Expression of cyclooxygenase-2, matrix metalloproteinase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 in premenopausal and postmenopausal endometrial polyps.
OBJECTIVE
Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 (MMP-2 and MMP-9) are influenced by relative levels of estrogen and are involved in promoting cell proliferation and angiogenesis. The present study investigated expression of COX-2, MMP-2 and MMP-9 in endometrial polyps from premenopausal and postmenopausal women.


METHODS
Premenopausal (n=18) and postmenopausal (n=22) endometrial polyps were included in the study. None of the women were using non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, hormone replacement therapy or any other estrogen containing pills. Immunohistochemical analysis for MMP-2, MMP-9 and COX-2 were performed on formalin fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue using the streptavidin-biotin-peroxidase technique. The cut-off value for positiviy was set to 10% and staining more than 50% was regarded as intense staining. Staining of 10-25% and 25-50% were recorded as mild and moderate, respectively.


RESULTS
COX-2, MMP-2 and MMP-9 were stained in epithelial cells and stroma of premenopausal and postmenopausal endometrial polyps. Stromal expression of COX-2, MMP-2 and MMP-9 were found significantly higher in premenopausal polyps compared to postmenopausal polyps (p<0.05). There were no other significant differences in the immunohistochemical expressions in the epithelium of premenopausal and postmenopausal endometrial polyps except MMP-9.


CONCLUSIONS
Polyps from both premenopausal and postmenopausal women express epithelial and stromal COX-2, MMP-2 and MMP-9, however immunohistochemical expression of these markers may be different due to menopausal status. This may suggest a shared pathogenesis for pre- and postmenopausal endometrial polyps.
Erdemoglu
Evrim
E
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Suleyman Demirel University, Isparta, Turkey. evrimmd@yahoo.com
Güney
Mehmet
M
Karahan
Nermin
N
Mungan
Tamer
T
D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2 / Q000378:metabolism*; D016889:Endometrial Neoplasms / Q000201:enzymology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 / Q000378:metabolism*; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 / Q000378:metabolism*; D011127:Polyps / Q000201:enzymology*; D017698:Postmenopause; D017697:Premenopause
D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2; C496540:PTGS2 protein, human; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9