Neuropeptide Y expression in vaginal epithelium of women with pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence

ObjectivesTo determine the role of neuropeptide Y (NPY) in anterior and posterior vaginal epithelium in the etiologic development of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI).MethodsForty biopsy specimens from anterior and posterior vaginal epithelium were obtained from 40 POP/SUI patients and controls. The specimens were stained using hematoxylin and eosin and NPY immunohistochemical staining. NPY was measured semiquantitatively and NPY mRNA expression was assessed using DNA hybridization in situ.ResultsThere were no significant differences in NPY between anterior and posterior vaginal epithelium. NPY profiles in posterior vaginal epithelium in the SUI group were significantly lower than in the POP (P < 0.05) and control (P < 0.05) groups. In the POP group, the NPY profile correlated negatively with advancing age and years post menopause.ConclusionThe reduction in NPY in the anterior and posterior vaginal wall epithelium might be related to nerve damage or degeneration, resulting in a change in blood flow, atrophy, and pelvic floor laxity in patients with POP and SUI, especially post menopause and with advancing age.