The role of the RHOA/ROCK pathway in the regulation of myometrial stages throughout pregnancy.

Background: Controlling uterine contractile activity is essential to regulate the duration of pregnancy. During most of the pregnancy, the uterus does not contract (i.e.

Normal amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) values in amniotic fluid.

Introduction: Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is synthesized by human fetal membranes, both the amnion and chorion. This locally produced BNP inhibits the contraction of the human myometrium, contributing to the maintenance of myometrial quiescence during pregnancy. Reference values for NT-proBNP concentrations in amniotic fluid at different gestational ages have not been completely defined.

The Synergic In Vitro Tocolytic Effect of Nifedipine Plus Ritodrine on Human Myometrial Contractility.

Many pharmacological agents have been investigated to manage preterm labor; we postulate that a combination of tocolytic drugs may achieve a better effect in the prevention of uterine contractions without dose-dependent adverse effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the inhibitory effect of dual combinations of tocolytics in vitro. Human myometrium was obtained during elective cesarean sections (term without labor; n = 40).

Leptin stimulates migration and invasion and maintains cancer stem-like properties in ovarian cancer cells: an explanation for poor outcomes in obese women.

The evidence linking obesity with ovarian cancer remains controversial. Leptin is expressed at higher levels in obese women and stimulates cell migration in other epithelial cancers. Here, we explored the clinical impact of overweight/obesity on patient prognosis and leptin's effects on the metastatic potential of ovarian cancer cells.