Expression and Significance of Metalloproteinase and Collagen in Vaginal Wall Tissues of Patients with Pelvic Organ Prolapse.

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the roles of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and collagen in female patients with pelvic organ prolapse (POP). METHODS: Sixty POP patients comprised the POP group (23 cases of grade II prolapse (POP-subgroup 1) and 37 cases of grade III-IV prolapse (POP-subgroup 2)]; another 35 non-POP patients comprised the control group. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the relative mRNA and protein expression of MMP-1, MMP-8, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1), and type I and III collagen in the anterior vaginal wall tissues. RESULTS: <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Reduced expression of types I and III collagen and TIMP-1 as well as the increased expression of MMP-1 and MMP-8 in the anterior vaginal wall tissues play important roles in the onset of POP.