Narrative review of the epidemiology, diagnosis and pathophysiology of pelvic organ prolapse

Postoperative void trial failure and same-day discharge following apical pelvic organ prolapse surgery: a retrospective matched case-control study

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Robust data comparing the timing of voiding trials following prolapse surgery are lacking. Filling in these knowledge gaps would be helpful in counseling patients preoperatively about the concerns regarding same-day discharge. We aimed to compare the rate of a failed void trial after apical pelvic organ prolapse (POP) repair between patients who were discharged on the day of surgery versus those discharged on postoperative day 1.

METHODS

This was a retrospective matched case-control study of women who underwent either a laparoscopic/robotic or transvaginal apical POP surgery with or without concurrent hysterectomy. Patients who were discharged on postoperative day 0 (POD0) were identified as cases and matched to control patients discharged on postoperative day 1 (POD1). Patients were matched 1:1 based on age and surgical approach.

RESULTS

A total of 59 patients in each group met the inclusion criteria. Of the entire cohort, 34 (28.8%) patients failed their void trial, with no statistically significant difference between those who were discharged on POD0 versus POD1 (33.9% vs 23.7%, p=0.47). Patients who were discharged on POD0 were more likely to be diagnosed with a urinary tract infection (22.0% vs 8.4%, p=0.041) during the postoperative period.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients undergoing surgery for apical prolapse, there was no difference in the rate of void trial failure in those who had a catheter removal on the day of surgery compared with those who experienced removal the following day.

Female Sexual Dysfunctions and Urogynecological Complaints: A Narrative Review

Female sexual dysfunctions represent a real widespread problem, usually faced from a psychological point of view; however, millions of women worldwide are impacted by pelvic floor dysfunction, personal shame and social taboos, however, continue to inhibit free conversation on the subject. Women's quality of life is considerably improved by screening, diagnosing, and controlling urogenital and sexual issues. This review aims to provide a critical perspective of urogenital conditions and common disturbances in female sexual function associated with these issues. It also includes a discussion of postpartum pelvic dysfunction.

Effects of Pelvic-Floor Muscle Training in Patients with Pelvic Organ Prolapse Approached with Surgery vs. Conservative Treatment: A Systematic Review

The aim of this systematic review was to explore the effectiveness of pelvic-floor muscle training (PFMT) in the treatment of women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) who had undergone either surgery or only conservative treatment, based on a selection of randomized clinical trials (RCT). The search was carried out in PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, CINAHL, and PEDro databases between April 2021 and October 2021 using the following MeSH terms or keywords: “pelvic organ prolapse”, “POP”, “pelvic floor muscle training”, “pelvic floor muscle exercise”, “kegel exercise”, and “surgery”. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the PEDro scale. Eighteen RCTs were included in this review. The findings showed improvements in symptoms associated with POP, in pelvic-floor function, and in quality of life in women who performed a PFMT protocol. However, PFMT did not produce significant changes in sexual function, and the results of the change in POP stage were inconclusive. When viewing PFMT as a complementary treatment to surgery, no significant improvements were observed in any of the analyzed variables. In conclusion, a PFMT program is an effective way to improve the pelvic, urinary, and intestinal symptoms associated with POP; function of the pelvic floor; and quality of life. PFMT as an adjunct to surgery does not seem to provide a greater benefit than surgical treatment alone. RCTs of higher methodological quality, with a larger sample size and a longer follow-up, are needed to confirm the results.

