Does prohibitin 1 modulate mitochondrial stress-related autophagy in human colonic epithelial cells?
Decreased PHB levels coupled with dysfunctional autophagy renders intestinal epithelial cells susceptible to mitochondrial damage and cytotoxicity. Repletion of PHB may represent a therapeutic approach to combat oxidant and cytokine-induced mitochondrial damage in diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease.
Nrf2 has an anti-inflammatory effect in human fetal membranes. It is decreased with term labour and preterm chorioamnionitis; and Nrf2 silencing increases inflammation- and infection-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines. Further studies are required to determine if agents that can increase Nrf2 expression may be a potential therapeutic strategy in the treatment and management of infection-induced preterm labour.