Elevated levels of markers of oxidative stress, such as advanced glycation and product, hydroxynonenal and hydroxydeoxyguanosine, were found in various parts of the pelvis floor of pattints with POP. Accordingly, the levels of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase, known as major antioxidant enzymes, were reduced, compared to those in healthy controls.
Levels of two other markers (mitofusin 2 and nuclear factor erythroid derived 2) also support hypotheses suggesting the involvement of oxidative stress in POP.