Cog Threads for Transvaginal Prolapse Repair: Ex-Vivo Studies of a Novel Concept

The diagnosis and treatment of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) remain a relevant and scientifically challenging topic. The number of cases of genital prolapse increases each year, one in ten women need at least one surgical procedure and one in four women in midlife have asymptomatic prolapse. Using mesh implants to correct POP presents unsatisfactory clinical outcomes, requiring hospital readmission and further surgery. We hypothesize using an alternative surgical intervention technique, applying injectable biodegradable cog threads, currently used for face lifting procedures, to reinforce and correct vaginal wall defects. The threads used in this investigation are commercially available 360° 4D barb threads (PCL-19G-100), made of polycaprolactone (PCL), supplied in sterile packs (Yastrid, Shanghai, China). Eleven sows’ vaginal walls were used to analyze the immediate reinforcement effect of the threads. Uniaxial tensile testing and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed for the initial characterization of the threads. Threads were inserted into the vaginal wall (control n = 5, cog n = 5) and were characterized by ball burst testing; a pull-out test was performed (n = 6). With SEM images, dimensions, such as thread diameter (≈630 µm), cut angle (≈135°), cut depth (≈200 µm) and cog distance (≈1600 µm) were measured. The mechanical behavior during uniaxial tensile testing was nonlinear. Threads could sustain 17–18 N at 18–22% of deformation. During the ball burst test, vaginal tissue reinforced with threads could support 68 N more load than normal tissue (p < 0.05), indicating its strengthening effect. Comfort and stress zones were significantly stiffer in the tissues reinforced with threads (p < 0.05; p < 0.05). Both groups showed identical deformation (elongation); no significant differences in the comfort zone length were observed, showing that threads do not affect tissue compliance. The pull-out test showed that the threads could sustain 3.827 ± 0.1891 N force when the first cog slip occurs, at 11.93 ± 0.8291 mm. This preliminary research on using PCL cog threads for POP treatment showed promising results in increased vaginal wall resistance to pressure load and, at the same time, not affecting its compliance. Nevertheless, to obtain long term host response in vivo, further investigation will be carried out.

Clinical Efficacy of LSC and TVT-O for Stress Urinary Incontinence Complicated with Pelvic Organ Prolapse and Factors Influencing Postoperative Urinary Function Recovery

Pelvic organ prolapse is caused by various causes, which leads to the weakness of the tissue supporting the pelvic floor and then causes the downward displacement of female reproductive organs and adjacent organs. Clinical studies have shown that pop is often associated with stress urinary incontinence. This research project aimed to clarify the clinical effect of laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LSC) and tension-free vaginal tape obturator (TVT-O) for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) complicated with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and the influencing factors of postoperative urinary function (UF) recovery. The clinical data of 125 patients with SUI complicated with POP treated in Wenzhou Central Hospital and Beidahuang Industry Group General Hospital between March 2018 and December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were assigned to the following two arms based on different treatment methods: the combination group (n = 65, treated with LSC plus TVT-O) and the control group (n = 60, treated with LSC). The alterations of perioperative clinical and urodynamic indexes were analyzed. The objective and subjective response rates were observed and compared. The degree of POP before and after surgery was evaluated. According to the urinary function recovery time, the patients were divided into the fast and non-fast recovery groups, and then, the factors influencing postoperative UF recovery were analyzed between groups. The combination group showed statistically longer operation time (OT) and postoperative indwelling catheter and higher intraoperative blood loss (IBL) than the control group (all P < 0.05), but the anal exhaust time and postoperative length of stay (LOS) differed insignificantly between the two arms. The combination group outperformed the control group in the objective response rate, as well as the scores of illness, quality of life (QOL), and sexual life (all P < 0.05). Menopause, maximum flow rate (MFR), and preoperative residual urine volume were identified as the influencing factors for normal urination. For patients with SUI complicated with POP, the efficacy of laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy was limited, while combining with TVT-O would obtain more significant short-term and long-term efficacy, which can significantly improve patients' urination and long-term quality of life, with higher safety and clinical promotion value.

Robot-assisted sacro(hystero)colpopexy with anterior and posterior mesh placement: impact on lower bowel tract function and clinical outcomes at mid-term follow-up

Background:

Robotic sacrocolpopexy (RSCP) is an established option for the treatment of apical, anterior, and proximal posterior compartment pelvic organ prolapses (POP). However, there is lack of evidence investigating how lower bowel tract symptoms (LBTS) may change after RSCP.

