Polymer Protects Against Preterm Birth

摘要: The massive, gooey molecule hyaluronan protects the cervix from infections that can cause preterm birth, according to a study in mouse and human cells. serves as first line of defense against microbes ascending reproductive tract, it also must accommodate birth. During pregnancy, cervical tissue becomes soft compliant, cells epithelia proliferate, mucus secretion increases. Cells throughout ramp up production hyaluronan, sugar polymer with wide array functions, maintaining extracellular matrix integrity regulating innate immunity. Hyaluronan is found body, even present breast milk—inducing expression antimicrobial peptides gut mucosa. In new [1], Yucel Akgul et al. took close look at function this cervix, where cervicovaginal mucus. researchers created mice deficient epithelium these appeared disorganized had defects occludin, tight junction protein. Moreover, depleting cell increased epithelial permeability. separate experiment, was shown help maintain properties mucus—mucus hyaluronan-deficient permeability bacteria-sized polystyrene pellets. conclude necessary structure for proper barrier These functions protect birth induced by bacterial infection. various assays, were least twice susceptible infection-induced wild-type mice. That finding dovetails clinical studies showing differences women high risk compared not risk. findings downplay role remodeling occurs prior labor, helps soften tissue. For instance, stiffness affected mice, changes collagen pregnancy—such disorganization—proceeded fairly normally. increase understanding factors may contribute poorly understood but major public health issue. Complications are leading death children under five years age worldwide, recent Lancet [2], one driver statistic.