Pathogenetic factors of vaginal atrophy

Mekan R. Orazov , Viktor E. Radzinsky , Liudmila M. Mikhaleva , Marina B. Khamoshina , Magdalina G. Budagyan

For citation:

Abstract

Objective. To expand understanding of the pathogenesis of vaginal atrophy.

Materials and methods. The prospective study included 51 postmenopausal women with a diagnosis of N95.2 Postmenopausal atrophic vaginitis and 30 postmenopausal women with unverified atrophic vaginitis. The inclusion criteria for the study were: postmenopausal women with a verified and unverified diagnosis of N95.2, informed consent of the patient for the study. In accordance with the stated goal, the women were divided into 2 groups: 1) postmenopausal women with atrophic vaginitis (n=51); 2) postmenopausal women without atrophic vaginitis (control group n=30). The following parameters were assessed: age, duration of menopause, severity of atrophic vaginitis, as well as changes in the connective tissue and muscular compartments of the vagina using the assessment of vaginal wall remodeling markers (vimentin, desmin) by immunohistochemical analysis.

Results. The results of the study demonstrate that in atrophic vaginitis, significant changes are observed in the connective tissue and muscle compartment of the epithelial layer of the vaginal wall. This is evidenced by the defective expression of vaginal wall remodeling markers, such as vimentin, desmin, in the compared groups. A significantly low expression of all indicators is observed compared to the control group: vimentin by 1.68; desmin by 2.28 times.

Conclusion. In atrophic vaginitis, significant changes in vaginal wall remodeling markers are observed. In the study, a decrease in the levels of vimentin, desmin is observed compared to the control group.

Keywords: vulvovaginal atrophy, genitourinary syndrome of menopause, pathogenesis of vaginal atrophy.

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For citation: Orazov M.O., Radzinsky V.E., Mikhaleva L.M., Khamoshina M.B., Budagyan M.G. Pathogenetic factors of vaginal atrophy. Clinical review for general practice. 2025; 6 (7): 102–107 (In Russ.). DOI: 10.47407/kr2025.6.7.00651

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Clinical review for general practice