Membrane-Type 1 Matrix Metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP, MMP14) in Endocervical Mucus of Patients with and Without Endometriosis

Abstract

Endometriosis is a benign condition characterized by presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. It affects approximately 10% of women of the reproductive age. Membrane-type matrix metalloproteinases are membrane-anchored proteins that show broad activity against extracellular matrix and basement membrane proteins. They also participate in other physiological and pathological processes such as proliferation, angiogenesis and cell invasion. Recent studies have shown involvement of different Matrix metalloproteinases, MMPs in development of endometriosis. We determined the levels of MMP14 in endocervical mucus samples of women with (n=106) and without (n=87) endometriosis using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Results showed that the concentrations of MMP14 in the proliferative phase of women with and without endometriosis were about 34% higher compared to the secretory phase in women with and without endometriosis. There was no significant difference in MMP14 levels in the proliferative phase of women with and without endometriosis. However, MMP14 levels in the secretory phase of women with endometriosis were approximately 29% higher compared to those of women without endometriosis. We found a negative correlation between MMP14 levels in endocervical mucus of women with and without endometriosis and during cycle days. A 29% increase in MMP14 concentrations during the secretory phase of women with endometriosis compared to those without endometriosis might imply that the proteolytic activity of the cervical environment is disturbed and may have a role in the breakout of cells from the tissues.