Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 concentrations are attenuated in peritoneal fluid and sera of women with endometriosis and restored in sera by gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist therapy.
OBJECTIVE
To establish tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) concentrations in peritoneal fluid (PF) and sera of women with endometriosis and compare them to disease-free controls.


METHODS
Prospective randomized study.


METHODS
Academic medical center.


METHODS
Women with laparoscopically documented endometriosis and disease-free women of reproductive age.


METHODS
Peritoneal fluid and sera were collected, and some women received gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) therapy for endometriosis.


METHODS
Peritoneal fluid and sera TIMP-1 concentrations were measured with a specific RIA.


RESULTS
The TIMP-1 concentrations were significantly lower in PF and sera of women with endometriosis compared with disease-free women. The GnRH-a therapy restored serum TIMP-1 concentrations.


CONCLUSIONS
Aberrant expression and localization of TIMP-1 may derange the proteolytic milieu of the peritoneal cavity and contribute to the etiology and underlying physiologic sequelae associated with endometriosis. Measurement of TIMP-1 in serum may aid in diagnosing endometriosis and assist with monitoring treatment efficacy in women with this disease.
Sharpe-Timms
K L
KL
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Missouri, Columbia 65212, USA. kathy@ob.missouri.edu
Keisler
L W
LW
McIntush
E W
EW
Keisler
D H
DH
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000328:Adult; D001202:Ascitic Fluid / Q000378:metabolism*; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000819:agonists*; D006801:Humans; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D012016:Reference Values; D019715:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*
D019715:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone