Does chondroitin sulfate defend the human uterine cervix against ripening in threatened premature labor?
Article Abstract:
Chondroitin sulfate may prevent the cervix from ripening prematurely. Ripening of the cervix means the cervix gets softer so it can expand during childbirth so the baby can pass through. In a study of 57 pregnant women, those with threatened premature labor had higher levels of chondroitin sulfate in their cervix.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 2000
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Decreased very-low-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein receptor messenger ribonucleic acid expression in placentas from preeclamptic pregnancies
Article Abstract:
The placentas of women with preeclamptic pregnancies do not appear to manufacture normal amounts of very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) receptors or low-density lipoprotein LDL receptors. Researchers measured amounts of LDL- and VLDL-receptor messenger RNA (mRNA) in placental tissue from each trimester of normal pregnancies and the third trimester of preeclamptic pregnancies. VLDL- and LDL-receptor mRNA transmits information from the nucleus to the cytoplasm directing manufacture of these receptors. Amounts of both LDL- and VLDL-receptor mRNA increased in healthy pregnancies over time, and mRNA levels were decreased in preeclamptic pregnancies. Abnormal lipid metabolism may play a role in preeclampsia.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1996
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The role of cytokines in cervical ripening: correlations between the concentrations of cytokines and hyaluronic acid in cervical mucus and the induction of hyaluronic acid production by inflammatory cytokines by human cervical fibroblasts
Article Abstract:
Interleukin-8 and other cytokines appear to be involved in the ripening of the cervix during labor. Cytokines are immune system chemicals that have various effects. Researchers measured the level of interleukin-8 in cervical mucus of 87 pregnant women, 13 of whom were in premature labor. Levels of interleukin-8 were higher in the women in premature labor, as were levels of hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is known to increase in the cervix at the onset of labor. Analysis of cervical fibroblasts in culture showed that interleukin-8 caused the release of hyaluronic acid.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1998
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