title: Matrix metalloproteinases-1, -2 expression in uterosacral ligaments from women with pelvic organ prolapse.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Split, Croatia. tstrinic@kbsplit.hr
authors.forename: Tomislav
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Strinic
authors.forename: Marko
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Vulic
authors.forename: Snjezana
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tomic
authors.forename: Vesna
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Capkun
authors.forename: Ivica
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Stipic
authors.forename: Ivana
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Alujevic
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D003094:Collagen; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2; D020781:Matrix Metalloproteinase 1