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Daskalakis G, Psarris A, Koutras A, Fasoulakis Z, Prokopakis I, Varthaliti A, Karasmani C, Ntounis T, Domali E, Theodora M, Antsaklis P, Pappa KI, Papapanagiotou A. Maternal Infection and Preterm Birth: From Molecular Basis to Clinical Implications. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:children10050907. [PMID: 37238455 DOI: 10.3390/children10050907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
As the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality, preterm birth is recognized as a major public health concern around the world. The purpose of this review is to analyze the connection between infections and premature birth. Spontaneous preterm birth is commonly associated with intrauterine infection/inflammation. The overproduction of prostaglandins caused by the inflammation associated with an infection could lead to uterine contractions, contributing to preterm delivery. Many pathogens, particularly Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis, Gardnerella vaginalis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Mycoplasma hominis, Actinomyces, Candida spp., and Streptococcus spp. have been related with premature delivery, chorioamnionitis, and sepsis of the neonate. Further research regarding the prevention of preterm delivery is required in order to develop effective preventive methods with the aim of reducing neonatal morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Daskalakis
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 'Alexandra' Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 157 72 Athens, Greece
| | - Alexandros Psarris
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 'Alexandra' Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 157 72 Athens, Greece
| | - Antonios Koutras
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 'Alexandra' Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 157 72 Athens, Greece
| | - Zacharias Fasoulakis
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 'Alexandra' Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 157 72 Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Prokopakis
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 'Alexandra' Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 157 72 Athens, Greece
| | - Antonia Varthaliti
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 'Alexandra' Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 157 72 Athens, Greece
| | - Christina Karasmani
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 'Alexandra' Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 157 72 Athens, Greece
| | - Thomas Ntounis
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 'Alexandra' Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 157 72 Athens, Greece
| | - Ekaterini Domali
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 'Alexandra' Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 157 72 Athens, Greece
| | - Marianna Theodora
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 'Alexandra' Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 157 72 Athens, Greece
| | - Panos Antsaklis
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 'Alexandra' Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 157 72 Athens, Greece
| | - Kalliopi I Pappa
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 'Alexandra' Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 157 72 Athens, Greece
| | - Angeliki Papapanagiotou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 157 72 Athens, Greece
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Buxton MA, Meraz-Cruz N, Sánchez BN, Foxman B, Gronlund CJ, Beltran-Montoya J, Castillo-Castrejon M, O’Neill MS, Vadillo-Ortega F. Repeated Measures of Cervicovaginal Cytokines during Healthy Pregnancy: Understanding "Normal" Inflammation to Inform Future Screening. Am J Perinatol 2020; 37:613-620. [PMID: 30978743 PMCID: PMC7003200 DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1685491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to describe characteristics of cervicovaginal cytokines obtained during pregnancy from women who subsequently delivered at term. STUDY DESIGN We used repeated measures of 20 cervicovaginal cytokines, collected on average on a monthly basis, from the second to the ninth month of gestation among 181 term pregnancies in the Mexico City Pregnancy Research on Inflammation, Nutrition, & City Environment: Systematic Analyses cohort (2009-2014). Cytokines were quantified using multiplex assay. RESULTS Cytokine distributions differed more between than within cytokines. Across trimesters, cytokines interleukin (IL)-1Ra, IL-1α, and IL-8 consistently had high concentrations compared with other measured cytokines. Cytokine intraclass correlation coefficients ranged from 0.41 to 0.82. Spearman's correlation coefficients among cytokine pairs varied but correlation directions were stable; 95.3% of the 190 correlation pairs remained either negative or positive across trimesters. Mean longitudinal patterns of log-transformed cytokines from Tobit regression varied across but less within cytokines. CONCLUSION Although mean concentrations of cervicovaginal cytokines among term pregnancies were high, they were largely stable over time. The high cytokine concentrations corroborate that pregnancy is associated with an active inflammatory state. These characterizations may serve as a baseline for comparison to other obstetric outcomes, which may be helpful in understanding deviations from normal gestational inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miatta A. Buxton
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Noemi Meraz-Cruz
- Unidad de Vinculación Científica de la Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México en el Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Brisa N. Sánchez
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Betsy Foxman
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Carina J. Gronlund
- Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Jorge Beltran-Montoya
- Sub-comité Académico de Ginecología y Obstetricia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Marisol Castillo-Castrejon
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Marie S. O’Neill
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan,Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Felipe Vadillo-Ortega
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan,Unidad de Vinculación Científica de la Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México en el Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Mexico City, Mexico
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Buxton MA, Meraz-Cruz N, Sanchez BN, Gronlund CJ, Foxman B, Vadillo-Ortega F, O'Neill MS. Air pollution and inflammation: Findings from concurrent repeated measures of systemic and reproductive tract cytokines during term pregnancy in Mexico City. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 681:235-241. [PMID: 31103661 PMCID: PMC6582973 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.05.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Revised: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2019] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Environmental exposures are associated with a number of outcomes including adverse pregnancy outcomes. Although inflammation is hypothesized to play a role, the mechanistic pathways between environmental exposures and adverse health outcomes, including associations between exposures and longitudinal measures of systemic and reproductive tract inflammation, need elucidation. OBJECTIVES This study was conducted to evaluate whether exposure to air pollution is associated with immunologic responses in the systemic circulation and lower reproductive tract, and to evaluate whether systemic and reproductive tract immunologic responses are similar. METHODS We quantified repeated measures of cytokines from cervico-vaginal exudates and serum obtained concurrently among 104 women with term pregnancies and estimated PM10 and CO exposure using the monitor nearest each participant's residence. Serum and cervico-vaginal cytokines were compared using Wilcoxon signed-ranks test and Spearman rank correlations for select gestational months. We used intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) to quantify reproducibility of cytokine measurements, and Tobit regression to estimate associations between air pollution and cytokines. RESULTS Median cervico-vaginal levels of IL-6, Eotaxin, IP-10, MCP-1, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, and TNFα were higher than corresponding serum cytokines, significantly so for IL-6 and IP-10. Cervico-vaginal and serum cytokines were not correlated, but cytokines from the same fluid were correlated. ICCs for most serum cytokines were ≤0.40, while ICCs were higher in cervico-vaginal cytokines (range 0.52-0.83). IP-10 and Eotaxin had the highest ICCs for both cytokine sources. In adjusted models, PM10 was positively associated with serum cytokines IL-6, IP-10, MIP-1β and Eotaxin but inversely associated with cervico-vaginal cytokine TNFα, IP-10, MIP-1β, MCP-1 and Eotaxin, controlling for false discovery rate. CO was inversely associated with cervico-vaginal TNFα, IL-6, MIP-1β, MCP-1 and Eotaxin. CONCLUSIONS Inflammatory processes are compartment-specific. Systemic inflammatory markers may provide information on immunologic processes and response to environmental exposures, but are not proxies for lower reproductive tract inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miatta A Buxton
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America.
