Difference in expression of collagen type I and matrix metalloproteinase-1 in uterosacral ligaments of women with and without pelvic organ prolapse.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the expression of collagen type I and matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) in uterosacral ligament biopsies from women with and without pelvic organ prolapse (POP).


METHODS
Uterosacral ligament biopsies were obtained from women with POP (n=46) and control subjects (n=49). Immunohistochemistry for collagen type I and MMP-1 was performed on formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded sections. The two groups were matched for age, body mass index, parity and postmenopausal status. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Version 13.0 was used for statistical analysis.


RESULTS
The expression of collagen type I (p=0.034) and MMP-1 (p=0.038) differed between women with POP and control subjects. There was increased expression of MMP-1 and decreased expression of collagen type 1 in uterosacral ligaments of women with POP compared with control subjects.


CONCLUSIONS
This difference indicates a possible relationship between POP and the immunohistochemical expression of collagen type I and MMP-1 in uterosacral ligaments.
Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Split, School of Medicine, University of Split, Spincica 1, 21 000 Split, Croatia. marko.vulic1@st.t-com.hr
Marko
M
Vulic
Tomislav
T
Strinic
Snjezana
S
Tomic
Vesna
V
Capkun
Ivana Alujevic
IA
Jakus
Stipic
S
Ivica
D000368:Aged; D001706:Biopsy; D024042:Collagen Type I / Q000378:metabolism*; D015536:Down-Regulation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008022:Ligaments / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D020781:Matrix Metalloproteinase 1 / Q000378:metabolism*; D008875:Middle Aged; D056887:Pelvic Organ Prolapse / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D012447:Sacrum / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D015854:Up-Regulation; D014599:Uterus / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology
D024042:Collagen Type I; C522360:MMP1 protein, human; D020781:Matrix Metalloproteinase 1