The role of VEGF and MMP-2 in the early stage of evolution of endometriosis

摘要

Objective: To establish an eaily stage model of endometriosis in ICR white mice and to determine roles of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in endometriosis. Methods: Endometrial samples were obtained from 10 women without endometriosis and 10 women with endometriosis. Each sample was cut into 2-3 mm fragments A minilaparotomy was performed to place one fragment in the abdominal cavity of mouse The sample of each patient was implanted in three mice. Transplants were observed and removed for immunohistochemistry study on days 1, 2 and 3 Results: On day 1, all grafts but one was fiee in peritoneal cavities In the margin of grafts, glandular and stromal cells appeared viable On days 2 and 3, almost all grafts attached to the peritoneum or peri-intestinal fatty tissues Mesothelium cells wrapped up grafts incompletely Endometrial glands and stromal cells, near the area of adhesion between graft and peritoneal layer, were clearly viable. Blood vessels were present at the junction between the transplant and mesothelium Scores of VEGF and MMP-2 in viable glandular cells in grafts were higher than those in eutopic endometrium. Meanwhile, scores of VEGF and MMP-2 in viable glandular cells in grafts from the patients with endometriosis were higher than those from control women In the conclusion, endometrial grafts easily attached to peritoneum Endometrial grafts from the patients with endometriosis could express more VEGF and MMP-2, suggesting that VEGF and MMP-2 might play an important role in formation and development of endometriosis.