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Published on: March 30, 2022
[Matrix metalloproteinase 9 presence in adhesive intraperitoneal processes]
R A Pintilie1, Daniela Constantinescu, Carmen Grigoriu
1Facultatea de Medicină, Disciplina de Obstetrică-Ginecologie, Universitatea de Medicină si Farmacie "Gr.T. Popa" Iaşi.
Unlabelled:
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) represents a zinc-dependent proteolytic enzyme multigenic family, directly involved in embryogenesis, some physiological and pathological processes, occurring in the adult organism. For physiological processes, MMP play roles in proliferation, tissue remodeling, wound healing, angiogenesis.
Aim:
The aim of the study was to analyze the MMP9 presence in chronic peritoneal adherences, following the correlation between the presence of this metalloproteinase and the evolution of the connective tissue remodeling process from intraperitoneal adherences.
Material And Methods:
6 women formed the study group: 5 operated for gynecological pathologies (with harvested tissue fragments from the adherences) and one patient with harvested tissue from normal peritoneum. Fragments were fixed in 10% formalin and processed for the microscopic exam in routine staining and immunohistochemistry, using anti-MMP9 antibodies and a technique based on peroxidaze-antiperoxidase system. The immunohistochemical reaction was quantified by using image analysis software.
Results:
The morphological structure of the adherences was mainly represented by fibrous tissue, sometimes associated with elements of muscle and adipose tissues. For the fibrous connective tissue, the collagen component was characterized by a fascicular organization with different orientations and with fibrillar aspect. Semiquantitative analysis showed increased levels for MMP9 in adherences by comparison with normal peritoneum (mean ration for the MMP9-positive area: 26.5% for the adherences versus 15.93% normal peritoneum).
Conclusion:
The intraperitoneal adherences with more than 1 year of evolution show an extension of the remodeling processes that can lead to the possible resolution.
Insights
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are involved in tissue remodeling. This study found increased MMP9 levels in chronic peritoneal adhesions, suggesting their role in the progression and potential resolution of these adhesions.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Pathology
Background:
- Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of zinc-dependent proteolytic enzymes crucial for various physiological and pathological processes.
- MMPs play significant roles in tissue remodeling, wound healing, and angiogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of MMP9 in chronic peritoneal adhesions.
- To correlate MMP9 levels with the connective tissue remodeling process in intraperitoneal adhesions.
Main Methods:
- Tissue samples from 6 women with peritoneal adhesions and normal peritoneum were analyzed.
- Immunohistochemistry and image analysis were used to detect and quantify MMP9 expression.
Main Results:
- Peritoneal adhesions were primarily composed of fibrous tissue with collagenous components.
- MMP9 levels were significantly higher in adhesions (26.5% positive area) compared to normal peritoneum (15.93% positive area).
Conclusions:
- Chronic intraperitoneal adhesions, particularly those over 1 year old, exhibit advanced remodeling processes.
- Elevated MMP9 expression in adhesions suggests its involvement in the progression and potential resolution of these fibrotic tissues.
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