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Ferreira JPS, Kuang M, Parente MPL, Natal Jorge RM, Wang R, Eppell SJ, Damaser M. Altered mechanics of vaginal smooth muscle cells due to the lysyl oxidase-like1 knockout. Acta Biomater 2020; 110:175-187. [PMID: 32335309 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2020.03.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The remodeling mechanisms that cause connective tissue of the vaginal wall, consisting mostly of smooth muscle, to weaken after vaginal delivery are not fully understood. Abnormal remodeling after delivery can contribute to development of pelvic organ prolapse and other pelvic floor disorders. The present study used vaginal smooth muscle cells (vSMCs) isolated from knockout mice lacking the expression of the lysyl oxidase-like1 (LOXL1) enzyme, a well-characterized animal model for pelvic organ prolapse. We tested if vaginal smooth muscle cells from LOXL1 knockout mice have altered mechanics including stiffness and surface adhesion. Using atomic force microscopy, we performed nanoindentations on both isolated and confluent cells to evaluate the effect of LOXL1 knockout on in vitro cultures of vSMCs cells from nulliparous mice. The results show that LOXL1 knockout vSMCs have increased stiffness in pre-confluent but decreased stiffness in confluent cultures (p* < 0.05) and significant decreased surface adhesion in pre-confluent cultures (p* < 0.05). This study provides evidence that the weakening of vaginal connective tissue in the absense of LOXL1 changes the mechanical properties of the vSMCs. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Pelvic organ prolapse is a common condition affecting millions of women worldwide, which significantly impacts their quality of life. Alterations in vaginal and pelvic floor mechanical properties can change their ability to support the pelvic organs. This study provides evidence of altered stiffness of vaginal smooth muscle cells from mice resembling pelvic organ prolapse. The results from this study set a foundation to develop pathophysiology-driven therapies focused on the interplay between smooth muscle mechanics and extracellular matrix remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P S Ferreira
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Porto, Portugal; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lerner Research Institute and Glickman Urological Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, OH, USA.
| | - M Kuang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lerner Research Institute and Glickman Urological Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, OH, USA
| | - M P L Parente
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Porto, Portugal
| | - R M Natal Jorge
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Porto, Portugal
| | - R Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - S J Eppell
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - M Damaser
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lerner Research Institute and Glickman Urological Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, OH, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve, Cleveland, OH, USA; Advanced Platform Technology Center, Louis Stokes Cleveland Veteran's Administration Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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Preti M, Vieira-Baptista P, Digesu GA, Bretschneider CE, Damaser M, Demirkesen O, Riccetto CLZ. Editorial Comment: The clinical role of LASER for vulvar and vaginal treatments in gynecology and female urology: An ICS/ISSVD best practice consensus document. Int Braz J Urol 2020; 46:469-470. [PMID: 32167719 PMCID: PMC7088477 DOI: 10.1590/s1677-5538.ibju.2020.03.08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - P Vieira-Baptista
- Hospital Lusíadas Porto, Portugal; Centro Hospitalar de São João, Portugal
| | | | | | - M Damaser
- Cleveland Clinic, USA; Cleveland Clinic, USA; Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, USA
| | | | - Cássio L. Z. Riccetto
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Universidade Estadual de Campinas – UNICAMP, Brasil
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Abstract
In this review, the neuroprotective actions of testosterone on three different populations of injured rat peripheral motoneurons, i.e. facial (FMN), spinal (SMN) and pudendal (PMN), will be discussed. We have extrapolated concepts from the neuroendocrine field regarding the trophic effects of gonadal steroids on target neural tissue to the nerve regeneration field. Exogenous administration of testosterone immediately after nerve injury impacts positively on functional recovery through actions mediated by the androgen receptor. The mechanism by which steroidal enhancement of the regenerative properties of injured motoneurons occurs may involve pre-existing androgen receptors, heat shock proteins, and modulation of the cellular stress response.
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Affiliation(s)
- K J Jones
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, 2160 S. 1st Avenue, Maywood, IL 60153, USA.
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Walter JS, Andros G, Stokes S, Wheeler JS, Damaser M, Sacks J, Kadri I, Walter R. Urodynamic verification of noninvasive back-pressure recordings from the urinary bladder. Tech Urol 1998; 4:185-91. [PMID: 9891999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Obstructive voiding is best evaluated with urodynamics, especially simultaneous measurement of bladder-pressure and urine flow rates. As an alternative to catheterization for urodynamics, noninvasive back-pressure methods using an external condom system have been introduced. This device uses one side tube in the condom for pressure recording and an outlet tube that is clamped for short periods of time during voiding. However, there have been problems with accurate back-pressure recording, including leaking, clamping techniques, hydrostatic pressures associated with pressure recording below the level of the symphysis pubis, and assessment of back pressures in relation to bladder and detrusor pressures. To address these issues, we have modified the condom for passing a catheter into the urethra for simultaneous direct bladder and back-pressure recording. The clamping device on the outlet tube also has been modified to produce back flushing of urine in addition to clamping. Hydrostatic issues have been addressed by making pressure recordings at the level of the symphysis pubis. Seven patients with obstructive symptoms were evaluated using these new devices. Back pressures were not statistically different than detrusor pressures recorded with a urethral catheter. Thus, the modifications have improved back-pressure recording techniques. The use of noninvasive back-pressure recording may be an important adjunct in the evaluation of obstructive uropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Walter
- Rehabilitation Research and Development Center, Hines Veterans Hospital, Illinois 60141, USA
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