Cx43 regulates mechanotransduction mechanisms in human preterm amniotic membrane defects

Objective

The effects of mechanical stimulation in preterm amniotic membrane (AM) defects were explored.

Methods

Preterm AM was collected from women undergoing planned preterm caesarean section (CS) due to fetal growth restriction or emergency CS after spontaneous preterm prelabour rupture of the membranes (sPPROM). AM explants near the cervix or placenta were subjected to trauma and/or mechanical stimulation with the Cx43 antisense. Markers for nuclear morphology (DAPI), myofibroblasts (αSMA), migration (Cx43), inflammation (PGE₂) and repair (collagen, elastin and transforming growth factor β [TGFβ₁]) were examined by confocal microscopy, second harmonic generation, qPCR and biochemical assays.

Results

In preterm AM defects, myofibroblast nuclei were highly deformed and contractile and expressed αSMA and Cx43. Mechanical stimulation increased collagen fibre polarisation and the effects on matrix markers were dependent on tissue region, disease state, gestational age and the number of fetuses. PGE₂ levels were broadly similar but reduced after co-treatment with Cx43 antisense in late sPPROM AM defects. TGFβ₁ and Cx43 gene expression were significantly increased after trauma and mechanical stimulation but this response dependent on gestational age.

Conclusion

Mechanical stimulation affects Cx43 signalling and cell/collagen mechanics in preterm AM defects. Establishing how Cx43 regulates mechanosignalling could be an approach to repair tissue integrity after trauma.     

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Active Biodegradable Film Based on Chitosan and Cenostigma Nordestinum' Extracts for Use in the Food Industry

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Regional-scale meteorological characteristics of the Vento Norte phenomenon observed in Southern Brazil

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Influence of palladium content dispersed in the TiO2 photocatalyst for degradation of volatile organic compounds in gas emission

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Woody residues of the grape production chain as an alternative precursor of high porous activated carbon with remarkable performance for naproxen uptake from water

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Is Diversification a Suitable Option to Reduce Drought-Induced Risk of Forest Dieback? An Economic Approach Focused on Carbon Accounting

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The effect of predation on artificial reef juvenile demersal fish species

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Characterization of Santa Catarina (Brazil) coal with respect to human health and environmental concerns

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A model of Cellular Automata for the spatial and temporal analysis of Citrus Sudden Death with the fuzzy parameter

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