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Immunohistochemical expression of MMP-14 and MMP-2, and MMP-2 activity during human ovarian follicular development

Maria Caroline Vos1, Anneke Am van der Wurff, Jessie T J Last

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St, Elisabeth Hospital, PO Box 90151, 5000 LC Tilburg, the Netherlands. c.vos@elisabeth.nl.

Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology : RB&E
|February 4, 2014
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Matrix metalloproteinase-14 (MMP-14) and MMP-2 are present during human ovarian follicular development. These enzymes are increasingly found in growing follicles and the corpus luteum, confirming earlier animal study findings.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play crucial roles in tissue remodeling.
  • MMP-14 and MMP-2 are implicated in various physiological and pathological processes, including cancer progression.
  • Their specific roles in human ovarian follicular development require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence and localization of MMP-14 and MMP-2 during human ovarian follicular development.
  • To assess the activity of MMP-2 in follicular fluid obtained from in vitro fertilization (IVF) patients.

Main Methods:

  • Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect MMP-14 and MMP-2 in ovarian tissue sections.
  • Zymography was utilized to analyze MMP-2 activity in follicular fluid samples.
  • Histopathological review of archived ovarian tissue and medical records was performed.

Main Results:

  • MMP-14 and MMP-2 expression increased progressively in developing ovarian follicles.
  • MMP-2 was found to be highly expressed in the corpus luteum.
  • Pro-MMP-2, an inactive form of MMP-2, was detected in the follicular fluid of IVF patients.

Conclusions:

  • The study confirms the presence of MMP-14 and MMP-2 throughout human ovarian follicular development, from primordial to tertiary follicles and the corpus luteum.
  • These findings align with previous observations in animal models, particularly following gonadotropin stimulation.
  • The presence of MMPs in follicular fluid suggests potential roles in ovulation and luteinization.

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