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PREGNANCY

Regulation of progesterone receptor A and B expression in human preterm, term, and postterm placental villi

, , , , , , , & show all
Pages 705-711 | Received 11 Oct 2009, Accepted 12 Jan 2010, Published online: 26 Apr 2010
 

Abstract

Objective. The progesterone receptor (PR)-A/B ratio in the myometrium is reported to be closely related to labor onset. This might represent a potential target for therapeutic interventions for postterm and preterm deliveries, though the mechanisms currently remain unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the regulation mechanism of PR-A and B expression in human preterm, term, and postterm placental villi. Design. Experimental study. Setting. People's Hospital of Jiangsu Province, China. Population. Singleton women of preterm (PRNIL, not in labor, n = 10), term (TNIL, not in labor, n = 10; TIL, in labor, n = 10), and postterm (PONIL, not in labor, n = 10) cesarean deliveries. Methods. The PR-A/PR-B mRNA and protein ratios were analyzed using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blots in villi from preterm, term, postterm groups. PONIL and PRNIL villi were incubated with prostaglandin F (PG) and indomethacin for 72 hours, respectively, and the PR-A/PR-B mRNA and protein ratios and p38 signaling pathway were explored. Results. The PR-A/PR-B ratio was highest in TIL, followed by PRNIL, PONIL and TNIL. Indomethacin significantly up-regulated PR-B expression, thereby decreasing the PR-A/PR-B ratio (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, PG reduced the expression of PR-B and increased PR-A, leading to a significant increase in the PR-A/PR-B ratio (p < 0.05). We also determined that the PR-A/PR-B ratio was mediated through the activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. Conclusion. These results demonstrate that the PR-A/PR-B ratio plays a key role in the mechanisms regulating preterm, term, and postterm deliveries.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

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