PubMed Health⌕ Search
Home/Archive/PubMed

PubMed · 14665701

Differences in connective tissue gene expression between normally functioning, polycystic and post-menopausal ovaries.

S Oksjoki·O Rahkonen·M Haarala·E Vuorio·L Anttila
View original source ↗Export metadata ↓

Abstract

Arrested follicular maturation is a characteristic feature of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Follicles mature in ovarian stroma composed of extracellular matrix (ECM). However, little is known of the expression of ECM genes in polycystic ovaries. The present study compares the expression levels of genes coding for collagens, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), their inhibitors (TIMP) and cathepsins in polycystic ovaries using fertile and post-menopausal ovaries as controls. In northern analyses, the gene expression profiles of type I and III collagen of PCOS samples resembled those observed in normal follicular phase ovaries, while mRNA levels of proalpha1(IV) collagen and TIMP-3 mRNA were significantly lower in polycystic than control ovaries. During the normal menstrual cycle, an increase was observed in MMP-9 gene expression during the luteal phase. In post-menopausal ovaries, mRNA levels for type I, III and IV collagens and osteonectin were reduced, while the MMP, TIMP (excluding TIMP-3) and cathepsins did not reflect this metabolic down-regulation. Immunohistochemical staining for MMP-9 and TIMP-4 suggested differences between polycystic and normally functioning ovaries. These data demonstrate that normal ovarian functions are associated with changes in production and degradation of ECM. The alterations observed in the production and/or distribution of type IV collagen, TIMP-3 and TIMP-4 suggest involvement of basement membranes in the pathogenesis of PCOS.

Explore related subjects

Connective TissueHumansMatrix Metalloproteinase 9OvaryPolycystic Ovary SyndromeRNA, MessengerTissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-3Journal ArticleResearch Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeXRIS

S Oksjoki, O Rahkonen, M Haarala, E Vuorio, L Anttila. 2004. Differences in connective tissue gene expression between normally functioning, polycystic and post-menopausal ovaries.. https://doi.org/10.1093/molehr%2Fgah003

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related citations

PubMed2007

Bilaminar connective tissue graft as an alternative treatment of leukoplakia: case report.

Oral leukoplakia is a predominantly white lesion of the oral mucosa that cannot be clinicopathologically characterized as any other definable lesion. Any oral site may be affected by leukoplakia, the most common sites being buccal and alveolar mucosa, floor of the mouth, tongue, lips, and palate. To date there is no evidence of effective treatment of oral leukoplakia that may prevent recurrence. This case report describes a new surgical technique using a bilaminar connective tissue graft in the treatment of oral leukoplakia. During the regular periodontal recall visit, the clinical diagnosis of gingival leukoplakia at the maxillary left sextant was established in a 45-year-old patient. Histopathologic analysis suggested reactive hyperkeratosis. The patient agreed to a new surgical treatment of the lesion. Under local anesthesia a 20-mm-long bilaminar connective tissue graft was interposed between the affected tissue and the bone. Healing was followed by the disappearance of the white lesion within the borders of the underlying graft. Five years after therapy, the treated area remained intact, with no clinical sign of recurrence.

Connective Tissue↗
PubMed2006

Hypospadias and associated penile anomalies: a histopathological study and a reconstruction of the pathogenesis.

Hypospadias is considered to be the result of inadequate fusion of urethral folds and, possibly, of canalization of a glandar epithelial cord during the formation of the spongy urethra. This theory had to be reconsidered because a recent study in normal human embryos has exposed such fusion and invagination as misconceptions. Autopsy specimens of five penises with hypospadias from foetuses and neonates were studied histologically. The findings complemented with data from the literature were correlated to the normal developmental process to reconstruct the pathogenesis of the disorder. Histopathological analysis revealed that the hypospadic orifice was the proximal part of a mucosal delta which revealed the structure of the roof and meatus of a flattened distal urethra. Branches of the raphe bordering the delta and terminating in prominent 'dog ears' had the characteristics of the transient urethral labia (folds). Associated curvature and torsion could be related to structural abnormalities of vascular structures, notably the distal corpus spongiosum, and fasciae predominantly proximal to the hypospadic orifice. Correlation with normal development indicated that hypospadias and associated anomalies are not caused by disturbed fusion or glandar invagination but by maldevelopment of a complex of primordial fascial and vascular tissue proximal to the urethral orifice which normally form the venter side of the penis by disproportionately strong proliferation and make the urethral orifice shift distalward. Insufficient growth may disturb that shift with the degree of deficiency determining the precise position of the urethral orifice, size of the urethral delta and defect of the prepuce. Shortage and/or poor organisation of these tissues explain curvature and, if asymmetrical, torsion, both of which can occur also with minimal urethral deformity or as congenital ventral curvature and torsion without hypospadias.

Connective Tissue↗