Differential expression of matrix metalloproteinase and tissue inhibitor of MMP in serosal tissue of intraperitoneal organs and adhesions.
OBJECTIVE
To comparatively analyse the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-3) and tissue inhibitor of MMP (TIMP-2) in serosal tissue of intraperitoneal organs and adhesions, as well as peritoneal fluid and serum of subjects with and without adhesions.


METHODS
Cross sectional study.


METHODS
Academic research centres.


METHODS
Patients undergoing abdominal/pelvic surgery.


METHODS
Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein expression using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (Q-RT-PCR), ELISA and immunohistochemistry.


RESULTS
All the tissues examined express MMP-3 and TIMP-2 mRNA and protein at consistently varying levels ranging from 100- to 1000-fold and 2- to 10-fold mRNA and protein, respectively. Serosa of uterine, fallopian tube, ovary and partial peritoneum express a higher MMP-3 mRNA compared with small and large bowels and omentum, while TIMP-2 expression was less variable with the highest level found in uterine serosa (P < 0.05). The expression of MMP-3 and TIMP-2 mRNA in adhesions was not significantly different compared with parietal peritoneum. MMP-3 and TIMP-2 protein content in tissue extracts, peritoneal fluids and serum also varied with higher TIMP-2 than MMP-3 (P < 0.05). TIMP-2 levels were lower in serum of subjects with moderate/extensive adhesions compared with subjects without adhesions. Immunoreactive MMP-3 and TIMP-2 proteins were detected in various cell types in these tissues. There was no correlation between MMP-3 and TIMP-2 expression, and age, gender or menstrual status of subjects with or without adhesions.


CONCLUSIONS
MMP-3 and TIMP-2 are expressed at varying levels in serosal tissues of peritoneal organs and adhesions, with higher TIMP-2 than MMP-3. Based on the knowledge that tissue injury alters the expression of MMPs and TIMPs, such variations may predispose an organ to develop more adhesions than others. In addition, the results suggest that serum level of TIMP-2 may represent a marker for subjects who will form adhesions with greater severity.
Chegini
Nasser
N
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610-0294, USA.
Zhao
Yong
Y
Kotseos
Kristina
K
Ma
Chunfeng
C
Bennett
Barbara
B
Diamond
Michael P
MP
Holmdahl
Lena
L
Skinner
Kevin
K
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001202:Ascitic Fluid / Q000378:metabolism; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D019278:Matrix Metalloproteinase 3 / Q000378:metabolism*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010532:Peritoneal Diseases / Q000378:metabolism*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012704:Serous Membrane / Q000378:metabolism; D000267:Tissue Adhesions; D019716:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2 / Q000378:metabolism*
D012333:RNA, Messenger; D019716:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2; D019278:Matrix Metalloproteinase 3