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Alterations in extracellular matrix composition in the aging larynx.
Anete Branco1, Alexandre Todorovic Fabro2, Tatiana Maria Gonçalves1
1Ophthalmology, Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Department, Botucatu Medical School, UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil.
Summary
Aging human larynx shows increased collagen I and III and decreased elastin in vocal folds. This suggests a denser extracellular matrix and reduced vocal fold elasticity in older men.
Area of Science:
- Laryngology
- Gerontology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The aging process affects the extracellular matrix composition of laryngeal tissues.
- Changes in collagen and elastin impact tissue biomechanical properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related alterations in collagens I, III, IV, V, and elastin in the human larynx.
- To correlate these changes with vocal fold structure and function.
Main Methods:
- Autopsy-derived human vocal folds from adult and geriatric men were analyzed.
- Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect collagen and elastin expression.
- Digital imaging quantified staining intensity in vocal fold layers.
Main Results:
- Increased immunoexpression of collagen I and III was observed in elderly larynges.
- Elastin immunoexpression significantly decreased in older individuals.
- Collagen IV and V were consistently expressed in vascular structures and basement membranes.
Conclusions:
- Aging leads to increased collagen density and decreased elastin in the vocal fold lamina propria.
- These matrix alterations contribute to reduced vocal fold viscoelasticity in aging men.
- The extracellular matrix composition changes significantly with age, affecting laryngeal biomechanics.
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