内膜。TIMP-4与MMP-26同步表达,月经周期中TIMP-4在增生晚期和分泌早期表达最强。MMP-26mRNA/TIMP-4mRNA表达于增生期开始增强,分泌早期达到高峰,而后下降,至月经期达到最低点。MMP-26启动区-130~-116位点和TIMP-4启动区-930~-916位点间序列与ERE高度同源。结论:人类子宫内膜腺上皮中存在MMP-26和TIMP-4蛋白表达,并呈周期性变化,其表达与子宫内膜功能相关。MMP-26和TIMP-4启动区相关区段与ERE同源,提示ER-α参与MMP-26和TIMP-4基因调节。     

Ovarian prostaglandin synthase: immunohistochemical localization in the rat

Ovarian prostaglandin synthase is stimulated by the luteinizing hormone surge resulting in the preovulatory increase in prostaglandins. In the present study, the ovarian cellular localization of prostaglandin synthase was identified by immunohistochemistry. Ovaries were collected from 27-day-old rats at the time of stimulation with pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (8 IU) (zero hours), 48 hours later, or 8 hours after administration of human chorionic gonadotropin (5 IU). At zero hours prostaglandin synthase immunostaining was present in the theca of larger follicles and interstitial regions. The number and intensity of immunostained cells in the theca increased between zero and 48 hours. The granulosa cell layer adjacent to the basement membrane in large antral follicles exhibited immunostaining. A similar staining pattern was observed 8 hours after human chorionic gonadotropin. These observations indicate that in the rat, the theca, interstitium, and granulosa contain prostaglandin synthase immunoreactivity and may contribute prostaglandins during follicular development and ovulation.     

The effects of preeclampsia and oxygen environment on endothelial release of matrix metalloproteinase-2.

BACKGROUND: There is evidence of altered vascular endothelial function in women with preeclampsia as well as in the endothelial cells from umbilical vessels of preeclamptic pregnancies. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 is elevated in the plasma of preeclamptic women and is a mediator of vascular reactivity; however, whether MMP-2 release is altered in preeclamptic endothelial cells is unknown. We hypothesize that MMP-2 release is enhanced in endothelial cells from preeclamptic compared with uncomplicated pregnancies and that this phenomenon may be mediated by an oxygen-dependent mechanism. Our specific hypothesis is that cells from normal pregnancies will demonstrate enhanced MMP-2 release at low oxygen (< 0.5%, 2%) compared to high oxygen (20%), thus mimicking the behavior of preeclamptic cells. METHODS: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) from preeclamptic pregnancies (n = 4) and normal pregnancies (n = 4) were incubated for 12 hr in standard culture conditions (20% oxygen). In a separate series of experiments, HUVECs from normal pregnancies (n = 6) were incubated for 12 hr at < 0.5%, 2%, and 20% oxygen. Supernatants were analyzed for MMP-2 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-1 and -2. RESULTS: The HUVECs from women with preeclampsia demonstrated significantly enhanced release of MMP-2 (p < 0.05), TIMP-1 (p < 0.001), and TIMP-2 (p = 0.01) compared to normal cells. MMP-2 release from HUVECs from uncomplicated pregnancies was significantly elevated at 2% oxygen compared to < 0.5% and 20% oxygen (p < 0.05). TIMP-1 and -2 secretion was not altered with varying oxygen. CONCLUSIONS: Preeclamptic endothelial cells demonstrate significantly enhanced MMP-2, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 release compared to normal cells. Our data show that there are significant effects of oxygen tension on MMP-2 release from normal cells; however, the magnitude of the enhanced release is small when compared to the differences in MMP-2 release in cells from preeclamptic and normal pregnancies. Furthermore, TIMP-1 and -2 release is not affected by changes in oxygen. It is unlikely that oxygen is a key mediator of the enhanced MMP-2, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 release observed in preeclamptic cells.     

