McCracken JM, Calderon GA, Kumar LA, Balaji S, Rivas F, Erxleben D, Hall A, Hakim JC. Unveiling Vaginal Fibrosis: A Novel Murine Model Using Bleomycin and Epithelial Disruption.
BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.18.572175. [PMID:
38187720 PMCID:
PMC10769241 DOI:
10.1101/2023.12.18.572175]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Objective
Develop, validate, and characterize a fibrotic murine vaginal wound healing model using bleomycin instillations and epithelial disruption.
Approach
We tested the effect of repeated bleomycin instillations with mucosal layer disruption on induction of vaginal fibrosis. Tissue samples collected at various time points were analyzed for fibrosis-related gene expression changes and collagen content.
Results
Low (1.5U/kg) and high-dose (2.5U/kg) bleomycin instillations alone did not induce fibrosis, but when high-dose bleomycin was combined with epithelial disruption, increased pro-fibrotic gene expression and trichrome staining were observed. To evaluate spatial and temporal changes in the ECM structure and gene expression, tissue samples were collected at 1 day, 3 weeks, and 6 weeks after bleomycin and epithelial disruption. Data analyses revealed a significant decrease in matrix metabolizing genes and an increase in pro-fibrotic genes and inhibitors of matrix metabolizing genes in the bleomycin plus epithelial disruption group at 3 weeks. Elevated levels of the profibrotic genes Acta2 , Col1a1 , and Col3a were exclusively detected in this group at 3 weeks, and trichrome staining confirmed increased collagen content after 3 weeks. Hydroxyproline levels showed a tendency towards elevation at 3 weeks (p=0.12) and 6 weeks (p=0.14), indicating fibrosis manifestation at 3 weeks and resolution by 6 weeks post-instillation and epithelial disruption.
Innovation
We combined bleomycin instillations with epithelial disruption to induce fibrosis and understand the mechanisms of the vaginal repair process.
Conclusions
Epithelial disruption combined with bleomycin induces murine vaginal fibrosis within three weeks, characterized by increased collagen synthesis. Remarkably, the vaginal tissue fully recovers within six weeks, elucidating the regenerative capacity of the vagina.
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