Endocrine Abstracts

Fetuin-B is an inhibitor of basic calcium phosphate, preventing unwanted calcification. The low level of fetuin could be associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis and ectopic microcalcifications in soft tissues and the rupture of the membranes leading to preterm delivery. Our aims were i) to examine the alterations of mRNA expression of the fetuin-B in the late pregnant rat uterus, furthermore ii) to investigate the fetuin-B expression in hormonally- and lipopolysac...

Preterm birth defined is a major determinant of neonatal mortality and morbidity. The incidence of preterm birth has not decreased over the years despite major improvements in medical research. In the view to decreasing the potentially maternal and foetal adverse events it is a pharmacological challenge to find new therapeutic strategies. In the clinical practice the most frequently used tocolytic agents are the β2-adrenoceptor agonist (terbutaline, fenoterol, ...