https://doi.org/10.4081/ejh.2024.4131

The matrix stiffness is increased in the eutopic endometrium of adenomyosis patients: a study based on atomic force microscopy and histochemistry

Vol. 68 No. 4 (2024)
Submitted: 15 August 2024
Accepted: 18 November 2024
Published: 4 December 2024
Adenomyosis, eutopic endometrium, atomic force microscopy, extracellular matrix components, stiffness
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Authors

Xiaowen Wang
https://orcid.org/0009-0003-9107-1022
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China.
Wenbin Cai
Orthopaedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China.
Ting Liang
Orthopaedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China.
Hui Li
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6190-6266
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China.
Yingjie Gu
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China.
Xiaojiao Wei
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China.
Hong Zhang
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China.
Xiaojun Yang
16136661@qq.com
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5143-3357
The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, China.

Previous ultrasound studies suggest that patients with adenomyosis (AM) exhibit increased uterine cavity stiffness, although direct evidence regarding extracellular matrix (ECM) content and its specific impact on endometrial stiffness remains limited. This study utilized atomic force microscopy to directly measure endometrial stiffness and collagen morphology, enabling a detailed analysis of the endometrium’s mechanical properties: through this approach, we established direct evidence of increased endometrial stiffness and fibrosis in patients with AM. Endometrial specimens were also stained with Picrosirius red or Masson’s trichrome to quantify fibrosis, and additional analyses assessed α-SMA and Ki-67 expression. Studies indicate that pathological conditions significantly influence the mechanical properties of endometrial tissue. Specifically, adenomyotic endometrial tissue demonstrates increased stiffness, associated with elevated ECM and fibrosis content, whereas normal endometrial samples are softer with lower ECM content. AM appears to alter both the mechanical and histological characteristics of the eutopic endometrium. Higher ECM content may significantly impact endometrial mechanical properties, potentially contributing to AM-associated decidualization defects and fertility challenges.

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Ethics Approval

the experimental protocols were approved by the Medical Ethics Review Board of the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China

Supporting Agencies

National Natural Science Foundation of China

How to Cite

Wang, X., Cai, W., Liang, T., Li, H., Gu, Y., Wei, X., … Yang, X. (2024). The matrix stiffness is increased in the eutopic endometrium of adenomyosis patients: a study based on atomic force microscopy and histochemistry. European Journal of Histochemistry, 68(4). https://doi.org/10.4081/ejh.2024.4131
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