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Relaxin and its role in pregnancy
L T Goldsmith1, G Weiss, B G Steinetz
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, USA.
Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics of North America
|March 1, 1995
Summary
Relaxin, a hormone related to insulin, shows significant sequence variation across species but maintains similar biological activity due to a conserved receptor binding region. Further research is needed to understand its role in human pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Reproductive Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Relaxin is a polypeptide hormone structurally similar to insulin and insulin-like growth factors.
- Unlike insulin, relaxin sequences exhibit significant interspecies variation (>50%), yet retain similar biological activities.
- The B chain's receptor binding region is highly conserved, explaining conserved activities despite sequence variability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the structural and functional aspects of relaxin.
- To discuss the current bioassays for relaxin and the need for improved methods.
- To explore the roles and targets of relaxin in human pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of relaxin structure, function, and assays.
- Analysis of relaxin's role in various physiological states during pregnancy.
- Discussion of current bioassay limitations and future needs.
Main Results:
- Relaxin's B chain receptor binding region is conserved across species, explaining functional similarity despite sequence divergence.
- Current bioassays (interpubic ligament formation, uterine motility inhibition) are limited, necessitating more sensitive methods.
- In women, relaxin targets include the cervix, myometrium, endometrium, and decidua, with potential roles in pubic symphysis and mammary glands.
- Circulating relaxin is primarily from the corpus luteum, stimulated by hCG, while placental/decidual relaxin may act locally.
- Aluteal women with low relaxin can deliver normally, suggesting local relaxin's importance.
- Hyperrelaxinemia is linked to multiple gestations and premature births; elevated relaxin in pregnant diabetics requires further study.
Conclusions:
- Relaxin's conserved B chain region underlies its consistent biological activity across species.
- Improved bioassays are crucial for accurate relaxin measurement.
- The precise role of relaxin, both circulating and locally produced, in human pregnancy requires further investigation.