MMP-2, TIMP-1, E-cadherin, and beta-catenin expression in endometrial serous carcinoma compared with low-grade endometrial endometrioid carcinoma and proliferative endometrium.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the expression of MMP-2, TIMP-1, E-cadherin and beta-catenin in endometrial serous carcinoma (ESC), low-grade endometrial endometrioid carcinoma (EEC), and proliferative endometrium.


METHODS
We performed an immunohistochemical study on 14 cases of ESC, 15 cases of low-grade EEC, and 10 cases of proliferative endometrium.


RESULTS
Compared with low-grade EEC, ESC showed significantly increased MMP-2 and TIMP-1 expression, as well as decreased membranous beta-catenin staining. E-cadherin expression was significantly lower in ESC and EEC as compared with proliferative endometrium.


CONCLUSIONS
We suggest that MMP-2 and TIMP-1 expression and loss of beta-catenin have a role in the pathogenesis and progression of ESC. Decreased E-cadherin may have an important role in the development of both ESC and EEC. Furthermore, the dissimilarities in MMP-2, TIMP-1, E-cadherin and beta-catenin expressions in ESC compared with EEC may be responsible, along with other factors, for their different biological behavior.
Shaco-Levy
Ruthy
R
Department of Pathology, Soroka University Medical Center and Faculty of Health Sciences, Beer-Sheva, Israel. rsl@bgu.ac.il
Sharabi
Shalom
S
Piura
Benjamin
B
Sion-Vardy
Netta
N
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015820:Cadherins / Q000378:metabolism*; D018269:Carcinoma, Endometrioid / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D018284:Cystadenocarcinoma, Serous / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D016889:Endometrial Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 / Q000378:metabolism*; D008875:Middle Aged; D019715:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 / Q000378:metabolism*; D051176:beta Catenin / Q000378:metabolism*
D015820:Cadherins; D019715:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1; D051176:beta Catenin; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2