Cervical ripening in humans: potential roles of estrogen, progesterone, and insulin-like growth factor-I

Article Abstract:

Decreases in the number of estrogen and progesterone receptors and increases in the amount of a growth factor may signal the changes in cervical tissue that take place at the end of pregnancy. Researchers obtained cervical biopsies and blood samples from 20 women at the end of pregnancy and from 20 nonpregnant menstruating women to determine what changes occur in cervical tissue prior to labor and delivery. Estrogen and progesterone receptors were present in both pregnant and nonpregnant cervices, but decreased levels of receptors were found in pregnant cervices at term. Levels of insulin-like growth factor-I in pregnant women were four times higher than levels found in nonpregnant women. Estrogen and progesterone may play a role in cervical ripening by breaking down cervical connective tissue protein.

Cervix uteri, Insulin-like growth factor 1, Insulin-like growth factor I

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Changes in 17-beta,20-alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity supporting an increase in the estrogen/progesterone ratio of human fetal membranes at parturition

Article Abstract:

The enzyme 17-beta,10-alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase may play an important role in increasing the estrogen-progesterone ratio in fetal membranes at the time of parturition. Parturition is the act or process of giving birth. A study examined the activity of 17-beta,10-alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and its affect on the estrogen-progesterone ratio in fetal membranes. The activity of 17-beta,10-alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase changed at the time of parturition. Around this time, its activity resulted in the net production of estradiol and 20-alpha-dihydroprogesterone. Estradiol is the most potent form of naturally occurring estrogen, and 20-alpha-dihydroprogesterone is a weak form of progesterone. Estrogen simulates uterine contractions, and progesterone inhibits them.

Fetal membranes, Parturition, Parturition (Animals)

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Metabolites of progesterone and the pregnane X receptor: A novel pathway regulating uterine contractility in pregnancy?

Article Abstract:

A study was conducted to determine the role of 5(beta)-dihyhydroprogesterone, acting through the nuclear receptor pregnane X receptor (PXR), in regulating uterine contractility. The data obtained supported the hypothesis that metabolites of progesterone may act chronically through a PXR-mediated mechanism to regulate uterine contractility.

Care and treatment, Usage, Diagnosis, Uterus, Uterine contractions, Pregnancy, Complications of, Pregnancy complications

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