Presence of active gelatinases in endometrial carcinoma and correlation of matrix metalloproteinase expression with increasing tumor grade and invasion.

Background: The actions of the extracellular-matrix degrading enzymes, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), are implicated in tumorigenesis. The cellular localization of MMP-2, MMP-9, membrane type 1 (MT1)-MMP, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) 1-3, and the presence of active gelatinases were investigated in endometrial carcinoma.

Methods: Endometrial carcinomas were grouped according to histologic grade (Grades 1-3), depth of myometrial invasion (0, < 50%, > 50%) and the presence of vascular/lymphatic invasion.