Molecular mechanism of extracellular matrix disorder in pelvic organ prolapses

Mol Med Rep. 2020 Dec;22(6):4611-4618. doi: 10.3892/mmr.2020.11564. Epub 2020 Oct 6.

Abstract

Pelvic organ prolapses (POP) notably reduces the quality of life in elderly populations due to bladder and bowel dysfunction, incontinence, and coital problems. Extracellular matrix (ECM) disorder is a pivotal event in the progression of POP, but to date, its specific underlying mechanism remains unclear. The ligaments of patients with POP and healthy controls were collected to compare the expression of Homeobox11 (HOXA11) and transforming growth factor β (TGF‑β1) via immunohistochemical analysis. HOXA11 and TGF‑β1 were overexpressed or knocked down in fibroblast cells to explore their effects on the expression of collagen and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). HOXA11 and TGF‑β1 were greatly reduced in the ligaments of patients with POP. The overexpression and downregulation of HOXA11 and TGF‑β1 can mediate ECM disorder via regulating expression of collagen (Col) and MMPs. In addition, HOXA11 and TGF‑β1 exerted synergistic effect on the expression of Col and MMPs. The present study identified that HOXA11 and TGF‑β1 serve critical roles in mediating ECM disorders, which may be of clinical significance for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with POP.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • China
  • Collagen / metabolism
  • Extracellular Matrix / metabolism*
  • Extracellular Matrix / physiology
  • Female
  • Fibroblasts / metabolism
  • Homeodomain Proteins / genetics
  • Homeodomain Proteins / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Ligaments / metabolism
  • Ligaments / physiopathology
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Middle Aged
  • Pelvic Organ Prolapse / metabolism*
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta1 / genetics
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta1 / metabolism
  • Uterus / metabolism

Substances

  • HOXA11 protein, human
  • Homeodomain Proteins
  • TGFB1 protein, human
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta1
  • Collagen
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 2