Methods:

Data from consecutive patients treated with RSCP for stage 3 or higher POP from 2012 to 2019 at a single tertiary referral center with at least 1 year of follow-up were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed. RSCP was performed following a standardized technique which always employed both anterior and posterior hand-shaped meshes. Outcomes were collected at follow-up and analyzed. LBTS were evaluated through the Wexner questionnaire.

Results:

Overall, 114 women underwent RSCP. Eleven were excluded for missing data, whereas 12 had insufficient follow-up. Thus, 91 (79.8%) patients were included in this cohort. Median follow-up was 42 [interquartile range (IQR), 19–62] months. Mean age was 65 ± 10 years. In our series, RSCP was mainly performed for anterior and apical/medium stage 3 POP (in 95.6% of patients). Anatomic success rate of RSCP was 97.8%, with 89 patients with POP stage 0–1 at 12-month follow-up. Two patients (2.2%) experienced POP recurrence and were treated with redo-SCP. No patient experienced clinically significant posterior vaginal wall prolapse after RSCP. When analyzing LBTS, there was no significant change in postoperative total Wexner’s score as compared to the preoperative value ( p > 0.05). However, the manual assistance subscore was statistically significantly lower within the first-year follow-up ( p = 0.04), but it spontaneously improved during the follow-up ( p = 0.12).

Conclusion:

RSCP with simultaneous placement of both anterior and posterior mesh is safe and successful to treat high-stage POP in carefully selected patients. Of note, LBTS appear unaffected by posterior mesh placement, supporting its routine use to prevent posterior POP recurrence. Larger prospective studies are needed to confirm our results.

[Impact of the aged-related changes of sagittal spinal curvature on pelvic organ prolapse. A systematic review of the literature]

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this review was to specify the potential association between age-related changes in sagittal spinal curvature and risk of pelvic organ prolapse in women.

METHODS

A systematic review based on the PRISMA statement was performed. Keywords were chosen according to the eligibility criteria in line with the PICO model. For inclusion, studies had to be based on observational cohorts, case controls and cross sectional studies. The quality of the articles was assessed using the STROBE scale.

RESULTS

Five papers from 1996 to 2021 were included in the present review with conflicting results. Four studies reported a positive association between anatomical pelvic organ prolapse at clinical examination, a loss of lumbar lordosis and an increase in thoracic kyphosis. The remaining study, using a questionnaire-based assessment of symptoms, found no association between prolapse-related symptoms and age-related changes in sagittal spinal curvatures.

CONCLUSION

Based on the available evidence, this systematic review suggested a very moderate evidence of association between the development of anatomical pelvic organ prolapse and age-related changes in sagittal spinal curvature in women. This review remains very limited by the small number and the heterogeneity of the studies included. Further studies in the lifetime continunm, with high quality methodology are needed to better understand the physiopathology of pelvic organ prolapse.

Mouse Knockout Models for Pelvic Organ Prolapse: a Systematic Review

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Mouse knockout (KO) models of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) have contributed mechanistic evidence for the role of connective tissue defects, specifically impaired elastic matrix remodeling. Our objective was to summarize what mouse KO models for POP are available and what have we learned from these mouse models about the pathophysiological mechanisms of POP development.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review and reported narrative findings according to PRISMA guidelines. Two independent reviewers searched PubMed, Scopus and Embase for relevant manuscripts and conference abstracts for the time frame of January 1, 2000, to March 31, 2021. Conference abstracts were limited to the past 5 years.

RESULTS

The search strategy resulted in 294 total titles. We ultimately included 25 articles and an additional 11 conference abstracts. Five KO models have been studied: Loxl1, Fbln5, Fbln3, Hoxa11 and Upii-sv40t. Loxl1 and Fbln5 KO models have provided the most reliable and predictable POP phenotype. Loxl1 KO mice develop POP primarily from failure to heal after giving birth, whereas Fbln5 KO mice develop POP with aging. These mouse KO models have been used for a wide variety of investigations including genetic pathways involved in development of POP, biomechanical properties of the pelvic floor, elastic fiber deposition, POP therapies and the pathophysiology associated with mesh complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Mouse KO models have proved to be a valuable tool in the study of specific genes and their role in the development and progression of POP. They may be useful to study POP treatments and POP complications.

