New research helps explain how progesterone preventspreterm birth
Research presented today at the 31st Annual meeting of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) -- The Pregnancy Meeting™ has found that three proteins known as XIAP, BID, and Bcl-2 are responsible in part for the success of progesterone treatments in the prevention of preterm labor. They may also play an important role in triggering normal labor. The proteins prevent preterm birth by hindering apoptosis – the normal, orderly death of cells -- in the fetal membranes. Stronger, thicker fetal membranes are less likely to rupture prematurely leading to premature delivery, according to the study led by Errol R. Norwitz, MD, PhD, Ob/Gyn-in-Chief at Tufts Medical Center and chairman of Obstetrics/Gynecology at Tufts University School of Medicine.
"Dr. Norwitz's research adds to our basic understanding of what triggers labor, how the fetal membranes rupture and the role progesterone plays," said Alan R. Fleischman, MD, medical director of the March of Dimes.
In the United States, more than half a million babies are born preterm each year. Preterm birth, before 37 weeks of pregnancy, is a serious health problem that costs the United States more than $26 billion annually. It is the leading cause of newborn death, and babies who survive often face the risk of lifetime health challenges. Even infants born just a few weeks early have higher rates of hospitalization and illness than full-term infants. The last few weeks of pregnancy are critical to a baby's health because many important organs, including the brain, are not completely developed until then.
Today's award-winning study, "Progesterone Inhibits Basal Apoptosis In Fetal Membranes By Altering Expression Of Both Pro- And Anti-Apoptotic Proteins," is the eighth study by SMFM members to be honored by the March of Dimes for innovative research focused on preventing premature birth. The research was supported in part by a March of Dimes grant. March of Dimes is conducting a national Prematurity Campaign aimed at using research and awareness to reduce the increasing rate of premature birth.
Source: March of Dimes Foundation
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- Electronic fetal heart rate monitoring greatly reduces infant mortality, study findsfrom Science DailySat, 12 Feb 2011, 15:30:12 UTC
- Study finds that electronic fetal heart rate monitoring greatly reduces infant mortalityfrom PhysorgSat, 12 Feb 2011, 7:00:18 UTC
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- Use of alcohol-free antibacterial mouth-rinse is associated with decrease in preterm birthfrom Science DailyFri, 11 Feb 2011, 18:31:13 UTC
- Preterm birth clinic attendence leads to major reduction in infant disabilityfrom Science DailyFri, 11 Feb 2011, 16:31:38 UTC
- Even with fetal lung maturity, babies delivered prior to 39 weeks are at riskfrom Science DailyFri, 11 Feb 2011, 16:31:32 UTC
- Use of alcohol-free antibacterial mouth-rinse is associated with decrease in preterm birthfrom PhysorgFri, 11 Feb 2011, 16:30:18 UTC
- Use of alcohol-free antibacterial mouth-rinse is associated with decrease in preterm birthfrom Science BlogFri, 11 Feb 2011, 16:01:28 UTC
- Study finds preterm birth clinic attendence leads to major reduction in infant disabilityfrom PhysorgFri, 11 Feb 2011, 11:30:35 UTC
- Study finds even with fetal lung maturity, babies delivered prior to 39 weeks are at riskfrom PhysorgFri, 11 Feb 2011, 11:01:46 UTC
- Third trimester group B streptococcus test doesn't accurately predict presence during laborfrom PhysorgFri, 11 Feb 2011, 10:30:33 UTC
- Study finds even with fetal lung maturity, babies delivered prior to 39 weeks are at riskfrom Science BlogFri, 11 Feb 2011, 7:01:05 UTC
- Third trimester group B streptococcus test doesn’t accurately predict presence during laborfrom Science BlogFri, 11 Feb 2011, 7:01:04 UTC
- Study finds preterm birth clinic attendence leads to major reduction in infant disabilityfrom Science BlogFri, 11 Feb 2011, 7:01:02 UTC
- SMFM highlights significance of spina bifida research findingsfrom Science BlogThu, 10 Feb 2011, 18:01:59 UTC
- When first-time mothers are induced, breaking the amniotic membrane shortens delivery timefrom Science DailyThu, 10 Feb 2011, 16:30:17 UTC
- When first-time mothers are induced, breaking the amniotic membrane shortens delivery timefrom PhysorgThu, 10 Feb 2011, 13:00:59 UTC
- Study finds women used 30 percent less analgesia during labor when self-administeredfrom PhysorgThu, 10 Feb 2011, 12:30:33 UTC
- Study finds that folate does not offer protection against preterm deliveryfrom PhysorgThu, 10 Feb 2011, 12:00:55 UTC
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- Study finds magnesium sulfate may offer protection from cerebral palsyfrom PhysorgThu, 10 Feb 2011, 12:00:38 UTC
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- Use of 17-hydroxyprogesterone doesn’t reduce rate of preterm delivery or complications in twinsfrom Science BlogThu, 10 Feb 2011, 7:30:19 UTC