Umbilical artery chemokine CCL16 is associated with preterm preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction

Role of chemokines in regulating luteal and uterine functions in pregnant cows

Pregnancy is intricately regulated by the interactions between various bioactive substances secreted by the conceptus, uterus, and corpus luteum (CL). Interferon-τ, synthesized and secreted by the conceptus, plays a central role in the interaction mechanism of maternal recognition in cows. Chemokines, chemotaxis mediators that are primarily secreted by immune cells, regulate various reproductive responses in various species. Although there are scattered reports on the potential roles of chemokines in the bovine CL and the uterus during the estrous cycle, there is little information on chemokines in these organs during pregnancy. Therefore, in this review, we discuss the possible physiological roles of chemokines in the CL and uterus of pregnant cows, focusing on our recent findings on chemokines and changes in their receptor expression in the CL and endometrium of cows at some stages of pregnancy.

Inhibitory effect of CC chemokine ligand 23 (CCL23)/ transcription factor activating enhancer binding protein 4 (TFAP4) on cell proliferation, invasion and angiogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly vascularized solid tumor with a fast growth rate. According to bioinformatics analysis, CC chemokine ligand 23 (CCL23) has clinical significance for survival and prognosis in HCC. The online databases TCGA and CCLE were used to analyze the expression level of CCL23, and its expression was also measured in HCC cell lines by RT-qPCR and Western blotting. The STRING database and co-immunoprecipitation were employed to evaluate the association between CCL23 and transcription factor activating enhancer binding protein 4 (TFAP4). Overexpression plasmids for CCL23 (Ov-CCL23) and TFAP4 (Ov-TFAP4) were transfected into Huh-7 cells to detect TFAP4 expression. Huh-7 cells injected with OV-negative control (NC)/Ov-CCL23 or OV-NC/Ov-CCL23 plus Ov-TFAP4 were utilized to study the function of CCL23/TFAP4. Cell proliferation, invasion and human umbilical vein endothelial cell tube formation assays were conducted. The database revealed decreased expression of CCL23 in HCC and that it was commonly downregulated in HCC cell lines. TFAP4 expression was negatively correlated with CCL23. The overexpression of CCL23 inhibited the proliferation and invasion of Huh-7 cells, whereas TFAP4 blocked these effects. Similarly, the supernatant of CCL23-upregulated cells exhibited significantly lower tube formation potential, and low vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), VEGFRs expression compared with those of non-transfected Huh-7 cells, while TFAP4 plasmid co-transfected markedly increased these. Taken together, the present study suggests that CCL23 is expressed at low levels in HCC; it inhibits HCC cell proliferation, invasion and angiogenesis in vitro; and its action is negatively associated with and can be blocked by TFAP4.

Going Up Inflame: Reviewing the Underexplored Role of Inflammatory Programming in Stress-Induced Intrauterine Growth Restricted Livestock

The impact of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) on health in humans is well-recognized. It is the second leading cause of perinatal mortality worldwide, and it is associated with deficits in metabolism and muscle growth that increase lifelong risk for hypertension, obesity, hyperlipidemia, and type 2 diabetes. Comparatively, the barrier that IUGR imposes on livestock production is less recognized by the industry. Meat animals born with low birthweight due to IUGR are beset with greater early death loss, inefficient growth, and reduced carcass merit. These animals exhibit poor feed-to-gain ratios, less lean mass, and greater fat deposition, which increase production costs and decrease value. Ultimately, this reduces the amount of meat produced by each animal and threatens the economic sustainability of livestock industries. Intrauterine growth restriction is most commonly the result of fetal programming responses to placental insufficiency, but the exact mechanisms by which this occurs are not well-understood. In uncompromised pregnancies, inflammatory cytokines are produced at modest rates by placental and fetal tissues and play an important role in fetal development. However, unfavorable intrauterine conditions can cause cytokine activity to be excessive during critical windows of fetal development. Our recent evidence indicates that this impacts developmental programming of muscle growth and metabolism and contributes to the IUGR phenotype. In this review, we outline the role of inflammatory cytokine activity in the development of normal and IUGR phenotypes. We also highlight the contributions of sheep and other animal models in identifying mechanisms for IUGR pathologies.

A multi-omic analysis of birthweight in newborn cord blood reveals new underlying mechanisms related to cholesterol metabolism

BACKGROUND

Birthweight reflects in utero exposures and later health evolution. Despite existing studies employing high-dimensional molecular measurements, the understanding of underlying mechanisms of birthweight remains limited.

