MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression in endometrial hyperplasia and adenocarcinoma

Objective To study the role of matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)-2 and-9 expression in the development and progression of endometrial adenocarcinoma.Methods Expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 was examined by immunohisto chemistry in 100 endometrial adenocarcinomas,30 endometrial hyperplasias and 30 normal endometria.Results MMP-2 and MMP-9 were expressed in the proliferative phase of normal endometrium,but almost not in the secretory phase.Expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in atypical and complex hyperplasia was superior to that in simple hyperplasia(P0.05).MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression was significantly higher in endometrial adenocarcinoma than that in hyperplastic and normal endometria.Conclusion MMP-2 and MMP-9 could promote the development and progression of endometrial adenocarcinoma.