Distribution and immunoexpression of LOX, PCP and Myofi broblasts in Vaginal Tissue of Postmenopausal Women with and without Pelvic Organ Prolapse

• Main Authors: Christos Kleanthis (Author), Kondi-Pafi ti A (Author), Liapis E (Author), Lambrinoudaki Ε (Author), Vakas P (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Journal of Gynecological Research and Obstetrics - Peertechz Publications, 2017-05-19.
• Subjects: Research Article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

<p><strong>Aim:</strong> of the study was to investigate the difference of distribution and expression of the lysyl oxidase enzymes (LOX), the pro-collagen C proteinase (PCP) and the myofibroblasts in the vaginal tissue of postmenopausal women, with and without prolapse. </p><p><strong>Materials and Methods:</strong> This was a prospective closely matched controlled clinicopathological study. Samples were obtained from the anterior vaginal wall of postmenopausal patients that underwent hysterectomy for benign conditions. The immunohistochemical study of the samples was performed on paraffin embedded specimens with the semi-automatic Ventana method according to the manufacturer's instructions. We have also examined the correlation between prolapse and parity, age and body weight in the same population. </p><p><strong>Results:</strong> We have examined vaginal tissue from 44 postmenopausal patients: 21 with prolapse and 23 without (control group). LOX enzymes were observed in all samples, but they were strongly expressed only in the control group (P<0.005). Similarly PCP and myofibroblasts were positive in all tissues but no statistically important difference in their expression was observed between the two groups. Linear correlation between older age and higher parity with prolapse, was observed. There was no correlation between prolapse and body weight. </p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> LOX enzymes are strongly expressed in the vaginal tissue of postmenopausal women without prolapse and may play an important role in the pathophysiology of POP. There is no statistical difference in the expression of PCP and fibroblasts between the control group and the patients with prolapse. Higher parity and older age are associated with prolapse, but the same doesn't apply for higher body weight.</p>