Washington, May 29 (IANS) Researchers have isolated and detailed the function of a unique protein, called Preimplantation Factor (PF) produced by healthy embryos, which ensures a successful pregnancy.
The research showed that PF 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 Michael J. Paidas, associate professor and co-director of the Yale University Women and Children’s Centre for Blood Disorders, who led the study.
‘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,’ Paidas said.
PF was discovered by co-author Eytan R. Barnea, clinical associate professor in obstetrics, gynaecology & reproduction, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
Barnea eventually synthesised PF so that the replicated form is identical to the native compound.
Studies are ongoing to establish PF 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.
Paidas said there is even greater interest in the potential therapeutic applications, both in pregnancy and in other conditions such as autoimmune disease and transplantation, a Yale release said.
The findings were published in the current issue of American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
