The variation in cervical hydroxyproline and cervical water with age

Abstract

Summary. The squamocolumnar junction is frequently not visible in the postmenopausal patient. This study attempts to identify some of the changes in the cervix that may account for this observation. Twentyfour cervical biopsy samples taken at the squamocolumnar junction were analysed for hydroxyproline (collagen) and water content. There was significantly more hydroxyproline (collagen) in the premenopausal woman than the postmenopausal woman. Similarly, there was higher percentage of water in the biopsies in the premenopausal woman than the postmenopausal woman. Further samples obtained deeper in the cervical stroma did not confirm these differences. It appears likely that differences in cervical water and cervical collagen near the surface of the cervix account, at least in part, for the lack of visibility of the squamocolumnar junction in the older woman.

Collagen concentration and biomechanical properties of samples from the lower uterine cervix in relation to age and parity in non-pregnant women

“…In agreement with Roberts et al [ 12 ] the present study indicates that cervical collagen concentration increases with age. As high collagen concentrations are associated with long duration of labor [ 13 ], this corresponds well to studies showing that dystocia is more common among older women [ 25 ].…”

“…In most connective tissues there will be a decrease in the amount of tissue due to an imbalance in matrix synthesis and breakdown [ 11 ]. It is suggested that cervical collagen concentration is increased with age whereas water content is decreased [ 12 ].…”

Non-invasive analysis of hormonal variations and effect of postmenopausal Vagifem treatment on women using in vivo high wavenumber confocal Raman spectroscopy

“…Briey, the postmenopausal HW Raman spectra showed increased lipids (2880 cm À1 ) [45][46][47] and proteins (2946 cm À1 ) 43,44 content, whereas an elevated tissue water content (3100-3700 cm À1 broad water band peaked at 3400 cm À1 ) was noticed in premenopausal women. 43 Within the postmenopausal women, the postmenopausal-prevagifem patients showed the most increased lipids and proteins content while the least water content. However, aer the Vagifem Ò therapy (postmenopausal-postvagifem), the lipids and proteins started to decrease and water began to increase towards premenopausal women.…”

“…1b) clearly reect the specic biomolecular changes in the cervical tissue HW Raman spectra associated with the menopausal status of women. For instance, the spectra measured from the cervix of postmenopausal-prevagifem women (atrophy) increased signicantly at 2880 and 2946 cm À1 , [43][44][45][46][47] whereas the converse was true for the water Raman signal (3400 cm À1 ) 43,44,48 compared to premenopausal women (unpaired Student's t-test ( p < 0.05)). However, aer the Vagifem treatment, postmenopausal women with severe atrophy (postmenopausal-prevagifem) move towards premenopausal women due to elevated levels of the female reproductive hormone estrogen in the cervix.…”

Rising Caesarean Section Rates: Can Evolution and Ecology Explain Some of the Difficulties of Modern Childbirth?

“…Perhaps labour is made more difficult by changes in the connective tissues and the collagen in the uterus and cervix. 33 Whereas from a cultural, economic and educational viewpoint there are great advantages in delaying first childbirth, from a biological standpoint increasing maternal age is a disadvantage.…”