[Expression of matrix metalloproteinases-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 mRNA in the endometrium during mid- luteal phase in women with unexplained infertility].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the expression of matrix metalloproteinases-9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) mRNA in the endometrium during mid-luteal phase in women with unexplained infertility and its steroidal regulation.


METHODS
In situ hybridization method was utilized to detect the location of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 mRNA. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method was utilized to detect and quantitate MMP-9 and TIMP-1 mRNA expression levels in the endometrium during mid-luteal phase. Serum concentration of estradiol (E(2)) and progesterone (P) were measured by radioimmunoassay. Thirty-eight patients with unexplained infertility were included as study group, and 20 women with male factor infertility or normal volunteers were selected as control group.


RESULTS
MMP-9 and TIMP-1 mRNA were diffusely distributed in the cytoplasm and nuclei of glandular and stromal cells. Their staining in control group were more abundant than those in study group. Endometrial MMP-9 and TIMP-1 mRNA expression during mid-luteal phase showed by RT-PCR in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group (0.42 +/- 0.19 Vs 0.57 +/- 0.19, P < 0.05; 0.59 +/- 0.19 Vs 0.81 +/- 0.20, P < 0.01 respectively). Serum P of the study group was significantly lower than that of control group [(34 +/- 15) nmol/L Vs (53 +/- 17) nmol/L, P < 0.01]. Serum P level was positively correlated with MMP-9 mRNA only in control groups.


CONCLUSIONS
MMP-9 and TIMP-1 mRNA might play an important role in the process of implantation. The decreased expression of their gene related to P level might be one of the major causes in unexplained infertility.
Wu
Rui-jin
RJ
Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, China.
Zhou
Fu-zhen
FZ
D000328:Adult; D004717:Endometrium / Q000378:metabolism*; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D011374:Progesterone / Q000097:blood*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D019715:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics
D012333:RNA, Messenger; D019715:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1; D011374:Progesterone; D004958:Estradiol; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9