Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and -9 (MMP-9) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMP-1 and TIMP-2) in differential diagnosis between low malignant potential (LMP) and malignant ovarian tumours.

Background: Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) (gelatinase A) and MMP-9 (gelatinase B) have the ability to degrade several extracellular matrix components. This study aimed to evaluate whether matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-2-TIMP-2 complex) or their tissue inhibitors (TIMP-1, TIMP-2) could be used as preoperative serum markers in differentiating between low malignant potential (LMP) and malignant ovarian tumours.
Patients and Methods: The study population consisted of 61 patients with ovarian neoplasms (28 benign, 11 LMP and 22 malignant). MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-2-TIMP-2 complex, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 were analysed from serum samples using enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA).
Results: Serum TIMP-1 values significantly increased from benign (median 250 microg/l, range 137-616 microg/l) to LMP (median 357 microg/l, range 63-587 microg/l) and further to malignant (median 443 microg/l, range 199-983 microg/l) ovarian neoplasms (p<0.001). There was a significant difference in the ratios of TIMP-1 to MMP-2 and TIMP-1 to MMP-2-TIMP-2 complex between the patients with benign vs. malignant and an LMP vs. malignant tumour.
Conclusion: The value of circulating TIMP-1 and the ratios of TIMP-1 to MMP-2 and TIMP-1 to MMP-2-TIMP-2 complex may be valuable for differentiating between LMP and malignant ovarian tumours.