METHODS

To investigate the systems biology of birthweight, we cross-sectionally integrated the methylome, the transcriptome, the metabolome and a set of inflammatory proteins measured in cord blood samples, collected from four birth-cohorts (n = 489). We focused on two sets of 68 metabolites and 903 CpGs previously related to birthweight and investigated the correlation structures existing between these two sets and all other omic features via bipartite Pearson correlations.

RESULTS

This dataset revealed that the set of metabolome and methylome signatures of birthweight have seven signals in common, including three metabolites [PC(34:2), plasmalogen PC(36:4)/PC(O-36:5), and a compound with m/z of 781.0545], two CpGs (on the DHCR24 and SC4MOL gene), and two proteins (periostin and CCL22). CCL22, a macrophage-derived chemokine has not been previously identified in relation to birthweight. Since the results of the omics integration indicated the central role of cholesterol metabolism, we explored the association of cholesterol levels in cord blood with birthweight in the ENVIRONAGE cohort (n = 1097), finding that higher birthweight was associated with increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and that high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was lower in small versus large for gestational age newborns.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggests that an integration of different omic-layers in addition to single omics studies is a useful approach to generate new hypotheses regarding biological mechanisms. CCL22 and cholesterol metabolism in cord blood play a mechanistic role in birthweight.

Survival analysis of a cohort of extremely preterm infants born in Finland during 2005-2013

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to analyze the mortality of extremely preterm infants (ELGA born alive before 28 weeks) until the postconceptional age of 42 weeks, death, or home discharge, whichever came first. It was focused especially on studying the relationship between antenatal risk factors, the time of death, and the postnatal morbidities associated with mortality.

STUDY DESIGN

The original data obtained from the nationwide Finnish medical birth register of extremely preterm and low birthweight infants born during 2005-2013 were analyzed. The total population consisted of 1353 ELGA infants after the exclusion of 18 infants born with lethal congenital anomalies or genetic defects. Mortality risks were adjusted according to the length of gestation, the administration of antenatal steroids, and the delivery hospital.

RESULTS

During the first 48 hours, extreme immaturity was seen to be the prominent cause of death, and intrauterine growth did not influence mortality. The ELGA population surviving for at least 48 hours (N = 1135) was submitted for mortality risk analysis. After the adjustments, small-for-gestational-age (SGA) (birth weight below -2 SD) was found to be the factor with the highest risk for demise [OR 6.2; 95% CI (3.9-10.0) p < .001]. Multiple deliveries were associated with increased risk for death [OR 1.5; 95% CI (1.0-2.1), p = .048] to a lesser extent. The main neonatal morbidities associated with the risk of mortality after 48 postnatal hours of life were severe intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) [OR 4.4; 95% CI (3.0-6.7), p < .001], respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) [OR 2.6; 95% CI (1.3-5.0), p = .006], and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) [OR 2.3; 95% CI (1.5-3.4), p < .001]. The major morbidities associated with deaths among non-SGA infants were severe IVH (32.1% of all deaths), NEC (19.1%), and sepsis (8.4%). In SGA infants, severe respiratory disease (RDS, severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia, pulmonary hemorrhage, or pulmonary hypertension) was the main cause of death (60.9% of all deaths). Medical or surgical PDA treatment was not found to be associated with increased risk of death [OR 0.4; 95% CI (0.2-0.5), p < .001] compared to infants who had survived for more than 2 days. Severe preeclampsia was found to be associated with 42% of all ELGA-SGA births. After the adjustments, ELGA infants from pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia of the mother exhibited a significantly lower risk of severe IVH [OR 0.3; 95% CI (0.2-0.5), p < .001] compared to the non-preeclamptic mothers' infants. The low incidence of severe IVH was evident regardless of fetal growth in this patient group.

CONCLUSIONS

SGA infants with less than 28 gestational weeks, who had survived for at least 2 days, had excessively high mortality due to severe pulmonary disease. Intrauterine growth had no influence on the risk of death, other than pulmonary causes. The infants of preeclamptic mothers exhibited an increased risk of intrauterine growth retardation; however, despite this serious complication, these infants exhibited a significant decrease in the risk for severe IVH.