Are Two Meshes Better than One in Sacrocolpopexy for Pelvic Organ Prolapse? Comparison of Single Anterior versus Anterior and Posterior Vaginal Mesh Procedures

INTRODUCTION

Sacrocolpopexy (SC) is the main treatment option for the repair of anterior and apical pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Indications and technical aspects are not standardized, and the question remains whether it is necessary to place a mesh on both anterior and posterior vaginal walls, particularly in cases with only minor or no posterior compartment prolapse. The present study aimed to compare the anatomical and functional outcomes of single anterior mesh only versus anterior and posterior mesh procedures in SC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Our prospectively maintained database on POP was used to identify patients who had undergone either abdominal or mini-invasive SC from January 2006 to October 2019. Patients with symptomatic or unmasked stress urinary incontinence (SUI) were not included in the study and were treated using the pubo-vaginal cystocele sling procedure. Objective outcomes included clinical evaluation of pre-existing or de novo POP by the halfway system and POP-q classifications, as well as the development of de novo SUI. Subjective outcomes were assessed using the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ-7) with questions on bladder, bowel, and vaginal functions. Persistent or de novo constipation and overactive bladder were defined as bowel symptoms and urinary urgency/frequency/urinary incontinence after surgery.

RESULTS

Ninety-five women with symptomatic anterior and apical POP underwent SC. Forty-one patients were treated with only anterior vaginal mesh (group A), and 54 with anterior and posterior mesh (group B). There were no differences between the pre- and post-operative characteristics of the 2 groups. In group B, there were 2 blood transfusions, 1 wound dehiscence, and 3 mesh erosions/extrusion after abdominal SC (Clavien-Dindo II), and in group A, there was 1 ileal lesion after laparoscopic SC (Clavien-Dindo III). There were no differences between the 2 groups in either anatomical or functional outcomes during 3 years of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

SC with single anterior vaginal mesh has similar results to SC with combined anterior/posterior mesh, regardless of the surgical approach. The single anterior mesh may reduce the risk of complications (mesh erosion/extrusion), and offers better subjective outcomes with improved quality of life. Anterior/posterior mesh may be justified in the presence of clinically significant posterior POP.

Fibrous components of extracellular matrix and smooth muscle of the vaginal wall in young and postmenopausal women: Stereological analysis

The anterior vaginal wall is subject to many diseases, such as pelvic organ prolapse. The pathophysiology of this illness is multifactorial, and as such, structural components of the vagina are involved. Furthermore, it is more prevalent in older women. There is a lack of data in the literature regarding the extracellular matrix components of the vaginal wall and its changes with aging. The work presented herein aims to perform a stereological study of the extracellular matrix in young and old women. It was observed a decrease of the volumetric density of smooth muscle (45.5 ± 3.2 % and 32.8 ± 5.8 % for the G1 and G2 samples, respectively) and an increase of collagen and elastic fibers with age (35.9 ± 2.1 % and 54.1 ± 5.9 % for the G1 and G2, respectively) in the mucosa of the vaginal wall. These results could help to better understand the pathophysiology of pelvic organ prolapse concerning the aging process.

Complications and objective outcomes of uterine preserving surgeries for the repair of pelvic organ prolapse versus procedures removing the Uterus, a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Several authors have recently compared the outcomes and complications of surgical procedures that preserve or remove the uterus in the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Following the publication of several high quality randomized control trials on this topic we performed a new systematic review and meta analysis of this data.

