Collagen content and growth factor immunoexpression in uterine lower segment of type IA osteogenesis imperfecta: Relationship with recurrent uterine rupture in pregnancy.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate collagen content and platelet-derived growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, and connective tissue growth factor expression in the myometrium of the uterine lower segment from a patient with type IA osteogenesis imperfecta with recurrent uterine rupture and to evaluate the existence of a relationship between the rare recurrent uterine rupture and the tissue disorders of type IA osteogenesis imperfecta.


METHODS
Collagen content and platelet-derived growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, and connective tissue growth factor expression in the uterine lower segment were assessed in the patient with type IA osteogenesis imperfecta and in eight otherwise healthy ("control") patients.


RESULTS
Type IA osteogenesis imperfecta contained less total collagen amount, with no difference in type III collagen expression and showed increased levels of platelet-derived growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor in myometrial smooth muscle cells. No difference was observed in connective tissue growth factor expression.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings confirm the diminished collagen amount in myometrium from osteogenesis imperfecta and show the presence of additional pathogenetic mechanisms. A relationship is hypothesized between the underlying myometrial biochemical modifications and the recurrent uterine rupture.
Di Lieto
Andrea
A
Department of Obstetrical-Gynaecological, University Federico II of Naples, Naples, Italy. dilieto@unina.it
Pollio
Fabrizio
F
De Falco
Marianna
M
Iannotti
Francesca
F
Mascolo
Massimo
M
Somma
Pasquale
P
Staibano
Stefania
S
D000328:Adult; D001391:Azo Compounds; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003094:Collagen / Q000378:metabolism*; D055513:Connective Tissue Growth Factor; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D017874:Immediate-Early Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000378:metabolism; D010013:Osteogenesis Imperfecta / Q000150:complications* / Q000378:metabolism*; D010982:Platelet-Derived Growth Factor / Q000378:metabolism; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000209:etiology*; D013194:Staining and Labeling; D014597:Uterine Rupture / Q000209:etiology*; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
D001391:Azo Compounds; C526317:CCN2 protein, human; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors; D006133:Growth Substances; D017874:Immediate-Early Proteins; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D008222:Lymphokines; D010982:Platelet-Derived Growth Factor; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors; D055513:Connective Tissue Growth Factor; D003094:Collagen