Expression of RECK and TIMP-2 proteins and matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 in cervical lesions

Cervical cancer remains a significant global public health challenge, with alarming incidence rates in developing countries due to poor socioeconomic conditions, limited access to healthcare services, low vaccination coverage, and insufficient education. This study aimed to evaluate the expression of RECK and TIMP-2 proteins, as well as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) 2 and 9 in cervical lesions, using immunohistochemistry techniques on cervical biopsy samples. A total of 146 histopathological samples were analyzed, classified into different grades of cervical lesions: CIN-I, CIN-II, and CIN-III. Statistical analysis, conducted using Jamovi software, included Shapiro-Wilk tests, Spearman correlation, and logistic regression to assess the probability of immunostaining in the development of cervical lesions. The expression of MMPs-2 and -9 was positively correlated with the progression of cervical lesions, while the inhibitors TIMP-2 and RECK showed downregulation, suggesting a crucial role in the inhibition of cervical carcinogenesis.