11β-HSD1 in human fetal membranes as a potential therapeutic target for preterm birth

Wangsheng Wang, Zi Jiang Chen, Leslie Myatt, Kang Sun

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

32 Scopus citations

Abstract

Human parturition is a complex process involving interactions between the myometrium and signals derived from the placenta, fetal membranes, and fetus. Signals originating from fetal membranes are crucial components that trigger parturition, which is clearly illustrated by the labor-initiating consequence of membrane rupture. It has been recognized for a long time that among fetal tissues in late gestation the fetal membranes possess the highest capacity for cortisol regeneration by 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β- HSD1). However, the exact role of this unique feature remains a mystery. Accumulating evidence indicates that this extra-adrenal source of cortisol may serve as an upstream signal for critical events in human parturition, including enhanced prostaglandin and estrogen synthesis as well as extracellular matrix remodeling. This may explain why such high capacity for cortisol regeneration develops in human fetal membranes at late gestation. Therefore, inhibition of 11β-HSD1 may provide a potential therapeutic target for prevention of preterm birth. This review summarizes the current understanding of the functional role of cortisol regeneration by 11β-HSD1 in human fetal membranes.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)241-260
Number of pages20
JournalEndocrine reviews
Volume39
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 1 2018

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
  • Endocrinology

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