MARKERS OF CONNECTIVE TISSUE REMODELING IN GENITAL PROLAPSE

Abstract

Purpose: to expand the conception of molecular and biochemical changes in genital prolapse (GP) based on the study of morphological and immunohistochemical features in connective tissue structures of the ligamentous apparatus of the pelvic floor and their dependence on genetic polymorphisms MMP / TIMP. Materials and Methods: the study involved 178 women aged 35 to 65, 134 of them with GP relapses (after hysterectomy by vaginal access because of a total and partial uterus and vaginal walls prolapse). Patients were randomized into the following groups: I – with manifestations of undifferentiated connective tissue dysplasia (CTD) (11.7 points on average) (n = 86); II – with no CTD signs (n = 48). Control group lll consisted of healthy women without any GP signs (among 15 patients abdominal hysterectomy was performed in connection with uterus hyperplastic processes) (n = 44). Used: morphological method of studies, immunohistochemical (to assess tissue biopsies of sacrum-uterine and round uterine ligaments), the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs), genotyping by polymerase chain reaction of MMP / TIMP polymorphisms. Results: the morphological study of women’s ligamentous apparatus in cases with GP revealed significant fibrosis, coarser collagen septa among bundles of smooth muscle fibers and degenerative changes in individual smooth muscle cells. The group with GP and CTD features showed diffuse atrophy, hyaline or mucinous degeneration of smooth muscle tissue and evident edema of extracellular matrix in 65% of samples. Pathobiochemical disorders in cases of pelvic descencia were determined by an imbalance in collagen type I and III content, with the predominance of the latter, less durable; a decrease in elastin levels and its considerable fragmentation. The greatest expression of tissue degradation was observed among women with GP and CTD manifestations on account of increased MMP-1 and -2 levels; TIMP-1 content was lowest in the group. Associations with GP development have been established among women with CTD signs for genetic polymorphisms: rs3918242 СT gene MMP9 (0,54) (p = 0,007; OR = 3,2; 95% CI 1,3-7,6), rs17576 AG gene MMP9 (0.62 vs. 0,32, p = 0,01; OR = 2,9; 95% CI 1,2-7,0); rs3025058 5A6A gene MMP3 (0.52 vs. 0.45, p = 0.009; OR = 3.7; 95% CI 1,3-10,1); rs2285053 (rs2285052) CT gene MMP2 (0.44 vs. 0.27, p = 0,007; OR = 3,2; 95% CI 1,3-7,5). Statistical significance for the groups was preserved after the correction for multiple comparisons. Summary: the data obtained reveal pathogenetic aspects of genital prolapse – the prevalence of extracellular matrix degradation in a dysplastic morphogenesis. Genetic predictors of pelvic floor remodeling including the formation of its insolvency were established, allowing to extend the range of diagnostic possibilities of the disease progression at early stages or detection the risk of recurrence after surgical treatment. Personification of high-risk groups conducting provides for the exclusion or modification of all the factors predisposing to the development of the disease and performing timely treatment and preventive measures.