Introduction: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been implicated in various pathological processes including inflammatory response, cardiovascular disease, and recently also in ovarian dysfunction. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the commonest endocrinopathy in women of reproductive age, and is characterized by chronic anovulation, insulin resistance and increased prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors. Circulating levels of matrix metalloproteinases and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs), so far have not been assessed in the polycystic ovary syndrome.

Material & Methods: Serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) were measured in 23 women with PCOS [age (mean ± SD) 30.5 ± 6.7 yr, body mass index (BMI) 35.8 ± 7.5 kg/m²] and in 22 healthy, regularly menstruating women (age: 29.4 ± 5.6; BMI: 31.7 ± 9.2 kg/m²).

Results: Women with PCOS had significantly higher concentrations of MMP-2 (999.8 ± 155 ng/ml vs. 521.8 ± 242 ng/ml, P < 0.001), MMP-9 (592.4 ± 279 vs. 345 ± 309, P = 0.007) and TIMP-1 levels (823.8 ± 145 ng/ml vs. 692 ± 210 ng/ml, P = 0.02) than control healthy women. There was no difference in TIMP-2 levels (47.3 ± 30 ng/ml vs. 44.4 ± 39.7 ng/ml; P = 0.21) between women with PCOS and controls.

Conclusions: Obese women with PCOS have elevated serum concentrations of MMPs 2 and 9. It might be hypothesized that elevated matrix metalloproteinase concentrations may be related to increased cardiovascular risk in PCOS and/or menstrual irregularities associated with this syndrome.