Expression of Kisspeptin and Matrix Metalloproteinases in Human Endometrial Culture: a Study of Invasive and Migratory Properties

Hypothesis/aims of study. Kisspeptin (KISS1) is encoded by KISS1 gene and its interaction with KISS1 receptor (KISS1R) suppresses metastasis and regulates release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, which promotes secretion of estradiol and progesterone. Steroid hormone synthesis is regulated by KISS1/KISS1R and its activation can be involved in hormone dependent disorders such as endometriosis. KISS1 expression has been shown to inhibit the activity of a number of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). In this study, we aimed to isolate endometrial cell cultures from patients with and without endometriosis; to evaluate KISS1, KISS1R, MMP-2, and MMP-9 protein expression by immunocytochemistry; and to perform culture tests: the scratch assay and the analysis of cell migration activity. Results. It was found that the endometrial cell cultures expressed KISS1, KISS1R, MMP-2, and MMP-9 proteins, with the cell migration ability enhanced.