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A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting
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The biological basis and prevention of preterm birth

Gian Carlo Di Renzo1, Valentina Tosto1, Irene Giardina1

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Centre for Perinatal and Reproductive Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy.

Best Practice & Research. Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology
|April 29, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Preterm birth, a leading cause of infant mortality, is a complex syndrome with diverse triggers. Understanding its underlying biochemical pathways is crucial for timely prevention and treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Perinatal Medicine
  • Reproductive Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Preterm birth remains a significant global health challenge, contributing to infant mortality and morbidity.
  • High rates persist globally, affecting both high- and low-resource settings.
  • It is a complex syndrome with multifactorial etiologies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the common biochemical pathways underlying preterm parturition.
  • To identify key molecular mechanisms involved in pathological labor.
  • To emphasize the importance of understanding these pathways for clinical intervention.

Main Methods:

  • Review of identified mechanisms involving receptors, chemokines, and inflammatory cytokines.
  • Analysis of etiological factors leading to pathological activation of decidua/fetal membranes.
  • Synthesis of current knowledge on cellular and biochemical pathways.

Main Results:

  • Various factors converge on a common pathway activating decidua/fetal membranes.
  • This activation leads to uterine contractility, cervical ripening, and membrane rupture.
  • Key molecular players include receptors, chemokines, and inflammatory cytokines.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the cellular and biochemical pathways of preterm labor is vital for timely diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
  • Further research and clinical efforts are needed to improve outcomes.
  • Identifying risk factors and developing targeted interventions are critical.

Keywords:
Cell-free fetal DNADecidual activationGenetic predispositionInflammationMicrobiomePreterm labor

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