Expression of aromatase, estrogen receptors, and their coactivators in patients with endometrial cancer.

Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis of a panel of normal and malignant endometrial tissues revealed significant expression of both aromatase and estrogen receptor alpha in low-grade tumors, suggesting that local estrogen synthesis and action might contribute to the proliferation of these tumors.

Progestin suppresses matrix metalloproteinase production in endometrial cancer.

Objectives: Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is one of the few cancers where there is a clear relationship between excessive hormone stimulation and malignant transformation. In this study we have analyzed the effects of the female sex steroids estrogen and progesterone on matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-9 and -2) production in primary EC cells and EC cell lines. MMPs are implicated in cancer invasion via mechanisms including extracellular matrix degradation and the processing of a range of molecules, including growth factors and cytokines.

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.