Matrix metalloproteinase 2 is associated with changes in steroid hormones in the sera and peritoneal fluid of patients with endometriosis.
OBJECTIVE
To determine matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) levels in sera and peritoneal fluids of women with or without endometriosis-associated infertility and to determine whether MMP-2 had correlation with 17beta-E(2) and P in the sera and peritoneal fluids of the patients with endometriosis.


METHODS
A case-control study.


METHODS
A women's hospital in China.


METHODS
Forty patients with endometriosis-associated infertility undergoing laparoscopy and 18 women undergoing tubal ligation.


METHODS
Sera and peritoneal fluids were collected from women with or without endometriosis.


METHODS
Matrix metalloproteinase 2, 17beta-E(2), and P concentration.


RESULTS
Compared with the control women, the patients with endometriosis had higher MMP-2 levels in their sera and peritoneal fluids. Serum and peritoneal fluid MMP-2 levels were higher in the proliferative phase than in the secretory phase. The level of MMP-2 in the patients was correlated positively with 17beta-E(2) in serum and peritoneal fluid and negatively with P.


CONCLUSIONS
The results demonstrated a correlation between MMP-2 concentrations and steroid hormones in sera and peritoneal fluids of the patients with endometriosis-associated infertility. Estradiol might up-regulate MMP-2, resulting in the formation of endometriosis. Progesterone might down-regulate MMP-2 to inhibit the formation and development of endometriosis.
Huang
He-Feng
HF
Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, China. huanghefg@hotmail.com
Hong
Li-Hua
LH
Tan
Yi
Y
Sheng
Jian-Zhong
JZ
D000328:Adult; D001202:Ascitic Fluid / Q000737:chemistry*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000378:metabolism*; D004958:Estradiol / Q000032:analysis* / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D015571:Follicular Fluid / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 / Q000032:analysis* / Q000097:blood; D008597:Menstrual Cycle; D011374:Progesterone / Q000032:analysis* / Q000097:blood
D011374:Progesterone; D004958:Estradiol; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2