Overhydroxylation of Lysine of Collagen Increases Uterine Fibroids Proliferation: Roles of Lysyl Hydroxylases, Lysyl Oxidases, and Matrix Metalloproteinases

Figure 4

Comparison of the effect of exogenous, purified, and active MMP-2 or MMP-9 on collagen release from UF and normal myometrial tissue slices (a) or UF tissues expressing different levels of collagen cross-linking (b). Tissue slices (100 mg) of UF and the normal myometrial tissues were incubated with purified and active MMP-2 or MMP-9 (100 ng/ml for 48 h at 37°C), and the released hydroxyproline was determined as a measure of collagen degradation. The released collagen was calculated as % of corresponding untreated control tissues. Values represent the means ± SEM. indicates a significant difference from control myometrium group () (a) or indicates a significant difference from the <125 mmole group () and a indicates a significant difference from the 125–175 mmole group () (b).

(a)

(b)