Expression of COX-2 and Nrf2/GPx3 in the anterior vaginal wall tissues of women with pelvic organ prolapse

Purpose To evaluate COX-2 and Nrf2/GPx3 expressions in the lamina propria of the anterior vaginal wall tissues of women with and without pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Methods Tissue samples of anterior vaginal wall were examined using HE staining, immuohistochemical staining and Western blot for the expressions of COX-2/PGE2, Nrf2/GPx3, MMP2, TIMP1, collagen I and collagen III ( n = 35, per group). Results Compared with control group, collagen fibers of the anterior vaginal wall were disorganized and discontinuous. Expressions of Nrf2, GPx3, TIMP1, collagen I and collagen III were found significantly lower in POP group ( P