Cervical mucus and its role in reproduction

Česká verze

Authors: K. Crha ¹; P. Ventruba ¹; J. Žáková ¹; M. Ješeta ^1,2; R. Pilka ³; J. Vodička ³; I. Crha ^1,4
Authors place of work: Gynekologicko‑porodnická klinika Lékařské fakulty Masarykovy univerzity a FN, Brno, přednosta doc. MUDr. V. Weinberger, Ph. D. ¹; Česká zemědělská univerzita, Praha ²; Porodnicko‑gynekologická klinika FN a LF UP, Olomouc, přednosta prof. MUDr. R. Pilka Ph. D. ³; Lékařská fakulta Masarykovy univerzity, Katedra ošetřovatelství a porodní asistence, Brno ⁴
Published in the journal: Ceska Gynekol 2020; 85(5): 333-338
Category: Přehledová práce

Summary

Objective: Uterine cervix is an important part of female reproductive system. It has a specific structure and function. Disorders of cervix may cause severe reproductive and pregnancy complications. It creates a barrier between intruterine and vaginal environment. Cervical mucus is one of the important factors of correct cercvical function. It udergoes dynamic changes during the menstrual cycle. Latest research brings new knowledge about cellular and molecular biomarkers present in cervical mucus, which may contribute to better diagnosis of human reproduction disorders. Objective of this article is to present contemporary knowledge of the role of cervical mucus in human reproduction.

Design: Review article.

Setting: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk university and University Hospital Brno; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Faculty of Medicine, Palacky University, Olomouc; Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk university and University Hospital Brno.

Methods: PubMed was searched for articles in English indexed until February 2020 with terms of: „cervical mucus“, „sperm cervical mucus intraction“, „cervical mucus composition“, „cervical biomarkers“.

Results: Literary research has summarized contemporary knowledge about the uterine cervix and cervical mucus and their role in human reproduction. Analysis of molecular and cellular biomarkers in cervical mucus can be useful in diagnostics of infertility.

Conclusion: Analysis of cellular and molecular composition of cervical mucus brings new knowledge about its fysiological fuction and possible disorders. It provides information about endometrial activity and receptivity, course of pregnancy and its possible complications such as risk of preterm labour.

Keywords:

cervix – cervical mucus – proteome – cervical biomarkers

Zdroje

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