[Endometrial expression profiles of mRNA for selected matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1].

OBJECTIVE: To examine the endometrial expression pattern of messenger RNA (mRNA) for selected matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1). DESIGN: Experimental study. SETTING: Department of Obstetrics and gynecology of the Palacky University Medical School and University Hospital, Olomouc, Czech Republic, Department of Obsterics and Gynecology, University Hospital, Luna, Sweden. METHODS: We studied MMP-1, -3, -7, -10, -11, -12, -13, -14, -16, -26 and TIMP-1 mRNA in 39 normal endometrial samples obtained across the menstrual cycle. Based on histological examination, all specimens were classified according to an ideal 28 day menstrual cycle as early (n=8), mid (n=6) and late (n=7) proliferative phase, early (n=4), mid (n=4) and late (n=8) secretory phase and menstrual (n=3) phase. mRNA extracted from frozen tissue samples was quantitated using real time PCR. RESULTS: Four distinct patterns of MMP mRNA expression were detected in cycling endometrium. MMP-1, -3, -10, and -12 were expressed predominantly in perimenstrual period, MMP-7 and -11 had highest levels in proliferative phase, MMP-13, -14 and -16 were expressed throughout the cycle and MMP-26 was found to be maximal in periovulatory period. Levels of TIMP-1 mRNA remained unchanged during the cycle. CONCLUSION: The specific endometrial expression profiles of MMPs during menstrual cycle point to their specific biologic roles during the cycle. MMP-26 exhibits a unique expression pattern.