Matrix metalloproteinases-1, -2 expression in uterosacral ligaments from women with pelvic organ prolapse.
OBJECTIVE
This study investigated matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) immunohistochemical expression in uterosacral ligament biopsies from women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP), and controls with normal pelvic support.


METHODS
Prospective observational experimental study.


METHODS
A tertiary Urogynecology Unit and Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Split, Croatia.


METHODS
Women referred for hysterectomy for prolapse or benign gynecological disease.


METHODS
Eighty postmenopausal women were included in the study after Ethical Committee approval and informed consent. During surgery, uterosacral ligament biopsies were obtained from patients with POP (n=40) and women without evidence of pelvic floor weakening (n=40). Immunohistochemistry for MMP-1 and MMP-2 was performed on formaline fixed and paraffin embedded sections. Statistical evaluations were made by Student t-test or chi(2) test.


METHODS
Immunohistochemical expression of MMP-1 and MMP-2 in the uterosacral ligaments of women with and without genital prolapse.


RESULTS
Forty women with POP and 40 controls without POP were included. The controls were matched to the women with POP in age, body mass index, parity and duration of postmenopausis. A significant increase in MMP-1 immunohistochemical expression was seen in uterosacral ligament tissue from women with POP (P=0.029). In contrast, there was no difference in immunohistochemical expression of MMP-2 between women with POP and those without (P=0.899).


CONCLUSIONS
These data suggest that MMP-1 may be marker of collagen degradation. Increased MMP-1 immunohistochemical expression in uterosacral ligaments is associated with urogenital prolapse.
Strinic
Tomislav
T
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Split, Croatia. tstrinic@kbsplit.hr
Vulic
Marko
M
Tomic
Snjezana
S
Capkun
Vesna
V
Stipic
Ivica
I
Alujevic
Ivana
I
D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003094:Collagen / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008022:Ligaments / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D020781:Matrix Metalloproteinase 1 / Q000378:metabolism*; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 / Q000378:metabolism; D017698:Postmenopause; D014596:Uterine Prolapse / Q000378:metabolism*; D014599:Uterus / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology
D015415:Biomarkers; D003094:Collagen; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2; D020781:Matrix Metalloproteinase 1