Extracellular matrix as a therapeutic target: the potential of biomimetics in the treatment of chronic diseases of the urogenital tract
Boris D.A., Apolikhina I.A., Kharicheva E.I.
The article presents the latest findings on the structural and functional organization of the extracellular matrix (ECM), its role in maintaining tissue homeostasis, regulation of cell proliferation, migration, differentiation and apoptosis. ECM is considered as a dynamic, actively remodeling system that ensures not only the mechanical integrity of tissues but also cell-matrix interaction. The main components of ECM are described in detail: fibrillar proteins, adhesive glycoproteins, proteoglycans, glycosaminoglycans and remodeling enzymes. The paper discusses the concept of chronological aging of ECM caused by the age-related decrease in the synthetic activity of fibroblasts and an increase in the activity of matrix metalloproteinases.
This article examines the pathogenetic aspects of stress urinary incontinence and genitourinary syndrome of menopause associated with the degradation of the collagen-elastin matrix, impaired collagen ratios, imbalance in metalloproteinases and their tissue inhibitors, as well as estrogen deficiency and chronic inflammation. The therapeutic strategy for matrix-oriented regeneration has been established using multicomponent biomimetics of ECM that can replicate the composition, architecture and signaling properties of the native matrix.
The paper describes a range of domestically produced biomimetic hydrogels, a multicomponent biomimetic ECM ‘SPHEROgel’ designed for matrix-oriented regeneration that restores tissue architecture and cell-matrix interaction. The LIGHT, MEDIUM, and LONG variants are available, differing in particle size and bioresorption kinetics, which allows for a personalized choice depending on the clinical requirement. Clinical observations are presented demonstrating the effectiveness of personalized approach to selecting modifications of biomimetic hydrogel, which is a pathogenetically sound and safe method of matrix-oriented therapy for chronic diseases of the urogenital tract.
Conclusion. ECM is not a passive scaffold, but an active dynamic system that determines cellular fate, tissue homeostasis and reparative potential.
Authors’ contributions. Boris D.A., Apolikhina I.A., Kharicheva E.I. – developing the design of the study, collecting data for analysis, reviewing the literature relevant to the article, writing the text of the manuscript.
Conflicts of interest. Authors declare lack of the possible conflicts of interests.
Funding. The study was conducted without sponsorship.
Generative Artificial Intelligence. No generative artificial intelligence technologies were used in the preparation of this article.
Patient Consent for Publication. The patients signed an informed consent to the publication of their data and images.
For citation: Boris D.A., Apolikhina I.A., Kharicheva E.I. Extracellular matrix as a therapeutic target:
the potential of biomimetics in the treatment of chronic diseases of the urogenital tract.
Akusherstvo i Ginekologiya/Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2026; (6): 217-224 (in Russian)
https://dx.doi.org/10.18565/aig.2026.187
Keywords
extracellular matrix
biomimetic
SPHEROgel
stress urinary incontinence
genitourinary syndrome of menopause
regenerative medicine
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Received 16.06.2026
Accepted 22.06.2026
About the Authors
Daiana A. Boris, PhD, obstetrician-gynecologist, doctor of ultrasound diagnostics, Senior Researcher at the Department of Aesthetic Gynecology and Rehabilitation, Academician V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of Russia, 117997, Russia, Moscow,Ac. Oparin str., 4, dayana_boris@mail.ru, SPIN: 4832-0643, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0387-4040
Inna A. Apolikhina, Dr. Med. Sci., Professor, Head of the Department of Aesthetic Gynecology and Rehabilitation, Academician V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of Russia, 117997, Russia, Moscow, Ac. Oparin str., 4; Professor, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, Perinatology and Reproductology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia (Sechenov University), i_apolikhina@oparina4.ru,
SPIN: 6282-7435, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4581-6295
Elena I. Kharicheva, obstetrician-gynecologist, BIOMIR Service JSC, Moscow, Russia, https://orcid.org/0009-0007-3354-5284
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