Expression of matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors at the implantation site in ampullary ectopic pregnancies.

Abstract Objective This study investigated the qualitative and semi-quantitative expression of metalloproteinases (MMP) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMP) in trophoblastic tissue during ampullary ectopic pregnancies and correlated that expression with the degree of tubal invasion. Study Design It is a prospective study that included 34 patients diagnosed with ampullary tubal pregnancy who underwent salpingectomy. A histological evaluation of the depth of trophoblastic invasion in the tubes obtained was performed. Subsequently, the expression of the MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-14, TIMP-1, TIMP-2 and TIMP-3 markers was qualitatively and semi-quantitatively evaluated by indirect immunohistochemistry. In addition, the degree of trophoblastic invasion was correlated with the expression of each marker and with the metalloproteinase/inhibitor ratios. Results MMP-2 (11.2%; 3.6 – 17.9) was the marker with greater expression at the implantation site, both in the qualitative and semi-quantitative assessment, while MMP-9 (2.23%; 0.2 – 5.4) and TIMP-3 (2.53%; 0.1 – 15.3) were only weakly expressed. Conclusion There was wide variation in expression among the markers and metalloproteinase/inhibitor ratios studied compared to the degrees of invasion.