OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of the combination of Bushen Xuguan Recipe (BXR) and Ruan-jian Huayu Recipe (RHR) on the matrix metalloproteinases-2 (MMP-2) expression of rats with endometriosis (EMS), and to study the pathogenesis and mechanism of EMS.

METHODSThe EMS rat model was established. Successfully modeled female SD rats were randomly divided into the combination group (BXR+RHR), the RHR group, and the model group. And a normal control group was set up. After 4 weeks of medicinal treatment, rats were sacrificed in the oestrus cycle. MMP-2 distribution and the staining density in ectopic and eutopic endometrium of the rats were observed under microscope. The MMP-2 expression was determined by immunohistochemical assay (SP method).

RESULTSThe MMP-2 expression in the ectopic endometrial tissues of rats in the model group were significantly higher than that of the normal control group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the MMP-2 expression decreased in the combination group and the RHR group (P<0.05). The therapeutic effect of the combination group was most obvious by observing the distribution of MMP-2 and changes of positive staining.

CONCLUSIONSThe occurrence of EMS was correlated with increased activities of MMP-2. The combination method could inhibit the activities of MMP-2 in the ectopic endometrial tissues of EMS rats more effectively than RHR alone, which might be achieved through improving the endocrine environment, and reducing the "invasion" capability of the ectopic endometrium.