Expression of matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors at the implantation site in ampullary ectopic pregnancies

• Published in: Journal of gynecology obstetrics and human reproduction Vol. 50; no. 5; p. 102096
• Main Authors: Gomez, Ursula Trovato, Brizot, Maria de Lourdes, Pereira, Pedro Paulo, Rodrigues, Agatha Sacramento, Schultz, Regina, Hoshida, Mara Sandra, Francisco, Rossana Pulcineli Vieira, Cabar, Fabio Roberto
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: France Elsevier Masson SAS 01.05.2021
• Subjects: Ectopic; Matrix metalloprotease inhibitor; Matrix metalloproteases; Metalloproteases; Pregnancy; Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteases; Pregnancy; Metalloproteases; Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteases; Matrix metalloproteases; Ectopic; Matrix metalloprotease inhibitor
• ISSN: 2468-7847; 2468-7847
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2021.102096

This study investigated the qualitative and semi-quantitative expression of metalloproteinases (MMP) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMP) in trophoblastic tissue during ampullary ectopic pregnancies and correlated that expression with the degree of tubal invasion. It is a prospective study that included 34 patients diagnosed with ampullary tubal pregnancy who underwent salpingectomy. A histological evaluation of the depth of trophoblastic invasion in the tubes obtained was performed. Subsequently, the expression of the MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-14, TIMP-1, TIMP-2 and TIMP-3 markers was qualitatively and semi-quantitatively evaluated by indirect immunohistochemistry. In addition, the degree of trophoblastic invasion was correlated with the expression of each marker and with the metalloproteinase/inhibitor ratios. MMP-2 (11.2 %; 3.6–17.9) was the marker with greater expression at the implantation site, both in the qualitative and semi-quantitative assessment, while MMP-9 (2.23 %; 0.2–5.4) and TIMP-3 (2.53 %; 0.1–15.3) were only weakly expressed. There was wide variation in expression among the markers and metalloproteinase/inhibitor ratios studied compared to the degrees of invasion.