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LOXL1 deficiency negatively impacts the biomechanical properties of the mouse vagina and supportive tissues

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Abstract

Mice deficient in lysyl oxidase-like1 protein (LOXL1−/−) develop pelvic organ prolapse (POP). We sought to determine the impact of LOXL1−/− on the biomechanical properties of the vagina and its supportive tissues tested as a complex. Tissues of nulliparous LOXL1−/− and age-matched wild type (WT) mice were tested to failure to obtain load-distension curves. Data were compared utilizing one-way analysis of variance and appropriate post hoc tests. The groups demonstrated different biomechanical behavior, with LOXL1−/− animals displaying a 31% decrease in ultimate load at failure (p=0.001). Experimental disruption of specific levels of support in WT mice failed to generate load-distension curves similar to the LOXL1−/− mice indicating a global instead of a site-specific tissue defect. The decrease in the ultimate load at failure in the LOXL1−/− mice suggests mechanically weaker tissues. LOXL1 mutation results in a global defect in connective tissues and correlates with altered biomechanical behavior of the vagina and supportive tissues.

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Acknowledgment

We would like to thank Ian K. Hornstra, MD, for his generous donation of the LOXL1 knockout mice.

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None.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Urogynecology, Magee-Women’s Hospital, University of Pittsburgh, 300 Halket Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA

    Marianna Alperin & Pamela A. Moalli

  2. Magee-Women’s Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    Marianna Alperin, Kristen Debes & Pamela A. Moalli

  3. Musculoskeletal Research Center, Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    Steven Abramowitch

  4. Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Women’s Hospital, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    Leslie Meyn

Authors
  1. Marianna Alperin
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  2. Kristen Debes
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  3. Steven Abramowitch
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  4. Leslie Meyn
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  5. Pamela A. Moalli
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Correspondence to Pamela A. Moalli.

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Alperin, M., Debes, K., Abramowitch, S. et al. LOXL1 deficiency negatively impacts the biomechanical properties of the mouse vagina and supportive tissues. Int Urogynecol J 19, 977–986 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-008-0561-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-008-0561-7

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