Endometrial bleeding in hormone replacement therapy users: preliminary findings regarding the role of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitors of MMPs

Objective: To establish the effect of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and the tissue inhibitor of MMPs, TIMP-1, in the endometrium of postmenopausal and perimenopausal women.

Design: Prospective observational study.

Setting: United Kingdom teaching hospital.

Patient(s): Thirty-one perimenopausal and postmenopausal HRT recipients, with a control group of eight postmenopausal women not undergoing HRT.

Intervention(s): Prospective record of bleeding patterns and endometrial biopsy.

Main Outcome Measure(s): Endometrial histology, bleeding patterns, MMP-9, and TIMP-1 expression.

Result(s): MMP-9 and TIMP-1 are expressed in benign postmenopausal endometrium. Expression of both molecules is reduced in HRT recipients compared with non–HRT recipients.

Conclusion(s): Exposure to HRT appears to alter endometrial expression of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 and also the local balance between these molecules. This alteration may promote breakdown of the endometrial extracellular matrix and blood vessels and hence bleeding.