The Effects of Heat Exposure on Vaginal Smooth Muscle Cells: Elastin and Collagen Production

Abstract

Aims: To evaluate smooth muscle cells (SMCs) proliferation and elastin and collagen production after heat exposure (65°C). Methods: Samples were taken from the anterior vaginal wall, SMCs were cultured, and heated to 65°C for 30 and 60 s. Cell proliferation was assessed; tropoelastin and collagen production was measured. Results: Heat does not affect SMC proliferation at 65°C neither at 30 nor at 60 s. Surface-deposited elastin level was significantly increased after heat exposure (mean ± SD, 30 s 155 ± 5% of control [p < 0.01] and 60 s 516 ± 40% of control [p < 0.01]). Tropoelastin levels in the culture media were significantly lower after 60 s of heat exposure (mean ± SD, 30 s 102 ± 5% of control [p = ns] and 60 s 70 ± 2% of control [p = 0.04]). Significant increase in surface-deposited collagen production was found (mean ± SD, 30 s 170 ± 6% of control [p < 0.01] and 60 s 123 ± 6% of control [p < 0.01]), but no such elevation was measured in the media after heat exposure (mean ± SD, 30 s 120 ± 20% of control [p = ns] and 60 s 100 ± 20% of control [p = ns]). Conclusion: When SMCs are exposed to heat there is significant elevation in collagen and elastin production. Changes in the composition of the extracellular matrix after heat exposure may contribute to vaginal wall remodeling.

Overexpressing miR-122-5p Inhibits the Relaxation of Vaginal Smooth Muscle in Female Sexual Arousal Disorder by Targeting Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide Receptor 1

“…At the anterior midline portion under sterile conditions, full-thickness tissues of the anterior vaginal wall (0.4 × 0.4 cm) were obtained from the vaginal cuff and the primary culture of rat smooth muscle cells was performed as previously described. 32 Tissues were cultivated in DMEM/F-12 (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, CA, USA) medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) (Gibico, Carlsbad, CA, USA), 1 mM glutamine (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, CA), 0.075% Na2HCO3, 100 U/mL penicillin and 100 mg/ml streptomycin (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, CA). The tissue was minced together with mechanically dissociated and PBS was simultaneously exploited to wash fragments of the tissue 3 times.…”

Analysis of Varicose Veins of Lower Extremities Based on Vascular Endothelial Cell Inflammation Images and Multi-Scale Deep Learning

“…In China, the prevalence of varicose veins has exceeded 8% [11]. In addition to affecting aesthetics, varicose veins can also cause complications, for example, venous edema, skin ulcers and thrombophlebitis, and increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis [12], which can cause disability and the lower labor force. The annual direct cost of treating chronic venous diseases (CVD) in the United States is estimated at $1.5 million to $1 billion [13]- [15].…”

Comparison of Low-Energy Radiofrequency Thermal Vaginal Therapy with Sham Treatment for Stress Urinary Incontinence in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Temperatures between 40°C and 45°C stimulate collagen production by fibroblasts and elicit effective skin tightening. 22 Furthermore, vaginal estrogen tablets are recommended as standard treatment for SUI because they improve the vaginal mucosa and urethral mucosa; in a similar manner, RF laser therapy can also improve the vaginal mucosa and urethral mucosa. 5,23 In the present study, no adverse effects and complications of RF laser vaginal therapy (eg, ulceration, necrosis, and scarring) were reported at 1 year after treatment, consistent with the findings in previous studies; these results imply that vaginal RF laser treatment is safe.…”