The Role of Collagen Genetic Discrepancies in Development of Pelvic Organ Prolapse in Women: A Study with Negative Results

Abstract

Pelvic organ prolapse has a mixed aetiology – hereditary and acquired. During last decade, the role of genetics in POP becomes profoundly obvious. women with a family history of prolapse are at an increased risk of prolapse refractory to treatment. Careful literature review from the past studies reveals that several genetic mutations have been shown to correlate with increased prolapse susceptibility. These mutations can result in disordered collagen metabolism, which weaken the fascial support of the pelvic organs. This prompt us to undertake the above study, look more into genetic discrepancies and pelvic organ prolapse contemporary studies relate to this topic shows that Collagen is playing a major role in pelvic floor supportive structures. However role of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the COL1A1 or COL3A1 or COL18A1 genes remain controversial relate to pelvic organ prolapse. Some studies and meta-analysis found a strict correlation between these genetic defects and POP.