Up-regulation of collagen and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase in colonic diverticular disease.

Purpose: Thickening of the muscularis propria is a key pathologic feature of colonic diverticulosis but its cause is unknown. This study was designed to investigate the role of collagens, matrix metalloproteinases, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases in colonic diverticulosis.

Methods: Collagen content was determined by Sircol Collagen Assay and standard van Gieson staining.