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Oregon Health & Science University Researchers Uncover Potential for Prenatal Therapeutics
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) have uncovered new and groundbreaking insights into the protective properties of amniotic fluid. Historically understudied due to the difficulty of obtaining samples during pregnancy, this vital fluid is known for its role in protecting and nurturing a fetus throughout gestation.
Amniotic fluid, which surrounds the developing fetus, cushions it from external trauma, aids in organ development, regulates temperature, and supports growth. Now, a study published in Research and Practice in Thrombosis and Haemostasis highlights an important yet overlooked aspect of amniotic fluid—its ability to enhance blood clotting. This discovery may provide crucial protection during pregnancy and delivery for both the birthing parent and the fetus.
The research reveals that adding amniotic fluid to plasma—the liquid component of blood—can significantly improve the blood’s ability to clot. Blood clotting is essential for preventing excessive bleeding during childbirth, which can otherwise lead to severe complications. However, the mechanisms behind amniotic fluid’s role in this process have remained poorly understood until now.
Dr. Jamie Lo, the study’s corresponding author and associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at OHSU, explained, “We have always known that amniotic fluid is important for fetal development and growth, but we don’t know much about it beyond that.” The team analyzed amniotic fluid samples from both humans and non-human primates at various stages of gestation, discovering that the composition and proteins of amniotic fluid change across trimesters, adjusting to the growing needs of the developing fetus.
The findings have opened the door to further research into the therapeutic potential of amniotic fluid. Dr. Lo and her colleagues are collaborating with scientists in OHSU’s Department of Biomedical Engineering to explore how amniotic fluid’s unique properties could be harnessed in future medical treatments. They aim to explore potential applications for improving maternal and fetal health, particularly in the context of pregnancy disorders and blood coagulation.
Researchers are also working with OHSU’s Fetal Care Program, collecting amniotic fluid samples from pregnancies undergoing in-utero surgeries, such as those for spina bifida. By studying these samples, they hope to identify potential markers that could be targeted for future therapeutic interventions.
The potential implications of these findings are vast. “Babies born prematurely miss out on critical weeks developing within amniotic fluid,” said Dr. Brian Scottoline, co-senior author of the study. “With a better understanding of amniotic fluid, its development, and its valuable properties, we can begin to envision new therapies that could protect and support premature infants.”
In the long term, the research team hopes to develop new ways of replicating the beneficial properties of amniotic fluid. This includes exploring whether amniotic fluid components can be used to create therapies that mimic its protective effects, potentially aiding the growth and development of premature infants and reducing their risk of complications.
Dr. Lo concluded, “This research is just the beginning. Understanding amniotic fluid could lead to the development of life-saving interventions for both mothers and babies, including therapies for preterm infants, and could even pave the way for advanced prenatal care.”
Disclaimer: This article is based on research findings published in the journal Research and Practice in Thrombosis and Haemostasis and reflects the views of the study’s authors. The application of these findings in clinical settings is still in the early stages of investigation and requires further study to confirm safety and efficacy.
