Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2024; 84(10): e226
DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1790982
Abstracts │ DGGG

Uterine Follistatin is upregulated in the context of labour

Authors

  • A.-L. Schneppel

    1   Laboratory of Translational Perinatology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Deutschland
    2   Clinic St. Hedwig of The Order of St. John, University of Regensburg, University Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Regensburg, Deutschland

  • J. Keuter

    1   Laboratory of Translational Perinatology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Deutschland

  • M. Walter

    1   Laboratory of Translational Perinatology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Deutschland

  • V. Bazzano

    1   Laboratory of Translational Perinatology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Deutschland

  • W. Shi

    1   Laboratory of Translational Perinatology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Deutschland

  • M. Rauh

    2   Clinic St. Hedwig of The Order of St. John, University of Regensburg, University Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Regensburg, Deutschland

  • A. Köninger

    2   Clinic St. Hedwig of The Order of St. John, University of Regensburg, University Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Regensburg, Deutschland

  • M. E. Solano

    1   Laboratory of Translational Perinatology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Deutschland
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Objectives: Caesarean section delivery can result in uterine scarring. Follistatin plays an important role in tissue regeneration, particularly muscle regeneration. This study aims to identify if labour affects the expression of Follistatin and related molecules Activin, Inhibin, Myostatin and BMP4 in human uterus.

Materials: The study involved 64 myometrium, placenta and decidua samples from nulligravida, nulliparous singleton pregnancies obtained during caesarean section at St. Hedwig Clinic, Regensburg. Of these, 24 were undergoing labour and 40 were not.

Methods: Tissue specific Follistatin expression was analyzed by Immunohistochemistry. Real-time PCR served to quantify Follistatin (FST), Inhibin-α (INHA), Inhibin-βA (INHBA), Inhibin-βB (INHBB), Myostatin (MSTN) and Bone-morphogenetic-protein 4 (BMP4) gene expression; displayed as fold change over the reference genes Cytochrome c1 (CYC1) and YWHAZ.

Results: In the pregnant uterus, Follistatin was primarily expressed by the myometrium in lean patients. Follistatin (p=0,0162) and Inhibin-βA (p=0,003) expression increased and Inhibin-α decreased (p=0,0003) upon the onset of labour. There were no significant changes in gene expression for Inhibin-βB, Myostatin and BMP4. In overweight/obese patients (BMI ≥25), no changes in gene expression were observed upon labour onset.

Conclusion: During labour Follistatin expression is induced in myometrium. This may promote muscle growth by counteracting Myostatin. Inhibin downregulation together with Activin upregulation may balance the nonspecific neutralisation of Follistatin and enhance Activins functions towards the end of pregnancy (cell modulation, immune response, wound repair, endocrine regulation). Tissue from overweight/obese patients suggest that Follistatin related pathways are less responsive in this population.



Publication History

Article published online:
01 October 2024

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