vitrification affects the expression of matrix metalloproteinases and their tissue inhibitors of mouse ovarian tissue

background: one of the most major obstacles of ovarian tissue vitrification is suboptimal developmental competence of follicles. matrix metalloproteinases 2 (mmp-2) and 9 (mmp-9) and their tissue inhibitors timp-1 and timp-2 are involved in the remodeling of the extracellular matrix in the ovaries. objective: this study aimed to evaluate the expression of mmp-2, mmp-9, timp-1, and timp-2 genes in the preantral follicles derived from vitrified mouse ovaries. materials and methods: in this experimental study, the gene expression of mmp-2, mmp-9, timp-1, and timp-2 in the isolated preantral follicles derived from fresh and vitrified ovaries of 14-16 days old female mice through real time qrt-pcr was evaluated. developmental parameters, including survival rate, growth, antrum formation and metaphase ii oocytes were also analyzed. results: the developmental parameters of fresh preantral follicles were significantly higher than vitrified preantral follicles. the timp-1 and mmp-9 expression levels showed no differences between fresh and vitrified preantral follicles (p=0.22, p=0.11 respectively). by contrast, timp-2 expression significantly decreased (p=0.00) and mmp-2 expression increased significantly (p=0.00) in vitrified preantral follicles compared with to fresh ones. conclusion: changes in expression of mmp-2 and timp-2 after ovarian tissues vitrification is partially correlated with decrease in follicle development.