نبذة مختصرة : Background: Vulvovaginal atrophy is part of the genitourinary syndrome of menopause caused by hypoestrogenic changes. This pathophysiological mechanism alters the concentration of collagen and elastin, which modifies the vaginal mucosa and impairs the function of the pelvic floor muscles. Quercetin is one of the flavonols found in plants, fruits, and vegetables. Quercetin helps to improve the syndrome through a variety of actions and estrogen-like effects. This study aimed to analyze the impact of quercetin on collagen I, collagen III, and elastin in a vaginal menopausal rat model. Method: This study's research design was an in vivo randomized control group post-test. The research was conducted at the animal laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga. Rattus norvegicus, used in the study, were divided into 5 groups: normal rat, menopausal model without treatment, menopausal model given 17-β estradiol valerate 0.18 mg/kg, quercetin 12.5 mg/kg, and quercetin 50 mg/kg. The effectiveness of therapy was assessed from the immunohistochemical expression of collagen I, collagen III, and elastin in vaginal tissue. Results: The standard group in this study had the highest average expression levels of collagen I and elastin. The group of menopausal models without treatment in the study had the highest average expression of collagen III. Collagen I expression (p < 0.001), collagen III expression (p < 0.001), and elastin expression (p < 0.001) all showed significant differences. The menopausal rat model without treatment and the standard group showed the most differences in the expression of collagen I, collagen III, and elastin. Conclusions: The expression of collagen I, collagen III, and elastin in the vagina of the menopausal model was affected by the administration of quercetin at a level of 50 mg/kg. Thus, quercetin can be an alternative herbal treatment option to improve vulvovaginal atrophy in menopausal conditions.
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