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10:32
Transvaginal Mesh Insertion in the Ovine Model
Published on: July 27, 2017
Extracellular matrix expression of human prolapsed vaginal wall
Elizabeth Mosier1, Victor K Lin, Philippe Zimmern
1Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, Texas 75390-9110, USA.
Neurourology and Urodynamics
|September 23, 2009
Summary
Postmenopausal women with pelvic organ prolapse show increased collagen mRNA in anterior vaginal wall tissue, contrary to expectations. This suggests a signaling issue in tissue repair rather than a production deficit.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Gynecology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common condition in postmenopausal women.
- The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a crucial role in maintaining tissue integrity.
- Previous hypotheses suggested decreased collagen production contributes to POP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of ECM proteins in prolapsed versus non-prolapsed anterior vaginal wall (AVW) tissue.
- To investigate the transcriptional regulation of collagen and elastin in POP.
Main Methods:
- AVW tissue samples were obtained from postmenopausal women undergoing surgery for POP (stage III-IV) or radical cystectomy (control).
- Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to measure mRNA levels of collagen type I, collagen type III, and pro-elastin.
- Statistical analysis included Student's t-test and Mann-Whitney Rank Sum Test.
Main Results:
- Collagen type I mRNA was significantly increased by 5.3-fold in prolapsed tissues compared to controls (P = 0.009).
- Collagen type III mRNA was also significantly elevated by 3.3-fold in prolapsed tissues (P = 0.017).
- The ratio of collagen type III to type I mRNA decreased in prolapsed tissue, and trends for increased pro-elastin and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) mRNA were observed but not statistically significant.
Conclusions:
- The findings contradict the hypothesis that decreased collagen production causes POP.
- Increased collagen mRNA suggests a potential signaling defect in ECM replenishment and tissue remodeling in prolapsed tissue.
- Further research is needed to understand the translational mechanisms of ECM synthesis in POP.
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