Omega-3 Fatty Acid-Derived Resolvin D2 Regulates Human Placental Vascular Smooth Muscle and Extravillous Trophoblast Activities

Omega-3 fatty acids are important to pregnancy and neonatal development and health. One mechanism by which omega-3 fatty acids exert their protective effects is through serving as substrates for the generation of specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators (SPM) that potently limit and resolve inflammatory processes. We recently identified that SPM levels are increased in maternal blood at delivery as compared to umbilical cord blood, suggesting the placenta as a potential site of action for maternal SPM. To explore this hypothesis, we obtained human placental samples and stained for the SPM resolvin D2 (RvD2) receptor GPR18 via immunohistochemistry. In so doing, we identified GPR18 expression in placental vascular smooth muscle and extravillous trophoblasts of the placental tissues. Using in vitro culturing, we confirmed expression of GPR18 in these cell types and further identified that stimulation with RvD2 led to significantly altered responsiveness (cytoskeletal changes and pro-inflammatory cytokine production) to lipopolysaccharide inflammatory stimulation in human umbilical artery smooth muscle cells and placental trophoblasts. Taken together, these findings establish a role for SPM actions in human placental tissue.

ASAS-SSR Triennnial Reproduction Symposium: Looking Back and Moving Forward-How Reproductive Physiology has Evolved: Fetal origins of impaired muscle growth and metabolic dysfunction: Lessons from the heat-stressed pregnant ewe

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is the second leading cause of perinatal mortality and predisposes offspring to metabolic disorders at all stages of life. Muscle-centric fetal adaptations reduce growth and yield metabolic parsimony, beneficial for IUGR fetal survival but detrimental to metabolic health after birth. Epidemiological studies have reported that IUGR-born children experience greater prevalence of insulin resistance and obesity, which progresses to diabetes, hypertension, and other metabolic disorders in adulthood that reduce quality of life. Similar adaptive programming in livestock results in decreased birth weights, reduced and inefficient growth, decreased carcass merit, and substantially greater mortality rates prior to maturation. High rates of glucose consumption and metabolic plasticity make skeletal muscle a primary target for nutrient-sparing adaptations in the IUGR fetus, but at the cost of its contribution to proper glucose homeostasis after birth. Identifying the mechanisms underlying IUGR pathophysiology is a fundamental step in developing treatments and interventions to improve outcomes in IUGR-born humans and livestock. In this review, we outline the current knowledge regarding the adaptive restriction of muscle growth and alteration of glucose metabolism that develops in response to progressively exacerbating intrauterine conditions. In addition, we discuss the evidence implicating developmental changes in β adrenergic and inflammatory systems as key mechanisms for dysregulation of these processes. Lastly, we highlight the utility and importance of sheep models in developing this knowledge.

Gene expression of CCL8 and CXCL10 in peripheral blood leukocytes during early pregnancy in cows

Background

The aim of the present study was to evaluate CCL8 and CXCL10 expression and its regulatory mechanism in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) at the time of maternal recognition in cows. Blood samples were collected on 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18 d after artificial insemination (AI). Based on the day of return of estrus, cows were divided into three groups, pregnant (n = 5), early embryonic mortality (EEM; n = 5) and late embryonic mortality (LEM; n = 5). The gene expression levels in PBLs were assessed with quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR.

Results

The expression of CCL8 and CXCL10 mRNA in PBLs gradually increased from 14 to 18 d of pregnant cows and significant differences were observed on 18 d (P < 0.05), whereas no significant changes were observed both in EEM and LEM cows. Interferon-stimulated protein 15 kDa (ISG15), myxovirus-resistance gene (MX) 1 and MX2 mRNA expression in PBLs increased from 14 to 18 d which was significant on 18 d of pregnant cows as well as in LEM cows (P < 0.05), but no changes were observed in EEM cows. To determine whether the expression of CCL8 and CXCL10 in PBLs was regulated by pregnancy-related substances or not, expression level was assessed after exposure to interferon-τ (IFNT) and CCL16. Monocytes, granulocytes and lymphocytes were obtained using density-gradient centrifugation and flow cytometry. The addition of IFNT (100 ng/mL) and CCL16 (100 ng/mL) to cultured PBLs increased the expression of CCL8 and CXCL10 mRNA (P < 0.05). The expression of ISG15, MX1 and MX2 mRNA in PBLs was also stimulated by IFNT and CCL16 (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The expression of CCL8 and CXCL10 genes increased in PBLs during early pregnancy. Since IFNT stimulated CCL8 and CXCL10 expression in cultured PBLs, the increase of CCL8 and CXCL10 might be pregnancy-dependent events. The expression of both CCL8 and CXCL10 in PBLs was stimulated by CCL16 as well as IFNT, suggesting a chemokine interaction that at least includes CCL8, CXCL10 and CCL16, and may play a role in regulating maternal recognition in cows.

