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The matrix stiffness is increased in the eutopic endometrium of adenomyosis patients: a study based on atomic force microscopy and histochemistry

Authors :
Xiaowen Wang
Wenbin Cai
Ting Liang
Hui Li
Yingjie Gu
Xiaojiao Wei
Hong Zhang
Xiaojun Yang
Source :
European Journal of Histochemistry, Vol 68, Iss 4 (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
PAGEPress Publications, 2024.

Abstract

Previous ultrasound studies suggest that patients with adenomyosis (AM) exhibit increased uterine cavity stiffness, although direct evidence regarding extracellular matrix (ECM) content and its specific impact on endometrial stiffness remains limited. This study utilized atomic force microscopy to directly measure endometrial stiffness and collagen morphology, enabling a detailed analysis of the endometrium’s mechanical properties: through this approach, we established direct evidence of increased endometrial stiffness and fibrosis in patients with AM. Endometrial specimens were also stained with Picrosirius red or Masson’s trichrome to quantify fibrosis, and additional analyses assessed α-SMA and Ki-67 expression. Studies indicate that pathological conditions significantly influence the mechanical properties of endometrial tissue. Specifically, adenomyotic endometrial tissue demonstrates increased stiffness, associated with elevated ECM and fibrosis content, whereas normal endometrial samples are softer with lower ECM content. AM appears to alter both the mechanical and histological characteristics of the eutopic endometrium. Higher ECM content may significantly impact endometrial mechanical properties, potentially contributing to AM-associated decidualization defects and fertility challenges.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1121760X and 20388306
Volume :
68
Issue :
4
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
European Journal of Histochemistry
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.02d819c09754674834529ca21e59699
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.4081/ejh.2024.4131