METHODS

We performed a systematic literature search in ClinicalTrials.gov, PubMed, Scopus, Ovid, EBSCO host, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Cochrane CENTRAL for randomized controlled and cohort trials of uterine sparing prolapse repair (hysteropexy) versus hysterectomy with suspension. A total of 1285 patients from 14 studies were included in our systematic review and meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Uterine sparing procedures (hysteropexy) were comparable to hysterectomy with suspension for recurrence rates (RR = 0.908, 95% CI [0.385, 2.143]), reoperation rates (RR = 1.517, 95% CI [0.802, 2.868]), length of hospital stay, (SMD =  - 0.159 days, 95% CI [-0.375, 0.057]), voiding dysfunction (RR = 1.089, 95% CI [0.695, 1.706]), and intraoperative blood loss (SMD =  - 0.339, 95% CI [-0.631, 0.047]). However, hysteropexy had shorter operative time than hysterectomy with suspension (SMD =  - 1.191 h, 95% CI [-1.836, -0.545]), and fewer visceral injuries (RR = 0.421, 95% CI [0.244, 0.725]).

CONCLUSION

We found no significant differences in the outcomes or major complications of uterine preserving surgical procedures versus those which include hysterectomy in the treatment of POP. Hysteropexy procedures may be associated with a shorter operative time and fewer visceral injuries. This is consistent with older analyses.

Proteins in plasma as a potential biomarkers diagnostic for pelvic organ prolapse

Background

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is the most common and widespread type of female pelvic floor dysfunction disease (PFD). At present, the diagnosis of POP is mainly based on a complicated systematic evaluation of the clinical phenotype, medical history, and relevant functional examinations. Rapid and simple tests that are based on biochemical biomarkers that surpass the sensitivity and specificity of the current methods for the diagnosis of POP will greatly facilitate the timely diagnosis and treatment of women with POP.

Methods

A protein array was used to screen plasma samples collected from healthy controls and women with POP. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were used to determine the levels of three novel and potentially useful analytes: heat shock protein 10 (HSP10), zinc finger CCCH domain-containing protein 8 (ZC3H8), and unc-45 myosin chaperone A (UNC45A). We then determined the diagnostic value of each of these analytes as potential diagnostic biomarkers for clinical application.

Results

The mean levels of HSP10, ZC3H8, and UNC45A, were lower in the plasma samples from 76 patients with POP than in 56 samples from healthy controls (P<0.05). Comparisons between patients with POP and healthy controls demonstrated the sensitivity and specificity of HSP10 (73.7% and 71.4%), ZC3H8 (71.1% and 62.5%), and UNC45A (70.7% and 62.5%).

Conclusions

Analysis indicated that plasma levels of HSP10, ZC3H8, and UNC45A, are sensitive and specific biomarkers for the diagnosis of POP.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse Is Associated with Osteoporosis in Korean Women: Analysis of the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service National Patient Sample

Background and Objectives: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and osteoporosis are major disease entities in older women that have the same epidemiology and might also have the same molecular physiology. However, few data have been reported on the relationship between POP and osteoporosis. We designed this study to examine the association between POP and osteoporosis in Korean women. Materials and Methods: We used the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service 2015 to 2017 National Patient Sample (HIRA-NPS). A total of 4,368,141 individuals were included in this study, and a total of 842,228 individuals aged 50 years and above were included in the final analysis. POP patients were defined by the Korean Informative Classification of Diseases (KOICD) codes (KCD-7, N81, or N99.3) and patients who underwent a pelvic reconstructive procedure. The osteoporosis patients were defined by KOICD (KCD-7, R4113, R3620, R0402,) who were prescribed osteoporosis medication. A 1:10 age-stratified matching and chi-squared test were used for statistical analysis, and p < 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: A total of 7359 women were included in this analysis. Advanced POP was correlated with osteoporosis in Korean women aged 50 years and above in 2015–2017 (p < 0.0001). After adjusting for age, advanced POP was correlated with osteoporosis in the 2015, 2016, and 2017 dataset (p = 0.013, 0.0009, 0.0119, respectively). Conclusions: Advanced POP is correlated with osteoporosis in Korean women aged 50 years and above. Evaluation for osteoporosis and education about bone health can be especially important, even in relatively young women, aged 50–59 years, and POP patients.

