Excessive extracellular proteolysis attributable to abnormally high matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) activities, is observed in many invasive neoplasms.
Objective: The aim of our study was to compare the expression of matrix metalloproteinases MMP-1, MMP-9 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases TIMP-1 in the glandular compartment of endometrial cancer cells and in hyperplastic endometrial cells without atypia.
Material and methods: Out of the total of 500 specimens from the uterine cavity, obtained from women who have undergone D&C in the First Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology Medical University of Lodz, we have selected twenty four: twelve cases of endometrial carcinoma and twelve – of hyperplasia without atypia.
Results: MMP-1, MMP-9 oraz TIMP-1 expression was higher in endometrial carcinoma group in comparison to endometrial hyperplasia group. The differences were statistically significant. In most of the cases of endometrial carcinoma TIMP-1 activity was small.
Discussion: Our results suggest that interaction between MMPs and TIMPs may play important role in invasive processes of endometrial carcinoma. Key words: endometrium, endometrial cancer, hyperplastic endometrium, matrix metalloproteinases, MMPs, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases, TIMPs