Possible Roles of CC- and CXC-Chemokines in Regulating Bovine Endometrial Function during Early Pregnancy

The aim of the present study was to determine the possible roles of chemokines in regulating bovine endometrial function during early pregnancy. The expression of six chemokines, including CCL2, CCL8, CCL11, CCL14, CCL16, and CXCL10, was higher in the endometrium at 15 and 18 days of pregnancy than at the same days in non-pregnant animals. Immunohistochemical staining showed that chemokine receptors (CCR1, CCR2, CCR3, and CXCR3) were expressed in the epithelial cells and glandular epithelial cells of the bovine endometrium as well as in the fetal trophoblast obtained from a cow on day 18 of pregnancy. The addition of interferon-τ (IFNT) to an endometrial tissue culture system increased CCL8 and CXCL10 expression in the tissues, but did not affect CCL2, CCL11, and CCL16 expression. CCL14 expression by these tissues was inhibited by IFNT. CCL16, but not other chemokines, clearly stimulated interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) and myxovirus-resistance gene 1 (MX1) expression in these tissues. Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) expression decreased after stimulation with CCL8 and CCL14, and oxytocin receptor (OTR) expression was decreased by CCL2, CCL8, CCL14, and CXCL10. Collectively, the expression of chemokine genes is increased in the endometrium during early pregnancy. These genes may contribute to the regulation of endometrial function by inhibiting COX2 and OTR expression, subsequently decreasing prostaglandin production and preventing luteolysis in cows.

Gestational nanomaterial exposures: microvascular implications during pregnancy, fetal development and adulthood

Air pollution particulate matter and engineered nanomaterials are encompassed in the broad definition of xenobiotic particles. While the effects of perinatal air pollution exposure have been investigated, elucidation of outcomes associated with nanomaterial exposure, the focus of this review, is still in its infancy. As the potential uses of nanomaterials, and therefore exposures, increase exponentially so does the need for thorough evaluation. Up to this point, the majority of research in the field of cardiovascular nanotoxicology has focused on the coronary and vascular reactions to pulmonary exposures in young adult, healthy, male models; however, as intentional and unintentional contacts persist, the non-pulmonary risks to under-represented populations become a critical concern. Development of the maternal-fetal circulation during successful mammalian gestation is one of the most unusual complex, dynamic, and acutely demanding physiological systems. Fetal development in a hostile gestational environment can lead to systemic alterations, which may encourage adult disease. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to highlight the few knowns associated with gestational engineered nanomaterial exposure segmented by physiological periods of development or systemic targets: preconception and maternal, gestational, fetal and progeny (Abstract figure). Overall, the limited studies currently available provide compelling evidence of maternal, fetal and offspring dysfunctions after engineered nanomaterial exposure. Understanding the mechanisms associated with these multigenerational effects may allow pregnant women to safely reap the benefits of nanotechnology-enabled products and assist in the implementation of exposure controls to protect the mother and fetus allowing for development of safety by design for engineered nanomaterials.

Microvascular and mitochondrial dysfunction in the female F1 generation after gestational TiO2 nanoparticle exposure

Due to the ongoing evolution of nanotechnology, there is a growing need to assess the toxicological outcomes in under-studied populations in order to properly consider the potential of engineered nanomaterials (ENM) and fully enhance their safety. Recently, we and others have explored the vascular consequences associated with gestational nanomaterial exposure, reporting microvascular dysfunction within the uterine circulation of pregnant dams and the tail artery of fetal pups. It has been proposed (via work derived by the Barker Hypothesis) that mitochondrial dysfunction and subsequent oxidative stress mechanisms as a possible link between a hostile gestational environment and adult disease. Therefore, in this study, we exposed pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats to nanosized titanium dioxide aerosols after implantation (gestational day 6). Pups were delivered, and the progeny grew into adulthood. Microvascular reactivity, mitochondrial respiration and hydrogen peroxide production of the coronary and uterine circulations of the female offspring were evaluated. While there were no significant differences within the maternal or litter characteristics, endothelium-dependent dilation and active mechanotransduction in both coronary and uterine arterioles were significantly impaired. In addition, there was a significant reduction in maximal mitochondrial respiration (state 3) in the left ventricle and uterus. These studies demonstrate microvascular dysfunction and coincide with mitochondrial inefficiencies in both the cardiac and uterine tissues, which may represent initial evidence that prenatal ENM exposure produces microvascular impairments that persist throughout multiple developmental stages.

CXCR3 Polymorphism and Expression Associate with Spontaneous Preterm Birth

Spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB) is a major factor associating with deaths and with lowered quality of life in humans. Environmental and genetic factors influence the susceptibility. Previously, by analyzing families with recurrent SPTB in linkage analysis, we identified a linkage peak close to the gene encoding CXCR3. Present objectives were to investigate the association of CXCR3 with SPTB in Finnish mothers (n = 443) and infants (n = 747), to analyze CXCR3 expression levels in human placenta and levels of its ligands in umbilical cord blood, and to verify the influence of Cxcr3 on SPTB-associating cytokines in mice. We detected an association between an intronic CXCR3 polymorphism, rs2280964, and SPTB in infants from families with recurrent preterm births (p = 0.009 versus term controls, odds ratio 0.52, 95% confidence interval 0.32-0.86). The minor allele was protective and undertransmitted to SPTB infants (p = 0.007). In the placenta and fetal membranes, the rs2280964 major allele homozygotes had higher expression levels than minor allele homozygotes; decidual trophoblasts showed strong CXCR3 immunoreactivity. Expression was higher in SPTB placentas compared with those from elective deliveries. Concentration of a CXCR3 ligand, CXCL9, was increased in cord blood from SPTB, and the protective rs2280964 allele was associated with low CXCL9. In CXCR3-deficient mice (Mus musculus), SPTB-associating cytokines were not acutely increased in amniotic fluid after preterm birth-inducing dose of maternal LPS. Our results indicate that CXCR3 contributes to SPTB. Activation of CXCR3 signaling may disturb the maternal-fetal tolerance, and this may promote labor.

Involvement of Visceral Adipose Tissue in Immunological Modulation of Inflammatory Cascade in Preeclampsia

Objectives. The pathophysiology of preeclampsia is characterized by abnormal placentation, an exaggerated inflammatory response, and generalized dysfunction of the maternal endothelium. We investigated the effects of preeclampsia serum on the expression of inflammation-related genes by adipose tissue. Materials and Methods. Visceral adipose tissue was obtained from the omentum of patients with early ovarian cancer without metastasis. Adipose tissue was incubated with sera obtained from either five women affected with severe preeclampsia or five women from control pregnant women at 37°C in a humidified incubator at 5% CO₂ for 24 hours. 370 genes in total mRNA were analyzed with quantitative RT-PCR (Inflammatory Response & Autoimmunity gene set). Results. Gene expression analysis revealed changes in the expression levels of 30 genes in adipose tissue treated with preeclampsia sera. Some genes are related to immune response, oxidative stress, insulin resistance, and adipogenesis, which plays a central role in excessive systemic inflammatory response of preeclampsia. In contrast, other genes have shown beneficial effects in the regulation of Th2 predominance, antioxidative stress, and insulin sensitivity. Conclusion. In conclusion, visceral adipose tissue offers protection against inflammation, oxidative insults, and other forms of cellular stress that are central to the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.

Inconformity of CXCL3 plasma level and placenta expression in preeclampsia and its effect on trophoblast viability and invasion

As a member of the chemokine family, CXCL3 was previously known to participate in many pathophysiological events. However, whether CXCL3 stimulates trophoblast invasion as a key process of preeclampsia pathogenesis remains largely unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate this hypothesis and determine the effect of CXCL3 on the first trimester trophoblast. Seventy gravidas were included in this study. ELISA was used to detect CXCL3 plasma levels on preeclampsia and normal pregnant groups. CXCL3 protein and mRNA levels were detected via Western blot and real-time quantitative PCR analysis after immunolocalized in human placenta. Moreover, the CXCL3 function in HTR-8/Svneo was analyzed via WST-1 assay, flow cytometry and invasion test. The plasma CXCL3 level in preeclampsia was significantly higher than that in normal pregnancy. CXCL3 expression was observed in the cytoplasm of placental trophoblasts and vascular endothelium in all groups without significant difference between maternal and fetal sides. In addition, placenta CXCL3 expression in severe preeclampsia was significantly lower than those in normal and mild PE groups. Moreover, exogenous CXCL3 can promote the proliferation and invasion of HTR-8/Svneo; however, its effect on apoptosis remains unclear. In summary, a significant abnormality of plasma CXCL3 level and placental CXCL3 expression was discovered in severe preeclampsia; CXCL3 had a function in trophoblast invasion, which indicated its participation in shallow implantation. Therefore CXCL3 might be involved in severe preeclampsia pathogenesis.

