Mechanical stress influences the viability and morphology of human parametrial ligament fibroblasts

The present study aimed to investigate damage to human parametrial ligament fibroblasts by detecting cell proliferation, cytoskeletal structure, cellular alterations and senescence. Uterosacral and cardinal ligaments were obtained from 10 patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade II‑III, who had received total vaginal hysterectomies, and fibroblasts were derived from this tissue. Fibroblasts were stretched using a four‑point bending system with a force of 0 (control), 1,333 µ strain (1 mm) or 5,333 µ strain (4 mm) for 4 h. The present study revealed that mechanical force significantly reduced cell proliferation and increased cell senescence. As mechanical force increased, the mitochondria of fibroblasts began to exhibit vacuolization, and the cell cytoskeleton began to depolymerize and rearrange. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that mechanical forces within a certain range may induce cell damage via mitochondrial injury, cytoskeletal alterations and increased cell senescence, resulting in decreased cell viability of pelvic fibroblasts.