SMAD2, SMAD3 AND TGF-β GENE EXPRESSION IN URGE URINARY INCONTINENCE

Urge urinary incontinence (UUI) is a common health problem. Changes in collagen metabolism in pelvic support organs, such as uterosacral ligaments (USLs), might be responsible for the complex pathophysiology of UUI. The TGF-β pathway is involved in collagen synthesis and degradation. The Transforming Growth Family- β (TGF-β) superfamily has essential intracellular signaling components, such as newly identified SMAD family members. We evaluated the changes in the levels of TGF-β and SMAD gene and protein expression in the USL of patients with concomitant pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and UUI.