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Genetics, hormonal influences, and preterm birth

Kara M Rood1, Catalin S Buhimschi1

  • 1Division Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 395 W 12th Ave, Columbus, OH 43215.

Seminars in Perinatology
|September 10, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Understanding the genetic basis of preterm birth is crucial for preventing neonatal morbidity and mortality. While candidate gene and genome-wide studies are identifying risk variants, definitive results for personalized therapies are still lacking.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive biology
  • Genetics
  • Neonatal medicine

Background:

  • Prematurity significantly contributes to neonatal morbidity and mortality.
  • Maternal genetic and hormonal factors influence preterm birth risk.
  • Current understanding of genetic predispositions for preterm birth remains incomplete.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current state of genetic and hormonal research in preterm birth.
  • To identify potential genetic variants associated with preterm delivery risk.
  • To assess the progress towards personalized therapeutic strategies for preventing premature birth.

Main Methods:

  • Review of candidate gene studies.
  • Analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS).
  • Examination of hormonal signaling pathways involved in myometrial contractility.

Main Results:

  • Candidate gene and GWAS approaches are exploring genetic variants linked to preterm birth.
  • Progesterone signaling is a key hormonal pathway investigated.
  • Studies have not yet yielded definitive results for clinical application.

Conclusions:

  • Genetic research is advancing the understanding of preterm birth.
  • Personalized therapies for preterm birth prevention are not yet established.
  • Further research is needed to translate genetic findings into clinical practice.

Keywords:
GenesHormonesParturitionReceptors

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