We hypothesize that MMP-3 may act as a ligand for human peritoneal cell integrins. Localization of an active MMP, via interaction with integrins on the surface of the peritoneum, could regulate cell migration and extracellular matrix degradation thereby regulate attachment and invasion of the ectopic endometriotic tissues providing an understanding of this heretofore unknown process and providing important avenues for development of novel therapeutics for endometriosis. Preoperative and postoperative GnRHa therapy significanlty reduced pelvic adhesive disease. We found changes in the plasminogen activator and MMP systems may alter fibrinolysis and extracellular matrix remodeling and thereby play a role in the mechanism of GnRHa-induced reduction in adhesion formation. Polypeptides synthesized and released by human endometriosis tissue differ from those of the uterine endometrium in culture.
Endometriotic lesions synthesize and secrete a haptoglobin-like protein.
Piva M and Sharpe-Timms KL . Peritoneal endometriotic lesions differentially expresses a haptoglobin-like gene. Molecular Human Reprod.