title: Analysis of type I collagen in the parametrium of women with and without uterine prolapse, according to hormonal status.
abstract: The content and quality of type I collagen in the parametrium of women with and without uterine prolapse was evaluated. Forty-four consecutive patients were selected and divided into two groups: A, 21 women without uterine prolapse, and B, 23 with uterine prolapse. Patients in group A had uterine leiomyoma and were submitted to abdominal hysterectomy; in those from group B, vaginal hysterectomy was performed for correction of the uterine prolapse. During surgery, fragments of the parametrium were removed and processed for immunohistochemical analysis using polyclonal antibodies for type I collagen. A system of computerized digital imaging analysis was used for the quantification of collagen fibers. There was no difference between collagen content in patients either with or without prolapse, nor between pre- and postmenopausal women with prolapse. A modification of the quality of the collagen fiber was observed, it being longer and more compact in the group without uterine prolapse. In contrast, in the group with prolapse, the fibers were shorter and thinner and areas with large spaces between fibers were found at several points of the parametrium. The conclusion was that patients with uterine prolapse have the same type I collagen content as those without, but the quality of the fiber is modified. The hormonal status also did not affect collagen content.
authors: Sector of Urogynecology and Vaginal Surgery, Department of Gynecology, Escola Paulista de Medicina (UNIFESP/EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Avenida Onze de Junho, 1006 apto. 51, 04041-003 São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors: Eliana Cristina
authors: EC
authors: Barbiero
authors: Marair Gracio Ferreira
authors: MG
authors: Sartori
authors: Manoel João Batista Castello
authors: MJ
authors: Girão
authors: Edmund Chada
authors: EC
authors: Baracat
authors: Geraldo Rodrigues
authors: GR
authors: de Lima
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001956:Broad Ligament / Q000737:chemistry*; D024042:Collagen Type I / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008875:Middle Aged; D017698:Postmenopause; D017697:Premenopause; D014596:Uterine Prolapse / Q000378:metabolism*; D014599:Uterus / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D024042:Collagen Type I