Molecular and endocrine mechanisms involved in preterm birth

Abstract

Preterm birth is a worldwide social problem. Incidence rates may vary from 5 to 18% of all deliveries, with important differences observed between developed and developing countries. Preterm birth has a negative impact on newborns and neonatal mortality and morbidity are high. Despite improvements in modern neonatal care, we know little of the mechanisms that determine the onset and development of preterm birth. Infections seem to be one the most important triggers, determining the activation of protective mechanisms aimed at ending the pregnancy and safeguarding the health of the woman. However, threatened preterm birth often occurs even in women who do not have any ongoing infectious process. Of these, which are the majority, the causes and the activation mechanisms remain unknown or unclear; however, there are several molecular and endocrine mechanisms that finally lead to preterm birth. In this review, we seek to shed light and summarize the molecular and endocrine mechanisms underlying the development of preterm birth. Their understanding could help us to understand the dynamics of premature birth but, above all, to allow an early diagnosis and primary prevention of the problem.

摘要

早产是一个全世界公认的社会问题。早产在分娩中的发病率可能从5%到18%不等, 发达国家和发展中国家之间存在重大差异。早产对新生儿造成许多不良影响, 导致新生儿死亡率和发病率升高。尽管现代新生儿护理水平在不断提高, 对于早产发生和发展的机制, 我们仍然知道得很少。感染可能是最重要的发病因素之一, 它激活了妇女身体的保护机制, 并导致了提前终止妊娠。然而, 早产往往发生在没有任何持续感染的妇女身上。其中大部分的病因和发病机制尚不清楚, 但是, 目前发现有些分子和内分泌作用机制最终导致早产。本综述旨在阐明和总结早产发生的分子和内分泌作用机制。可以帮助我们理解早产的动力学, 但最重要的是, 帮助我们早期诊断和早期预防。

Keywords:

• Preterm birth
• molecular
• endocrine
• mechanisms

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).