Expression of matrix metalloproteinase-26 in benign endometrium and endometrial cancer

MMPs play a key role in tumor cell invasion, angiogenesis, and growth. The aim of the study was to determine the expression and cellular distribution of MMP-26 in endometrial cancers and benign endometrium throughout the menstrual cycle and the correlation with tumor histological subtype, stage, and grade by immunohistochemical analysis. The result indicated that MMP-26 was expressed in endometrial carcinomas and benign endometrium at various stages of the menstrual cycle. The highest staining intensity was associated with endometrial epithelial cells, followed by vascular endothelial cells, myometrial smooth muscle cells, and endometrial stromal cells. Increased staining intensity of MMP-26 correlated with tumor grade and MMP-26 with the depth of myometrial invasion in tumors. Therefore, the results suggest that MMP-26 may play a key role in endometrial tumor progression.