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Review
. 2022 Nov 21;11(22):3690.
doi: 10.3390/cells11223690.

Signaling Pathways Regulating Human Cervical Ripening in Preterm and Term Delivery

Maciej W Socha  1   2 , Wojciech Flis  2 , Miłosz Pietrus  3 , Mateusz Wartęga  4 , Martyna Stankiewicz  1
Affiliations
Review

Signaling Pathways Regulating Human Cervical Ripening in Preterm and Term Delivery

Maciej W Socha et al. Cells. .

Abstract

At the end of gestation, the cervical tissue changes profoundly. As a result of these changes, the uterine cervix becomes soft and vulnerable to dilation. The process occurring in the cervical tissue can be described as cervical ripening. The ripening is a process derivative of enzymatic breakdown and inflammatory response. Therefore, it is apparent that cervical remodeling is a derivative of the reactions mediated by multiple factors such as hormones, prostaglandins, nitric oxide, and inflammatory cytokines. However, despite the research carried out over the years, the cellular pathways responsible for regulating this process are still poorly understood. A comprehensive understanding of the entire process of cervical ripening seems crucial in the context of labor induction. Greater knowledge could provide us with the means to help women who suffer from dysfunctional labor. The overall objective of this review is to present the current understanding of cervical ripening in terms of molecular regulation and cell signaling.

Keywords: cell signaling; cervical ripening; differentiation; induction of labor; pregnancy; proliferation.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Diagram showing an outline of the changes occurring during cervical ripening.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Diagram showing potential role of nitric oxide (NO) in cervical ripening process.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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