Protein essential for pregnancy
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Researchers have helped solve the mystery of a unique protein called Pre-implantation Factor - which is produced by healthy embryos to direct embryo attachment and help the mother adapt to pregnancy.

The protein modulates maternal immunity, promotes attachment of the early embryo, and influences remodelling of uterine cells.

"Preimplantation Factor appears to be essential for pregnancy to succeed," said Paidas. "For several decades, investigators have tried to isolate a compound that was absolutely required for pregnancy. We believe that Preimplantation Factor is in fact that compound."

In a study of non-pregnant and pregnant uterine stromal cells, which are positioned directly beneath the uterine lining, researchers found that over 500 maternal genes and several proteins were significantly altered, when exposed to Preimplantation Factor. Paidas said, profound changes were detected precisely in those pathways and networks critical for implantation.

Studies are ongoing to establish Preimplantation Factor as a diagnostic test for pregnancy viability, not only in humans but in animals as well, since it appears to be universally present in mammals.

There is even greater interest in the potential therapeutic applications, both in pregnancy and in other conditions such as autoimmune disease and transplantation.

These findings are published fast track for the benefit of the scientific community in the current issue of American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology .

- Courtesy: ANI / Times of India