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Aging and estrogen effects on transcervical-transvaginal epithelial permeability
1Department of Reproductive Biology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA. gig@cwru.edu
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|October 16, 2004
Summary
Aging increases lower genital tract rigidity by affecting actin remodeling in cervical cells, leading to reduced lubrication in postmenopausal women. This impacts intercellular tight junction and lateral intercellular space resistance.
Area of Science:
- Gynecology
- Cell Biology
- Aging Research
Background:
- The lower genital tract's permeability is influenced by intercellular tight junctions (R(TJ)) and lateral intercellular space (R(LIS)).
- Estrogen plays a role in regulating these resistances, but age-related changes are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related changes in R(TJ) and R(LIS) in human ectocervical epithelial cells.
- To determine the cellular mechanisms underlying age-related alterations in permeability.
Main Methods:
- Utilized normal human ectocervical epithelial cells from women aged 36-65.
- Treated cells with 17beta-estradiol to assess changes in R(LIS) and R(TJ).
- Performed actin assays to evaluate cellular actin remodeling capacity.
Main Results:
- Aging blocked baseline and estrogen-induced decreases in R(LIS).
- Aging did not affect R(TJ) but impaired actin remodeling, increasing cell rigidity and R(LIS).
- Hypoestrogenism decreased R(TJ), while aging and hypoestrogenism increased R(LIS).
Conclusions:
- Age-related actin remodeling deficits increase ectocervical cell rigidity and R(LIS).
- Combined effects of hypoestrogenism and aging contribute to decreased genital tract permeability.
- These cellular changes may explain reduced fluid transport and lubrication in older postmenopausal women.