Abstract: Objective · To investigate the expression levels of estrogen receptor GPR30, elastin, collagen Ⅰ (Col Ⅰ), and Col Ⅲ in the uterus round ligament and the cardial ligament in patients with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and main components in extracellular matrix (ECM).  Methods · 22 patients with POP (the POP group) and 10 patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) Ⅲ (the control group) were enrolled. Hysterectomy specimens were collected and expressions of GPR30, elastin, Col Ⅰ and Col Ⅲ in the uterine round ligament and the cardial ligament tissues were detected with Western blotting and immunohistochemistry.  Results · Western blotting and immunohistochemistry results showed that the expressions of GPR30, elastin, Col Ⅰ and Col Ⅲ in the uterine round ligament and the cardial ligament tissues were significantly lower in the POP group than in the control group. The differences were statistically significant (P<0.05).  Conclusion · The occurrence of POP may be associated with estrogen receptor deficiency and decreased contents of collagen and elastin in relevant tissues. Whether GPR30 is involved in the synthesis, secretion and degradation of ECM major components in pelvic support tissues needs further investigation.

Key words:  pelvic organ prolapse, estrogen receptor, GPR30, collagen, elastin