Development of a Vaginal Extracellular Matrix Hydrogel for Combating Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause.

ABSTRACT: Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is initiated by the hypoestrogenic state consequent to cessation of ovarian function and involves changes in all vaginal layers. These alterations include decreased epithelial proliferation and differentiation, impaired extracellular matrix (ECM) maintenance, pro-inflammatory immune milieu, and smooth muscle atrophy. Patient satisfaction with existing treatments for GSM is low, due in part to their lack of therapeutic effect throughout all vaginal layers and reliance on hormonal treatments. Decellularized ECM therapeutics are known to facilitate soft tissue repair in a variety of applications. Thus, a porcine vaginal tissue-derived decellularized ECM (vECM) hydrogel suitable for noninvasive topical intravaginal administration is developed specifica

SUBMITTER: Zelus EI 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12463450 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature