Relaxin Signaling Pathway
The relaxin signaling pathway refers to all proteins involved in the pathway of relaxin
signaling pathway and related regulatory factors. Relaxin is a peptide hormone that
relaxes the birth canal before delivery. Mainly produced in the corpus luteum of the
ovary during mammalian pregnancy, it relaxes the pelvic ligament, loosens the pubic
symphysis, and dilates the cervix and vagina. These are beneficial to the fetus output
during the delivery of livestock. Relaxin is a peptide hormone discovered by Frederick
Hisaw in 1926 during the study of changes in the pelvic tract during pregnancy. It is
produced mainly in the body by the ovary and the placenta of pregnancy and the
prostate of males. Because it has the function of relaxing the uterine smooth muscle,
softening the cervix, relaxing pelvic ligament, etc., it is called relaxin. Relaxin in the
blood circulation of humans and mammals has many biological functions.
Early studies on relaxin mainly focused on its role in the reproductive system. As the
research progressed, the researchers found relaxin in the heart, liver, lung, and
kidney. It is expressed on the skin and can be widely used in circulation, urinary,
respiratory, nervous, and reproductive systems and organs, and is closely related to
the occurrence of various diseases. Early research on relaxin focused on the role of
the reproductive system, which has been found to have effects on the cardiovascular,
urinary, respiratory, and digestive systems. The effects of several aspects are
summarized as follows: (1) Reproductive system: It can regulate the uterus and
cervical remodeling and growth during pregnancy, inhibit the contraction of uterine
muscle during pregnancy to promote pregnancy, and promote endometrial
thickening and endometrial angiogenesis; pelvic connective tissue and softened birth
canal are used for childbirth. (2) Cardiovascular system: Lower blood pressure and
vascular resistance. a. Increase cardiac output and heart rate. b. Reduce ischemia
and reperfusion injury. c. Anti-myocardial fibrosis improves ventricular hypertrophy.
(3) Urinary system: Increase glomerular filtration rate and renal blood flow. (4)
Others: such as anti-lung and liver fibrosis.
