Comparative histochemical and morphometric analysis of muscle fibers of the psoas muscle in individuals of both genders with ageing

Abstract

Background/Aim. In this paper, we analyzed type I and type II muscle fibers of the iliopsoas muscle in persons of both genders with ageing. The aim of this study was to detect the presence and distribution of types I and II muscle fibers in the human psoas muscle using the hematoxylin and eosin method in individuals of different ages and genders. Methods. The material consisted of tissue samples of the right iliopsoas muscle taken from 30 adult cadavers (18 males and 12 females), aged from 30 to 90 years, divided into three age groups. The material was obtained from the Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine University of Nis. Results. The values of astereological parameters (area, perimeter and Feret's diameter) of type I and type II muscle fibers were higher in male cases, although without any statistical significance. Conclusion. Based on the histochemical and morphometric analysis, the conclusion was drawn that after 70 years of life there occurred a loss of type II muscle fibers, more conspicuous in female cases.