mRNA analysis of several components of the plasminogen activator and matrix metalloproteinase systems in endometriosis using a real-time quantitative RT-PCR assay.
We have previously demonstrated elevated levels of the fibrinolytic factors urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) in endometriotic tissue and endometrium from women with endometriosis.
Two systems of secreted proteases in the endometrium, the plasmin(ogen) activator/inhibitor and the matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors were examined in cell cultures of uterine endometrial cells from women with and without endometriosis.