A new approach to repair defects in fetal membranes which could prevent life-long medical conditions and disabilities connected with preterm birth has been developed by researchers from Queen Mary University of London and University College London.
One of the vital factors for the healthy development of the baby in the womb during pregnancy is the integrity of the fetal membranes. When there is a rupture or damage of the fetal membranes, they fail to heal leaving a defect until the end of pregnancy.
Among the scientists, they refer to this condition as pre-term premature rupture of the fetal membrane (PPROM), and is a common cause of preterm birth. As of the moment, there are no clinical solutions to improve healing of the fetal membranes after they rupture.
Researchers have published a new study in the journal Scientific Reports, and they described a reason for this inadequate healing response. They were able to identify a molecular mechanism activated during the repetitive stretching of the amniotic membrane linking the mechanism forces to factors that may cause preterm labor and PPROM.
The researchers combined bioengineering and pharmaceutical approach to knock down a protein called connexion 43 (Cx43), they discovered that the reduction in this molecule encourages the rebuilding of the fetal membranes, and enhances the processes of tissue healing and repair, similar to healing skin wounds.
The lead author of the research from the Queen Mary University of London, Dr. Tina Chowdhury said that they are utilizing unique bioengineering tools at Queen Mary which have allowed them to test the tissue in a way that has never been done before. The bioengineering tools give them an understanding of both the mechanical as well as biological mechanisms involved and will help them to develop therapies that will reduce the number of preterm births.
There has been an increasing rise in the way fetal medicine specialists offering surgery to babies in the womb before birth, to treat abnormalities of the spine, diaphragm or placenta. PPROM complicates around one-third of these cases which reduces the clinical effectiveness of fetal surgery.
One of the authors of the research and a consultant in pre-term birth at University College London, Professor Anna David said that improving fetal membrane healing is a significant unmet clinical need for some of his patients ho spontaneously rupture their membranes. They are now giving fetal surgery at UCLH to close spina bifida in the baby before birth, and the ability to heal the fetal membranes after surgery would improve baby outcomes. He claimed that their findings could lead to a therapy that will prevent preterm birth with the potential to save many lives all over the world.
