Cervical remodeling during pregnancy and parturition

Brenda Timmons, Meredith Akins, Mala Mahendroo

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

260 Scopus citations

Abstract

Appropriate and timely cervical remodeling is key for successful birth. Premature cervical opening can result in preterm birth which occurs in 12.5% of pregnancies. Research focused on the mechanisms of term and preterm cervical remodeling is essential to prevent prematurity. This review highlights recent findings that better define molecular processes driving progressive disorganization of the cervical extracellular matrix. This includes studies that redefine the role of immune cells and identify diverse functions of the cervical epithelia and hyaluronan in remodeling. New investigations proposing that infection-induced premature cervical remodeling is distinct from the normal process are presented. Recent advances in our understanding of term and preterm cervical remodeling provide new directions for investigation and compel investigators to reevaluate currently accepted models.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)353-361
Number of pages9
JournalTrends in Endocrinology and Metabolism
Volume21
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2010

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
  • Endocrinology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Cervical remodeling during pregnancy and parturition'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this