Comparison of connective tissue components in the uterine ligaments between women with and without pelvic organ prolapse

Abstract

Aim. Aim of the study was the comparison of the connective tissue components in the uterine ligaments between the women with and without pelvic organ prolapse. Methods. This study included 15 postmenopausal women without pelvic organ prolapse who underwent total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy for benign pathologies (control group) and 15 postmenopausal women who underwent vaginal hysterectomy because of pelvic organ prolapse (POP group). During the operation, samples for histological examination were taken from the cardinal and sacrouterine ligaments. The contents of collagen type I, collagen type III and elastin, and number and mitotic activity of fibroblasts in uterine ligaments were histopatholocially determined. Results. The collagen type I content for the POP group was significantly higher than that of the control group. Collagen type III content, elastin content, and number and mitotic activity of fibroblasts were not significantly different between the control and POP groups. Conclusion. Collagen type I was found to be increased in the uterine ligaments of the POP group. The other connective tissue components did not differ between the two groups.