Source: BBC Health
A Newcastle Research Team (The University, not the beer) is testing the use of a common chemotheraphy drug TSA (Trichostatin A) to halt labor contractions. Sounds like a bad idea, I know, but keep an open mind.
One of the effects of TSA, besides killing cancer cells, is that it increases the levels of a protein PKA (Protein Kinase A) which is responsible for muscle relaxation. Increased muscle relaxation…decreased contractions…right? By how much though? Researchers measured a 46% reduction in spontaneous contractions and a 54% reduction in contractions induced by oxytocin (a drug used to stimulate contractions).
Great, right? Well, not exactly. According to one of the lead researchers, TSA can also kill up to 10% of the genes in a cell. If you need to ask why that’s a problem you probably should be reading an easier blog. Given the dangers to infants and mothers associated with premature labor, this is a start in the right direction and a trend to watch.
Posted by David Marc Schwadron, Esquire
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