2008 Grants
Investigation of the role of intrauterine interleukin 8 and interleukin 6 in normal early pregnancy and sporadic miscarriage. Dr Judith Bulmer and Dr Gendie Lash, Newcastle University £101,696 over 36 months. This award was part funded by the National Birthday Trust Fund.
LAY TITLE: Role of immune proteins in early miscarriage
Miscarriage is the most common gynaecological emergency, occurring in 20% of pregnancies in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy . Genetic abnormalities account for up to 50% of miscarriages but the causes of many miscarriages remain unknown.
Abnormalities in the tissues lining the womb have been linked to miscarriage, and it is now thought that two immune proteins - interleukins 6 and 8 - may play a role in the development of the womb lining during early pregnancy and, at elevated levels, in early miscarriage.
In this study, Dr Bulmer and colleagues will investigate the function of interleukins 6 and 8 in early pregnancy and whether high levels of these proteins contribute to early miscarriage. By elucidating the roles of such proteins in early pregnancy, we may gain a greater understanding of the causes of miscarriage and develop new therapies for its prevention.
Wellbeing of Women
Regent's Park
London NW1 4SP
Tel: 020 7772 6400
Fax: 020 7724 7725
wellbeingofwomen@rcog.org.uk
Registered Charity No: 239281
