Tissue composition of the vaginal wall in women with pelvic organ prolapse

Gynecol Obstet Invest. 2013;75(1):21-7. doi: 10.1159/000341709. Epub 2012 Oct 25.

Abstract

Background/aims: To determine the composition of the vaginal wall and to explore the connective tissue layer, muscularis and basement membrane in relation to the pathogenesis of pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

Methods: We performed a histopathological study with respect to the composition of the vaginal wall of 33 patients and 9 controls. Tissue samples from the vaginal wall were analysed for collagens II and IV, desmin, elastin, fibronectin, smooth muscle actin (SMA) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 using (immuno)histochemistry. Morphometric analyses were also performed.

Results: Morphometric characteristics and expression of SMA, TGF-β1, elastin and collagen II were significantly altered in women with POP.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that there could be an altered tissue composition of the vaginal wall in women with POP. SMA expression could play a role in the pathogenesis of POP. The alterations in elastin and TGF-β1 expression are likely a result of POP.

MeSH terms

  • Actins / metabolism*
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antigens / metabolism
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Collagen Type II / metabolism*
  • Elastin / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle, Smooth / metabolism
  • Pelvic Organ Prolapse / metabolism*
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta1 / metabolism*
  • Vagina / metabolism*

Substances

  • Actins
  • Antigens
  • Collagen Type II
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta1
  • Elastin