基质金属蛋白酶-2在卵巢上皮性肿瘤组织中的表达及意义

目的基质金属蛋白酶-2(MMP-2)mRNA和蛋白在卵巢上皮性肿瘤组织中的表达以及与临床病理特征和预后的关系.方法用半定量逆转录聚合酶链反应技术、链霉菌抗生物素蛋白-过氧化物酶连接法对41例卵巢上皮性癌及26例卵巢良性肿瘤组织中MMP-2mRNA及蛋白的表达分别进行定量和定位分析;应用蛋白印迹法定性检测MMP-2酶原和活性MMP-2在卵巢上皮性肿瘤组织中的表达.结果良、恶性卵巢肿瘤组织中MMP-2mRNA表达分别为0.68±0.48和0.97±1.00,MMP-2蛋白表达阳性率分别为54%和76%,两者分别比较,差异无显著性(P＞0.05).卵巢上皮性癌组织中的活性MMP-2表达阳性率为71%,显著高于卵巢良性肿瘤组织的42%(P＜0.05).手术病理分期为Ⅲ～Ⅳ期卵巢癌患者的活性MMP-2表达阳性率为81%,显著高于Ⅰ～Ⅱ期患者的9例中3例(P=0.01).病情进展患者的活性MMP-2表达阳性率为86%,明显高于无进展患者的19例中10例(P=0.02).结论卵巢上皮性肿瘤普遍存在MMP-2mRNA及蛋白表达,活性MMP-2表达与卵巢上皮性癌侵袭、转移密切相关,是卵巢上皮性癌的一项预后监测指标.     

MMP-2、TIMP-2在子宫内膜异位症组织中的表达及其意义

目的研究基质金属蛋白酶-2(MMP-2)及其抑制因子-2(TIMP-2)mRNA在子宫内膜异位症异位和在位内膜组织中的表达及临床意义。方法分别选取子宫内膜异位症异位内膜组织50例、在位内膜组织26例和对照组正常子宫内膜组织22例为研究对象,应用半定量逆转录聚合酶链反应技术(RT-PCR)检测MMP-2、TIMP-2mRNA的表达。结果(1)MMP-2mRNA在异位症异位内膜组织中相对表达量明显高于正常子宫内膜组织和在位内膜,差异均有显著性(P<0.01,P<0.01);TIMP-2mRNA在子宫内膜异位症异位内膜和在位内膜组织中均低表达,其相对表达量分别明显低于正常子宫内膜,差异均有显著性(P<0.01;P<0.01);(2)异位症异位内膜组织中MMP-2mRNA、TIMP-2的表达与r-AFS临床分期无关,差异无显著性(P>0.05)。结论异位和在位内膜组织中MMP-2高表达,TIMP-2低表达,使MMP-2与TIMP-2平衡失调,异位内膜组织侵袭降解ECM的能力增强,从而在子宫内膜异位症中的发生发展中起了重要作用。     

MMP-9及TIMP-1在卵巢上皮性肿瘤中的表达

目的 :探讨MMP 9和TIMP 1在卵巢上皮性肿瘤中的表达。方法 :采用免疫组化方法检测 12 5例卵巢上皮性肿瘤及 7例正常卵巢组织中MMP 9和TIMP 1的表达。结果 :MMP 9在交界性 (5 .4 0± 2 .2 8)和恶性卵巢上皮性肿瘤 (6.88± 2 .0 9)中的表达显著高于良性卵巢上皮性肿瘤 (3.80± 1.5 6)和正常卵巢组织 (2 .69± 1.19) (P <0 .0 1) ;TIMP 1在正常卵巢组织、良性、交界性和恶性卵巢上皮性肿瘤中的表达分别为 1.86± 1.10、3.89± 1.11、3.97± 0 .98和 4 .99± 1.70 ,差异有显著性 (P <0 .0 1)。结论 :MMP 9可能参与卵巢上皮性肿瘤的发生和侵袭 ,TIMP 1在卵巢肿瘤的演化过程中除可抑制肿瘤的侵袭和转移外 ,可能还有非MMP 9抑制活性的作用