Article Abstract:
Preterm labor triggered by intrauterine infection may create a rise in fetal steroids, suggesting fetal stress, without increasing maternal estrogen, suggesting placental dysfunction. Researchers used pregnant monkeys as a model for human pregnancies. Group B streptococci was injected into monkey uteri to trigger preterm labor. Compared to normal, spontaneous labor, infection-induced labor was marked by higher levels of fetal steroid hormones. No increases were noted in maternal or fetal estrone or estradiol. These findings suggest that infection creates fetal stress and a dysfunctional placental that does not depend on increased estrogen production.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Article Abstract:
The growth of benign uterine fibroids may be stimulated by insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I). Uterine fibroids affect 20% to 30% of women. Researchers conducted a laboratory test using cells from uterine fibroids and from normal uterine muscle to see if IGF-I or IGF-II could stimulate abnormal growth. Cells were taken from five premenopausal women who had undergone hysterectomies. The 15-day study showed that IGF-I significantly increased growth of uterine fibroid cells but not of normal uterine muscle cells. Fibroid cells increased in response to IGF-II, but not significantly. Growth rates varied considerably from patient to patient.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Article Abstract:
Many of the blood tests and hormone assays that infertile couples must go through before and during in vitro fertilization are probably unnecessary. This is important because repeated tests are costly and many insurance companies do not cover in vitro fertilization.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic: