The effect of the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 protein on the window phase of endometrial implantation in unexplained infertilie women

Objective: To explore the role of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP 9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP 1) protein on embryo implantation in unexplained infertile women.Methods: Forty three women were divided into two groups:29 unexplained infertile (study group) and 14 women with normal fertile function (control group). Immunohistochemical analysis was applied to measure the cell expression of MMP 9 and TIMP 1 in the endometrial implantation window phase of the two groups. Results: The cells positive for these solu ble proteinases were found in the epithelial and stromal cells in all endometrial samples. Semi quantitative analysis showed that,MMP 9 and TIMP 1 were weaker in the endometrial glandular cells of infertile women then in those of the control group (MMP 9:230.79±43.92 vs 307.78±44.25;TIMP 1:233.05±48.51 vs 297.86± 35.56 , P 0.05). There was no statistical correlation between MMP 9 and TIMP 1 with blood estradiol (E 2) and progesterone (P) in the two groups ( P 0.05). But in control group,there was a negative correlation tendency in MMP 9/P and TIMP 1/P (MMP 9/P: r =-0.330,TIMP 1/P: r =-0.401). Conclusion: In unexplained inferrile women, the low expression of MMP 9 and TIMP 1 protein in the implantation window phase may be one of the important factors that affect the embryo impantation.