E-Posters-10138_Florian

10138_Florian_Rodriguez

Pdf Summary

This study aimed to understand the molecular and histologic changes in the vaginal muscularis of pregnant women before and after labor. Biopsies were taken from 14 pregnant women, 7 in the third trimester not in labor and 7 in term labor. The samples were compared to those from 28 nonpregnant women. Histomorphology and gene expression analysis were performed on the samples.<br /><br />The results showed significant adaptations in the vaginal wall during pregnancy, including changes in elastic fiber localization, increased vascularity, and hypertrophy of smooth muscle cells. Labor was associated with matrix remodeling, immune cell infiltration, and changes in gene expression that mimic those observed in the cervix. These changes in the vaginal wall during pregnancy and labor may contribute to the development of prolapse later in life.<br /><br />RNA-seq analysis revealed upregulation of genes involved in granulocyte adhesion and diapedesis, hypoxia-inducible factor 1α, and oxidative stress regulation during labor. Genes associated with synthesis of the extracellular matrix were significantly upregulated in pregnant women compared to nonpregnant women. Histologic analysis showed intimate association between elastic fibers and the basement membrane during pregnancy, while in nonpregnant women, elastic fibers were separated from the basement membrane. The vaginal muscularis and lamina propria of women in labor had significantly higher levels of macrophages compared to women in early or late pregnancy before labor.<br /><br />In conclusion, this study sheds light on the molecular and histologic changes in the vaginal muscularis during pregnancy and labor. Understanding these changes may contribute to a better understanding of pelvic organ prolapse, a condition associated with vaginal delivery.

Keywords

vaginal muscularis

pregnant women

labor

gene expression analysis

vaginal wall adaptations

prolapse development

RNA-seq analysis

elastic fibers

macrophages

pelvic organ prolapse