Lower Myometrial Biochemistry (MyBio)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Lower Myometrial Biochemistry
IRAS ID
262850
Contact name
Sung Hye Kim
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College London
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Preterm labour (PTL; delivery before 37 weeks gestation) occurs in around 10% of all pregnancies. It is a major cause of infant death and illnesses worldwide. We hypothesise that there are biochemical and inflammatory changes occurring in the myometrium (muscle of the womb) before the onset of labour which are maintained during labour. Through this study, we would expand our understanding of the processes occurring around the time of labour. The myometrial tissue will be used to examine the changes in their contractile ability in presence/absence of stimulants and/or inhibitors. In addition to this, fresh myometrial tissues will also be used to establish a smooth muscle cell culture model to examine specific signalling pathways such as inflammatory signalling using targeted activation and/or inhibition, and examining the subsequent effects on RNA and/or protein expression. By understanding these changes, we will be able to identify new potential targets for the development of therapies to prevent preterm labour. Our ultimate aim is to be able to identify new potential targets for the development of therapies to prevent preterm labour.
REC name
London - Harrow Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/LO/1657
Date of REC Opinion
8 Nov 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion