Research Project Opportunities

Myo-Inositol and Fetal Membrane Remodeling and Weakening

About the project

Preterm premature rupture of the fetal membranes (PPROM) is a pregnancy complication accounting for approximately one third of preterm births, which results in higher risk of infant mortality and morbidity. PPROM is preceded by programmed events that remodels fetal amnio-chorionic membranes, aiding in the weakening and ultimate rupture. Clinical trials of myo-inositol supplementation in pregnancy had reported reductions in preterm birth and PPROM. However, the mechanism involved is unknown. We hypothesise that myo-inositol suppresses premature fetal membrane remodeling and weakening, thereby reducing the risk of PPROM and preterm birth. To investigate this hypothesis, we will culture fetal membranes from term elective caesarean section with different concentrations of myo-inositol. We will subsequently assess the markers of fetal membrane remodeling in the tissue and culture medium using various techniques such as QPCR, western blot, ELISA, gel zymography and senescence assay. In parallel, we will measure the tensile strength of the membranes and associate the biochemical changes induced by myo-inositol treatment with the weakening of the membranes. Understanding the role of myo-inositol in regulating the biochemical and biomechanical properties of fetal membrane is essential to substantiate and facilitate the design of future clinical trials investigating the efficacy of myo-inositol prophylaxis against preterm birth.

For more information,
please contact:

A/Prof Chan Shiao-Yng
obgchan@nus.edu.sg