The Pathogenesis of Adenomyosis Through the Immunohistochemical Study with bcl-2 and MMP-9 / 대한산부인과학회잡지

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To understand the pathogenesis of adenomyosis through the immunohistochemical staining with bcl-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) antibody. METHODS: We selected 45 cases of adenomyosis among the uterine specimens that were extirpated surgically due to benign gynecologic problem. Immunohistochemical staining to the myometrial tissue was performed using anti-bcl-2 and anti-MMP-9 antibodies. Staining was qualitatively assessed in terms of extent and intensity. RESULTS: There were 32 cases of proliferative phase and 13 cases of secretory phase depending on the date of endometrium. Anti-bcl-2 stained 81.3% (26/32) compared with anti-MMP-9 stained 6.3% (2/32) in the glandular tissue of the proliferative phase (p<.001). In the secretory phase, anti-bcl-2 92.3% (12/13) and anti- MMP-9 7.7% (1/13) respectively (p<.001). In the stromal tissue of the proliferative phase, anti-bcl-2 stained 62.5% (20/32) compared with anti- MMP-9 stained 6.3% (2/32) (p<.001). In the secetory phase, anti-bcl-2 84.6% (11/13) and anti-MMP-9 15.4% (2/13) (p<.001). CONCLUSION: The adenomyosis may be developed from simple invagination and cellular proliferation of endometrial tissue, not caused by myometrial infiltration of endometrial tissue.