Maternal plasma and amniotic fluid chemokines screening in fetal Down syndrome

Objective. Chemokines exert different inflammatory responses which can potentially be related to certain fetal chromosomal abnormalities. The aim of the study was to determine the concentration of selected chemokines in plasma and amniotic fluid of women with fetal Down syndrome. Method. Out of 171 amniocentesis, we had 7 patients with confirmed fetal Down syndrome (15th–18th weeks of gestation). For the purpose of our control, we chose 14 women without confirmed chromosomal aberration. To assess the concentration of chemokines in the blood plasma and amniotic fluid, we used a protein macroarray, which allows the simultaneous determination of 40 chemokines per sample. Results. We showed significant decrease in the concentration of 4 chemokines, HCC-4, IL-28A, IL-31, and MCP-2, and increase in the concentration of CXCL7 (NAP-2) in plasma of women with fetal Down syndrome. Furthermore, we showed decrease in concentration of 3 chemokines, ITAC, MCP-3, MIF, and increase in concentration of 4 chemokines, IP-10, MPIF-1, CXCL7, and 6Ckine, in amniotic fluid of women with fetal Down syndrome. Conclusion. On the basis of our findings, our hypothesis is that the chemokines may play role in the pathogenesis of Down syndrome. Defining their potential as biochemical markers of Down syndrome requires further investigation on larger group of patients.

Oxytocin, its antagonist Atosiban, and preterm labor: a role for placental nitric oxide

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to understand the role played by Atosiban, an oxytocin receptor antagonist, on trophoblastic human cells, and the molecular bases of its efficacy and safety in the treatment of preterm labor. NO, peroxinitrite production and NOS expression have been evaluated on placenta obtained from term and preterm labors.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We studied trophoblast cells isolated from selected placental tissue from 20 controls and 20 preterm patients after cesarean sections. Each sample was studied at basal state and after 2 hours incubation with oxytocin and Atosiban.

RESULTS

Significant variations of NO levels, peroxynitrite production and iNOS and eNOS expression both in the preterm, term samples and in each of the considered groups were observed. In the control group Atosiban re-established NO levels that were reduced after incubation with oxytocin, while in preterm samples NO levels were not only re-established but, after incubation with Atosiban, significantly increased compared to basal levels.

CONCLUSIONS

This confirms the beneficial role of Atosiban in prolonging the pregnancy of spontaneous labor at very early gestational periods. In conclusion, Atosiban might be an effective drug to prevent preterm labor, in the therapeutic approach to this pathology.

Chemokines profiling of patients with preterm birth

Introduction. Nowadays it is thought that the main cause of premature birth is subclinical infection. However, none of the currently used methods provide effective prevention to preterm labor. The aim of the study was to determine the concentration of selected chemokines in sera of patients with premature birth without clinical signs of infection (n = 62), threatened preterm labor (n = 47), and term births (n = 28). Method. To assess the concentration of chemokines in the blood serum, we used a multiplex method, which allows the simultaneous determination of 40 chemokines per sample. The sets consist of the following chemokines: 6Ckine/CCL21, Axl, BTC, CCL28, CTACK/CCL27, CXCL16, ENA-78/CXCL5, Eotaxin-3/CCL26, GCP-2/CXC, GRO (GROα/CXCL1, GROβ/CXCL2 and GROγ/CXCL3), HCC-1/CCL14, HCC-4/CCL16, IL-9, IL-17F, IL18-BPa, IL-28A, IL-29, IL-31, IP-10/CXCL10, I-TAC/CXCL11, LIF, LIGHT/TNFSF14, Lymphotactin/XCL1, MCP-2/CCL8, MCP-3/CCL7, MCP-4/CCL13, MDC/CCL22, MIF, MIP-3α/CCL20, MIP-3-β/CCL19, MPIF-1/CCL23, NAP-2/CXCL7, MSPα, OPN, PARC/CCL18, PF4, SDF-1/CXCL12, TARC/CCL17, TECK/CCL25, and TSLP. Results. We showed possible implication of 4 chemokines, that is, HCC-4, I-TAC, MIP-3α, and TARC in women with symptoms of preterm delivery. Conclusion. On the basis of our findings, it seems that the chemokines may play role in the pathogenesis of preterm labor. Defining their potential as biochemical markers of preterm birth requires further investigation on larger group of patients.