Analysis of glycosaminoglycans in the parametrium and vaginal apex of women with and without uterine prolapse.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a downward descent of pelvic organs that results in protrusions of the vagina, the uterus, or both. The cause of this disorder is likely to be multifactorial, attributable to a combination of risk factors, especially connective tissue disorders. Our objective was to characterize and quantify a component of the extracellular matrix (ECM)-sulfated glycosaminoglycan (GAG)-in the parametrium and vaginal apex of women with and without uterine prolapse. METHODS: Parametrium and vaginal apex tissue was obtained from 42 women who underwent surgery. Patients underwent a physical examination and were divided into groups according to the type of genital prolapse. Standard biopsies were taken during surgery and were assessed by biochemical methods. GAGs were obtained by proteolysis. The relative concentration of GAGs was determined by densitometry. Data were compared using an independent sample t-test or chi(2) test. RESULTS: In both groups (with and without prolapse) and in both types of tissue, dermatan sulfate (DS) was the most predominant glycosaminoglycan, followed by chondroitin sulfate (CS) and heparan sulfate (HS). We did not observe significant differences in the total amounts of GAGs, DS, CS, or HS. CONCLUSIONS: This study did not show altered biochemical characteristics in the ECM of parametrium and vaginal apex tissue of women either with or without uterine prolapse.

Correlation between valsalva leak point pressure and maximal urethral closure pressure in women with stress urinary incontinence.

This study analyzed the relationship between valsalva leak point pressure (VLPP) and maximal urethral closure pressure (MUCP) in women with stress urinary incontinence. One hundred sixty-one patients were selected with diagnosis of mixed or stress urinary incontinence. During urodynamics we measured VLPP and MUCP. Patients were gathered according to VLPP and analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed. Pearson's correlation coefficient and linear regression were also utilized. The group with VLPP under 60 cm H(2)O had mean MUCP of 44.5 cm H(2)0; the group with VLPP between 60 and 90 cm H(2)O had mean MUCP of 54.3 cm H(2)O; and the group with VLPP over 90 cm H(2)O had mean MUCP of 60.1 cm H(2)O. We observed correlation between MUCP and VLPP when we used Pearson's correlation coefficient (r=0.22) and linear regression ( p<0.05). There was weak correlation between MUCP and VLPP, and MUCP was significantly lower in patients with leak point pressure inferior to 60 cm H(2)O.