Tissue Composition of the Vaginal Wall in Women with Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Abstract

Background/Aims: To determine the composition of the vaginal wall and to explore the connective tissue layer, muscularis and basement membrane in relation to the pathogenesis of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Methods: We performed a histopathological study with respect to the composition of the vaginal wall of 33 patients and 9 controls. Tissue samples from the vaginal wall were analysed for collagens II and IV, desmin, elastin, fibronectin, smooth muscle actin (SMA) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 using (immuno)histochemistry. Morphometric analyses were also performed. Results: Morphometric characteristics and expression of SMA, TGF-β1, elastin and collagen II were significantly altered in women with POP. Conclusion: Our results suggest that there could be an altered tissue composition of the vaginal wall in women with POP. SMA expression could play a role in the pathogenesis of POP. The alterations in elastin and TGF-β1 expression are likely a result of POP.