ABC transporters in pregnancy and premature birth

The study evaluated how different types of infections alter the ABC transporters (ATP-Binding Cassette), responsible for transporting various substances into and out of cells, and if this may be one of the triggers or risk factor for premature childbirth. Among the 30 transporters that undergo some type of mutation during premature birth, the team focused on two: PGP (P-glycoprotein) and BCRP (Breast cancer resistance protein) to assess common elements between them and identify biomarkers that could indicate prematurity.

The researchers studied the action of the two transporters in animal models, in this case female mice placentas infected with malaria, bacteria and the Zika virus. It was also possible to verify these results on a human placenta infected with Zika.

In all cases, researchers observed a decrease in the circulation of both transporters. Further studies are needed to understand whether this phenomenon is meant to inhibit or promote premature birth.

This is the first time that research has focused on ABC transporters in the search for biomarkers to identify premature birth risk.

The absence of reliable biomarkers to identify the risk of prematurity.

As this is basic research, further studies are needed to accurately assess the role of ABC transporters in preterm delivery and their ability to predict prematurity.

As this is basic research, further studies are needed to accurately assess the role of ABC transporters in preterm delivery and their ability to predict prematurity.

The team plans to continue the research, now with transgenic animals, to artificially. So, the team can artificially increase and decrease these transporters in the placenta and evaluate these two effects on the triggering of premature birth. It could also be possible to achieve the same effects with some drugs, according to the researchers.