Open AccessSome Molecular Mechanisms of Cervical Ripening
Author(s) -
Yu. Grigorieva,
G. Suvorova,
Aleksey M. Chaulin,
S. Yukhimets,
S. Chemidronov,
V. Vankov
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
international journal of biomedicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2158-0529
pISSN - 2158-0510
DOI - 10.21103/article10(4)_ra3
Subject(s) - ripening , cervix , cervical cancer , extracellular matrix , medicine , cervical dilation , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , pregnancy , cancer , genetics , gestation , food science
Cervical remodeling is an active dynamic process that begins long before the onset of labor. The optimal course of the cervical ripening/remodeling processes is a prerequisite for successful vaginal delivery. Cervical remodeling is a slow progressive process that begins early in mammalian pregnancies, and can be loosely divided into four overlapping phases termed softening, ripening, dilation/labor, and postpartum repair. This review discusses some aspects of structural changes in the cervix at different stages of cervical ripening. In particular, the role of cervical epithelia, immune-inflammatory factors/cells, and components of the cervical extracellular matrix in cervical ripening is considered. A better understanding of the molecular-biochemical and histophysiological processes occurring during cervical remodeling is critical for the development of novel approaches to treat cervical insufficiency, preterm labor, and postpartum cervical disorders associated with its integrity.