Comparison of Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification and Simplified Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification Systems in Clinical Staging of Iranian Women with Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Background

Pelvic organ prolapse is a common pelvic disorder among women. A standard staging system is needed to carefully evaluate the extent and severity of the disease, and initiate appropriate treatment. The aim of this study was to compare the two methods of standard and simplified pelvic organ prolapse quantification systems in clinical staging of Iranian women with pelvic organ prolapse.

Methods

This observational cross-sectional study was conducted on all women with complaints of seeing or feeling a vaginal lump or bulge and/or a dragging sensation who were presented to a pelvic floor disorders clinic of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Tehran, Iran, from October 2018 to June 2019. All patients were evaluated in terms of pelvic organ prolapse severity and staging using both instruments. Also, length of time needed to complete the questionnaires were calculated. After data collection, the results of pelvic organ prolapse staging and degree of agreement between two examiners were evaluated.

Results

A total of 120 women with mean age of 50.92±13.12 years were evaluated. It was shown that there is an almost perfect agreement (kappa coefficient > 0.8) between standard and simplified pelvic organ prolapse quantification systems in all the 3 compartments. Also, there was almost a twofold increase in the time needed to perform standard pelvic organ prolapse quantification (4.16±1.01 minutes) compared to performing simplified pelvic organ prolapse quantification (2.12±1.14 minutes) (p=0.03).

Conclusion

According to the results of this study, there is a substantial and almost perfect agreement between standard and simplified pelvic organ prolapse quantification systems in clinical staging of Iranian women with pelvic organ prolapse. It seems that using simplified pelvic organ prolapse quantification system is more applicable in clinical practice for staging of pelvic organ prolapse, with high reliability coefficient.

Tactile and Ultrasound Image Fusion for Functional Assessment of the Female Pelvic Floor

INTRODUCTION

The true etiology of pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence and variations observed among individuals are not entirely understood. Tactile (stress) and ultrasound (anatomy, strain) image fusion may furnish new insights into the female pelvic floor conditions. This study aimed to explore imaging performance and clinical value of vaginal tactile and ultrasound image fusion for characterization of the female pelvic floor.

METHODS

A novel probe with 96 tactile and 192 ultrasound transducers was designed. Women scheduled for a urogynecological visit were considered eligible for enrollment to observational study. Intravaginal tactile and ultrasound images were acquired for vaginal wall deformations at probe insertion, elevation, rotation, Valsalva maneuver, voluntary contractions, involuntary relaxation, and reflex pelvic muscle contractions. Biomechanical mapping has included tactile/ultrasound imaging and functional imaging.

RESULTS

Twenty women were successfully studied with the probe. Tactile and ultrasound images for tissues deformation as well as functional images were recorded. Tactile (stress) and ultrasound (strain) images allowed creation of stress-strain maps for the tissues of interest in absolute scale. Functional images allowed identification of active pelvic structures and their biomechanical characterization (anatomical measurements, contractive mobility and strength). Fusion of the modalities has allowed recognition and characterization of levator ani muscles (pubococcygeal, puborectal, iliococcygeal), perineum, urethral and anorectal complexes critical in prolapse and/or incontinence development.

CONCLUSIONS

Vaginal tactile and ultrasound image fusion provides unique data for biomechanical characterization of the female pelvic floor. Bringing novel biomechanical characterization for critical soft tissues/structures may provide extended scientific knowledge and improve clinical practice.

Quantitative Morphometry of Elastic Fibers in Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is common among older women who have delivered children vaginally. While the pathophysiology is not fully delineated, POP can occur in part from insufficient repair of disrupted elastic matrix fibers. Quantification of structural changes to elastic fibers has not been described previously for POP. The goal of this paper is to present a validated technique for morphometric analysis of elastic fibers in vaginal tissue cultures from lysyl oxidase like-1 knock out (LOXL1 KO) mice with POP. The effect of LOXL1 KO, effect of POP, effect of culture, and effect of elastogenic treatment on the changes in elastin fiber characteristics were tested using vaginal tissues from wild type multiparous (WT), LOXL1 KO multiparous prolapsed (POP) and LOXL1 KO multiparous non-prolapsed (NP) mice. Our results show significantly higher mean aspect ratio, maximum diameter and perimeter length in POP compared to NP after 3 weeks of tissue culture. Further, treatment of POP tissues in culture with growth factors with previously documented elastogenic effects caused a significant increase in the mean area and perimeter length of elastic fibers. This technique thus appears to be useful in quantifying structural changes and can be used to assess the pathophysiology of POP and the effect of elastogenic treatments with potential for POP.

Single-cell transcriptome profiling of the vaginal wall in women with severe anterior vaginal prolapse

Anterior vaginal prolapse (AVP) is the most common form of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and has deleterious effects on women's health. Despite recent advances in AVP diagnosis and treatment, a cell atlas of the vaginal wall in AVP has not been constructed. Here, we employ single-cell RNA-seq to construct a transcriptomic atlas of 81,026 individual cells in the vaginal wall from AVP and control samples and identify 11 cell types. We reveal aberrant gene expression in diverse cell types in AVP. Extracellular matrix (ECM) dysregulation and immune reactions involvement are identified in both non-immune and immune cell types. In addition, we find that several transcription factors associated with ECM and immune regulation are activated in AVP. Furthermore, we reveal dysregulated cell-cell communication patterns in AVP. Taken together, this work provides a valuable resource for deciphering the cellular heterogeneity and the molecular mechanisms underlying severe AVP.

The cytotoxicity of advanced glycation end products was attenuated by UCMSCs in human vaginal wall fibroblasts by inhibition of an inflammatory response and activation of PI3K/AKT/PTEN

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) occurs when the pelvic organs (bladder, bowel or uterus) herniate into the vagina, causing incontinence, voiding, and bowel and sexual dysfunction, negatively impacting upon a woman's quality of life. Intermediate intermolecular cross-links and advanced glycation cross-links increase in prolapsed tissue. Stem cells are able to participate in tissue repair due to their ability to differentiate into multiple lineages, and thus into various types of connective tissue cells, so they therefore hold great promise for treating pelvic floor dysfunction. The current study found that advanced glycation end products (AGEs) inhibited the viability and proliferation of human vaginal wall fibroblasts (VWFs), were cytotoxic to VWFs, and also induced the apoptosis of VWFs. In contrast, umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs) secreted anti-inflammation cytokines to protect against the cytotoxic effects of fibroblasts induced by AGEs and attenuated the cytotoxic effect of AGE on fibroblasts by activation of the PI3K/Akt-PTEN pathway. This study demonstrated that UCMSCs inhibited the cytotoxic effect of AGE in cells from patients with POP by inducing an anti-inflammatory reaction and activating the PI3K/AKT/PTEN signaling pathway. The current results provide important insights into use of stem cells to treat POP.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: A Narrative Review

Pelvic floor dysfunction is one of the most common disorders in women that is associated with social and economic consequences. In general, this disorder imposes direct and indirect costs on the economy of various societies. This review aimed to investigate pelvic floor dysfunction in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In this narrative review, the published articles on pelvic floor dysfunction were examined in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Sciences and Google Scholar. We searched for terms related to polycystic ovary syndrome and pelvic floor dysfunction. Inclusion criteria of this research were observational, experimental, and review studies. In this investigation, the complications associated with polycystic ovary syndrome were examined as risk factors for pelvic floor dysfunction. In this narrative review, we discuss about changes in hormone levels, obesity and overweight, hormonal medications and complications such as diabetes and metabolic disorders and obstetric complications of PCOS can be involved in the pathophysiology of pelvic floor dysfunctions, including stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse in women with PCOS. This review highlights knowledge gaps about protective effect of hyperandrogenism on pelvic floor dysfunction as well as destructive effect of metabolic changes on pelvic floor dysfunction in women with PCOS. Further cohort and prospective studies are recommended in women with PCOS to investigate the concept of pelvic organ dysfunction in these women.