Development of novel approach for prevention of preterm birth by inhibiting cervical ripening using anti-inflammatory proteins

2020 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 18K09220
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 56040:Obstetrics and gynecology-related
• Research Institution: The University of Tokyo
• Principal Investigator: Nagamatsu Takeshi 東京大学, 医学部附属病院, 准教授 (60463858)
• Project Period (FY): 2018-04-01 – 2021-03-31
• Keywords: 早産 / 妊娠 / 頸管熟化 / 抗炎症蛋白

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, we aimed to investigate the involvement of two anti-inflammatory proteins, progranulin (PGRN) and secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI), in the regulation of cervical ripening and to gain new insights for the treatment of preterm birth. Analysis of mouse models of preterm birth and clinical specimens revealed that PGRN and SLPI were produced abundantly at the cervix and fetal membrane. Expression patterns at the cervix were different between PGRN and SLPI depending on the causes of preterm birth. Anti-inflammatory and anti-protease properties are shared among PGRN and SLPI, but they might play distinct roles in the regulation of cervical ripening.

Free Research Field

周産期医学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

プロゲステロン作用不全と感染炎症は早産の代表的な背景機序である。しかし、臨床的にその双方を鑑別して治療の個別化に結び付けることはできていない。本研究の結果から妊婦の頸管において、PGRNおよびSLPIは異なる発現制御を受けており、そうした早産の背景原因の鑑別のためのバイオマーカー候補となりうることが示唆された。また特に、SLPIは早産の背景要因に関わらず病的頸管熟化の阻止に働くことが期待でき、子宮頸管熟化抑制という新規の着眼点からの早産治療の候補となりうる。