The balance between MMP-9 and MMP-2 and their tissue inhibitor (TIMP)-1 inluteinized granulosa cells: comparison between women with PCOS and normal ovulatory women

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) involves follicular atresia, formation o f multiple ovarian cysts and is frequently associated with a higher abortio n rate. Follicular development, ovulation, formation of corpus luteum and i ts regression involve extensive tissue remodelling. Mammalian ovaries expre ss a number of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMP). We assessed the differences in production of MMP-2, MMP-9 and TIMP- 1 by cultured luteinized granulosa cells from women with PCOS and normal ov ulatory women after ovarian stimulation for IVF treatment. In follicular fl uid from women with PCOS, levels of MMP-9 and MMP-2 were higher than the no rmal group, as was the basal production of these proteins by cultured cells . Basal production of TIMP-1 by cultured cells was not different between PC OS and normal groups. A time-dependent increase in the production of MMP-9 was observed in cells from both normal and PCOS women, although the increas e was more pronounced in the latter Thus the MMP-TIMP balance is shifted to ward greater MMP activity in luteinized granulosa cells from women with PCO S.