Relaxin and preterm birth

Preterm birth (PTB) is a global problem with a high incidence in the developing world. Relaxin (RLN) has classically been associated with parturition, but its role(s) in the human have been difficult to determine. For the first time, we bring together the systemic (ovarian) and autocrine/paracrine (intrauterine) sources of RLN, in an attempt to understand how RLN contributes to PTB in women.