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Myofibroblasts Are Evidence of Chronic Tissue Microtrauma at the Endometrial-Myometrial Junctional Zone in Uteri With Adenomyosis

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Abstract

Background

Adenomyosis (AM) uteri exhibit hyperperistalsis. The latter causes a chronic tissue trauma at the endometrial-myometrial junctional zone (EMJZ). Upon tissue trauma, microdehiscences in the myometrium facilitate the translocation of basal endometrial fragments into the myometrium. There, a metaplasia (mediated by transforming growth factor (βI [TGFβI] and connective tissue growth factor [CTGF]) occurs and AM lesions develop. The abundance of myofibroblasts in a tissue hallmarks metaplasia and points to a tissue microtrauma.

Materials and Methods

To study if myofibroblasts-as an evidence of tissue microtrauma-are more abundant at EMJZ in AM-uteri, a case-control experimental study was carried out at Charite University Hospital-Endometriosis Research Centre. In all, 18 uteri with AM and 14 uteri without AM were obtained during laparoscopy-assisted vaginal hysterectomy. The immunolabeling of myofibroblastic metaplasia (alpha smooth muscle actin [ASMA] and collagen I), differentiated smooth muscle marker (desmin) and metaplasia mediators (TGF-β receptors 1, 2, 3 and CTGF) was investigated. The ultrastructure of myofibroblasts at EMJZ of AM uterus was characterized by transmission electron microscopy, in addition to an in vitro study to characterize myofibroblasts in the endometrium of non-AM uterus.

Results

Immunolabeling of ASMA and collagen I was significantly higher at EMJZ of AM uteri versus non-AM uteri. Furthermore, myofibroblasts were ultrastructurally characterized at EMJZ of AM. Endometrium of non-AM uterus exhibited 5% to 8% of its cells, expressing ASMA and collagen I. No difference was noted regarding metaplasia mediators immunolabeling between both the groups.

Conclusion

The abundant and persistent myofibroblasts (expressing ASMA/collagen I) at EMJZ in AM uteri are ultra-/microscopic evidence of chronic tissue trauma. They are of nonmyometrial origin, as they lack desmin immunolabeling.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Clinic for Gynaecology, Charité University of Medicine, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203, Berlin, Germany

    Mohamed Gamal Ibrahim MSc, Vito Chiantera MD, Jalid Sehouli MD & Sylvia Mechsner MD

  2. Praxisklinik am Rosengarten, Augustaanlage, Mannheim, Germany

    Martin Sillem MD

  3. Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Free University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany

    Johanna Plendl MD3

Authors
  1. Mohamed Gamal Ibrahim MSc
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  2. Martin Sillem MD
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  3. Johanna Plendl MD3
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  4. Vito Chiantera MD
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  5. Jalid Sehouli MD
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  6. Sylvia Mechsner MD
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Correspondence to Sylvia Mechsner MD.

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Ibrahim, M.G., Sillem, M., Plendl, J. et al. Myofibroblasts Are Evidence of Chronic Tissue Microtrauma at the Endometrial-Myometrial Junctional Zone in Uteri With Adenomyosis. Reprod. Sci. 24, 1410–1418 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1177/1933719116687855

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1933719116687855

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