Background: Trophoblast cell (CTB) invasion into the maternal endometrium plays a crucial role during human embryo implantation and placentation. This invasion is facilitated by the activity of matrix metalloproteinases, which are regulated by tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs).Methods: This study compares the serum levels of MMP-9, MMP-2/TIMP-2 complex, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 in 129 patients with ongoing pregnancy (n = 40) or spontaneous early pregnancy failure (n = 89).Results: MMP-9 was markedly (p < 0.0001) elevated in missed abortions, as was MMP-2/TIMP-2 complex (p < 0.0005). However, the serum levels of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 were markedly elevated (p < 0.0001) in ongoing pregnancies.Conclusions: Human placentation is mediated by fetal trophoblastic cells that invade the maternal uterine endometrium. Trophoblast invasion requires a precisely regulated secretion of specific proteolytic enzymes able to degrade the endometrial basement membrane and extracellular matrix. The elevated levels of MMP-9 and MMP-2/TIMP-2 complex may play a role in spontaneous termination of pregnancy. © 2013 Nissi et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.
CITATION STYLE
Nissi, R., Talvensaari-Mattila, A., Kotila, V., Niinimäki, M., Järvelä, I., & Turpeenniemi-Hujanen, T. (2013). Circulating matrix metalloproteinase MMP-9 and MMP-2/TIMP-2 complex are associated with spontaneous early pregnancy failure. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/1477-7827-11-2
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