Effects of parity and age on chondrogenesis and osteogenesis of the pubic symphysis in mice: a morphological and molecular approach to potential risk factors for pelvic organ prolapse

• Grant number: 21/01504-9
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: November 01, 2022
• End date: October 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Morphology - Histology
• Principal Investigator: Sílvio Roberto Consonni
• Grantee: Sílvio Roberto Consonni
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biologia (IB). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

During pregnancy, the birth canal reshapes itself to allow for a safe delivery. In this remodeling, one of the structures that undergoes changes is the fibrocartilaginous junction, known as the pubic symphysis, which is metabolically and hormonally regulated during pregnancy. These changes result in the separation of the pubic bones by the formation of an interpubic ligament whose connection to the bone is through the presence of the enthesis, a connecting structure between the bone and the ligament, formed with fibrocartilaginous gradations, and of differential organization of the extracellular matrix components. After the first delivery, with the participation of the tissues (bone and fibrocartilaginous) that form the connection, the return process ensures homeostasis and mechanical stability of the pelvic tissues. Successive deliveries influence the recovery of joint histoarchitecture, where the differentiation of fibrochondrocytes and osteocytes occurs. However, little is known about the effects of multiparity and age on the cells and extracellular matrix of the pubic symphysis enthesis during postpartum return, a joint that is part of the birth canal, and knowing such potential risk factors can help in the understanding of the pathophysiology of Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP). Thus, the present study will seek to understand the enthesis alterations in senescent multiparous female mice (reproductive matrices) during pregnancy and postpartum compared to primiparous females. Thus, the proposal to study changes during pregnancy and postpartum in organs and structures in the birth canal of senescent multiparous mice has the relevance and potential impact to provide a basis for understanding dysfunctions of biological mechanisms capable of modifying the canal. of childbirth and pelvic stability in the pathophysiology of POP. Such unprecedented knowledge can support strategies, methodologies and assistive technologies for women's quality of life, since cellular, matrix and molecular evidence are recognized for opening perspectives in the understanding of POP. It is imperative to highlight that risk factors must be recognized before delivery in women, however, in the event of pelvic girdle pain, diagnosis based on clinical and imaging tests, as well as differential diagnosis through molecules, are essential, only a combination of different tools can provide adequate information. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

DE SOUSA, LIZANDRA MAIA; CASTELUCCI, BIANCA GAZIERI; SUAREZ, PAULA ANDREA SAENZ; DAMAS, INGRID IARA; MARIANO, FERNANDA VIVIANE; JOAZEIRO, PAULO PINTO; CONSONNI, SILVIO ROBERTO. Multiparity and Aging Impact Chondrogenic and Osteogenic Potential at Symphyseal Enthesis: New Insights into Interpubic Joint Remodeling. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES, v. 24, n. 5, p. 16-pg., 2023-03-01. (21/01504-9)