The expression of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) in epithelial serous ovarian tumors.
- Author:
Tae Joong KIM
1
;
Yoon La CHOI
;
Chel Hun CHOI
;
Jeong Won LEE
;
Byoung Gie KIM
;
Duk Soo BAE
;
Je Ho LEE
Author Information
1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. bgkim@smc.samsung.com
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
TIMP-2;
Ovarian Neoplasms;
Serous Tumor;
Immunohistochemistry
- MeSH:
Apoptosis;
Carcinogenesis;
Cystadenoma, Serous;
Epithelium;
Extracellular Matrix;
Female;
Homeostasis;
Immunohistochemistry;
Matrix Metalloproteinases;
Metalloproteases;
Ovarian Neoplasms;
Ovary;
Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2
- From:Korean Journal of Gynecologic Oncology
2006;17(1):54-61
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) play a key role in maintaining homeostasis of the extracellular matrix (ECM) by controlling matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). In addition to their role in regulating MMPs, TIMPs have also been shown to have pluripotential effects on cell growth, apoptosis and differentiation. The aim of this study was to examine TIMP-2 level in serous ovarian tumor tissues and to understand further the role of TIMP-2 protein in ovarian tumorigenesis. METHODS: Expression of TIMP-2 was assessed by immunohistochemistry in a total of 57 ovarian specimens including five normal ovaries, 12 benign serous cystadenomas, 20 serous borderline tumors and 20 serous carcinomas. RESULTS: The present study found that TIMP-2 immunostaining was significantly more frequent in serous carcinomas, mainly in tumor epithelium, compared with cells of the other tissues studied. CONCLUSION: TIMP-2 in serous ovarian carcinoma may function to favor tumor growth in serous ovarian tumorigenesis. Additional research is now needed to elucidate further the role of TIMP-2 in the biological behavior of ovarian serous tumors.
