The balance between MMP-9 and MMP-2 and their tissue inhibitor (TIMP)-1 in luteinized granulosa cells: comparison between women with PCOS and normal ovulatory women

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) involves follicular atresia, formation of multiple ovarian cysts and is frequently associated with a higher abortion rate. Follicular development, ovulation, formation of corpus luteum and its regression involve extensive tissue remodelling. Mammalian ovaries express a number of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMP). We assessed the differences in production of MMP-2, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 by cultured luteinized granulosa cells from women with PCOS and normal ovulatory women after ovarian stimulation for IVF treatment. In follicular fluid from women with PCOS, levels of MMP-9 and MMP-2 were higher than the normal group, as was the basal production of these proteins by cultured cells. Basal production of TIMP-1 by cultured cells was not different between PCOS and normal groups. A time-dependent increase in the production of MMP-9 was observed in cells from both normal and PCOS women, although the increase was more pronounced in the latter. Thus the MMP-TIMP balance is shifted toward greater MMP activity in luteinized granulosa cells from women with PCOS.