Scientists identify potential cause for 40 percent of pre-term births

PUBLIC RELEASE DATE:

13-Oct-2014

Contact: Will Hoyles w.hoyles@qmul.ac.uk 44-777-251-2519 Queen Mary, University of London @QMUL

Scientists from Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) and UCL (University College London) have identified what they believe could be a cause of pre-term premature rupture of the fetal membrane (PPROM), which accounts for 40 per cent of pre-term births, and is the main reason for infant death world-wide.

The researchers, whose work was funded by the charity Wellbeing of Women, used bioengineering techniques to test the effect of repetitive stretch on tissues of the amniotic membrane which surrounds and protects the baby prior to birth.

They found that stretching of the amniotic membrane leads to the overproduction of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) which is damaging to both the cells, and mechanical structure, of the tissue. This overproduction activates the stretch-sensitive protein connexin 43 (Cx43) and reduces the mechanical properties of the membrane, potentially leading to rupture and pre-term birth.

The research, published today (Monday) by the journal Placenta, is the first study to investigate the role of Cx43 in causing PPROM.

The team are now researching possible treatments that would allow the amniotic membrane to be repaired, through successful funding by the Rosetrees Trust.

Co-author of the research, Dr Tina Chowdhury from the School of Engineering and Material Sciences at Queen Mary University of London, said:

"To have potentially found a way to reduce pre-term births and prevent early deaths of young babies worldwide is incredibly exciting. The unique bioengineering tools at QMUL have allowed us to test the tissue in a way that has never been done before. This gives us an understanding of both the mechanical as well as biological mechanisms involved and will help us to develop therapies that will reduce the number of pre-term births."

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Scientists identify potential cause for 40 percent of pre-term births