E-Posters-10140_Florian

10140_Florian_Rodriguez

Pdf Summary

This study analyzed the transcriptome and morphology of the vaginal muscularis in premenopausal women with and without prolapse. The researchers found that prolapse of the vaginal wall is associated with decreased expression of genes related to oxidative stress responsiveness, but few changes in genes involved in extracellular matrix (ECM) homeostasis. Although the muscularis of women with prolapse had increased elastic fibers and desmosine content, the morphology of the elastic fibers was abnormal. The researchers concluded that the changes in elastic fiber morphology and smooth muscle morphology represent the stable phenotype of prolapse, without sustained differences in mRNA levels involved in its development. <br /><br />The study also identified potential molecular pathways involved in pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in women. Cholesterol biosynthesis was the most highly regulated pathway in POP, with most genes downregulated. Downregulation of 24-dehydrocholesterol reductase (DHCR24) and methylsterol methyl oxidase 1 (MSMO1) in the prolapsed vaginal muscularis may indicate an impaired cellular response to oxidative stress, increased apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest. Eicosanoid signaling pathways were also dysregulated in prolapse, with significant upregulation of certain receptors and factors. <br /><br />Histologic analysis revealed an abundance of truncated and thick elastic fibers in the vaginal muscularis of women with prolapse, along with increased desmosine levels. Collagen fibers were more diffuse and disorganized in controls, while the dense matrix of women with prolapse had decreased vascularity. However, total collagen content and the proportion of cross-linked collagen were similar between the two groups. <br /><br />Overall, this study provides insights into the molecular and morphological changes associated with vaginal wall prolapse in premenopausal women.

Keywords

transcriptome

vaginal muscularis

prolapse

oxidative stress responsiveness

elastic fibers

mRNA levels

pelvic organ prolapse

cholesterol biosynthesis

eicosanoid signaling pathways

collagen fibers