Transforming growth factor-β1 and extracellular matrix protease expression in the uterosacral ligaments of patients with and without pelvic organ prolapse

摘要

ObjectivesThis study was undertaken to evaluate the expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), key regulators of the extracellular matrix composition, in the uterosacral ligaments (USL) of women with pelvic organ prolapse compared with controls.