Expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-1) and tissue inhibitor of MMP in serosal tissue of intraperitoneal organs and adhesions

Objective: To compare expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-1) and tissue inhibitor of MMP (MMP-1) in serosal tissue of intraperitoneal organs and adhesions. Design: Prospective and cross-sectional study. Setting: Academic research centers. Patient(s): Patients undergoing abdominal or pelvic surgery. Intervention(s): MMP-1 and TIMP-1 expression. Main Outcome Measure(s): Expression of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein was measured by using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Result(s): Serosal tissue of intraperitoneal organs and adhesions express MMP-1 and TIMP-1 mRNA and protein at levels that are consistently varied with 10- to 10.000-fold and 2- to 10-fold higher TIMP, rnRNA and protein, respectively. Parietal peritoneum, fallopian tubes and ovaries express higher MMP-1 mRNA levels compared with uterus and adhesions; the lowest expression is found in small and large bowels, subcutaneous tissue. and omentum. Expression of TIMP-1 mRNA was less variable; the highest level was found in the uterus and the lowest in subcutaneous tissue and small bowels. There was less variability in MMP-1 and TIMP-1 protein content than mRNA expression; ovaries and adhesions contained the highest MMP-1 and TIMP-1 levels, respectively, and peritoneum contained the lowest. The MMP-1 and TIMP-1 content and ratios further indicate limited MMP-1 proteolytic activity. Although tissues from premenopausal women express more MMP-1 and TIMP-1, expression did not differ by sex or age. Conclusion(s): Because MMP-1 and TIMP-1 expression varies consistently among the serosal tissues of peritoneal organs and adhesions. and because tissue injury alters their expression, site-specific variations in expression of these substances may predispose a particular organ to develop more adhesions. (C) 2001 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.