| | - Noemi Meraz-Cruz
- Unidad de Vinculación Científica de la Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México en el Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Brisa N Sanchez
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Carina J Gronlund
- Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Betsy Foxman
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Felipe Vadillo-Ortega
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America; Unidad de Vinculación Científica de la Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México en el Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Marie S O'Neill
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America; Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
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Optimising the collection of female genital tract fluid for cytokine analysis in pregnant women. J Immunol Methods 2018; 458:15-20. [PMID: 29625077 PMCID: PMC5981004 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2018.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Revised: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Introduction To better understand the immunology of pregnancy, study of female genital tract fluid (FGF) is desirable. However the optimum method of collection of FGF in pregnant women for immunological methods, specifically cytokine measurement, is unknown. Methods A prospective study of HIV-uninfected pregnant women comparing two methods of FGF collection: polyvinyl acetal sponge collection of cervical fluid (CF) and menstrual cup collection of cervicovaginal fluid (CVF). Samples were collected at 3 time points across the second and third trimesters: 14–21, 22–25 and 26–31 weeks. Multiplex chemi-luminescent assays were used to measure: IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13 and TNF-α. Optimal methodology for cytokine normalisation (sample weight, volume and total protein) was explored. Results All cytokines were measurable in both fluid types. IL-1β, IL-8 and IL-6 were detected at the highest concentrations (ranking order CF > CVF > plasma). CVF collection was simpler, provided the largest volume of sample (median 0.5 g) with the potential for undiluted usage, and allowed for self-insertion. CF cytokine concentrations were intrinsically associated with sample weight and protein concentration however CVF cytokines were independent of these. Conclusion Both methods of collection are robust for measurement of FGF cytokines during pregnancy. We recommend CVF collection using a menstrual cup as a viable option in pregnant women for high dimensional biological techniques. PVA sponges and MCs are robust methods for measuring FGF cytokines in pregnancy. MCs enable collection of large undiluted CVF volumes for high dimensional assays. CVF (not CF) cytokine concentrations are largely independent of sample weight or protein. Self-insertion and short collection time of MCs is an attractive option to women. Cytokine concentrations are higher in sponge samples reflecting the CF immune site.
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Noda-Nicolau NM, Polettini J, da Silva MG, Peltier MR, Menon R. Polybacterial stimulation suggests discrete IL-6/IL-6R signaling in human fetal membranes: Potential implications on IL-6 bioactivity. J Reprod Immunol 2018. [PMID: 29524791 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2018.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The polybacterial invasion of the amniotic cavity and risk of preterm birth is often due to cervicovaginal bacteria such as genital mycoplasmas (Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum) and Gardnerella vaginalis. The most studied biomarker associated with preterm birth is interleukin-6 (IL-6), a pleiotropic cytokine that performs different functions based on classical or trans-signaling mechanisms. This study evaluated the changes in IL-6 and IL-6 function associated accessory molecules by human fetal membranes to determine the functional availability of IL-6 assessment in an in vitro model of polybacterial infection. Fetal membranes were treated with LPS or heat-inactivated genital mycoplasmas and G. vaginalis alone or in combination. IL-6 and its soluble receptors (sgp130, sIL-6R) were assessed in conditioned medium by immunoassays and membrane-bound receptors were evaluated in the tissue using immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR. Data from protein and gene expression were evaluated using linear mixed effects models. Data from immunohistochemistry were evaluated using one-way analysis of variance followed by the Tukey test. Genital mycoplasmas alone, or in combination, inhibited IL-6 trans-signaling with increased sgp130 production. G. vaginalis activated the classical IL-6 signaling pathway, as did LPS. Polybacterial treatment resulted in a balanced response with neither pathway being favored. The increase in IL-6 production by fetal membranes in response to infection is likely a non-specific innate response and not an indicator of a functional mediator of any labor-inducing pathways. This suggests that correlating the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes and designing interventions based on IL-6 levels without considering soluble receptors may be an ineffective strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalia Mayumi Noda-Nicolau
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Perinatal Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States; Department of Pathology, Botucatu Medical School, UNESP - Univ. Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jossimara Polettini
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Perinatal Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States; Department of Pathology, Botucatu Medical School, UNESP - Univ. Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil; Master's Course in Health Sciences, University of Western São Paulo, UNOESTE, Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Márcia Guimarães da Silva
- Department of Pathology, Botucatu Medical School, UNESP - Univ. Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Morgan R Peltier
- Department of Biomedical Research, NYU-Winthrop University Hospital, Mineola, NY, United States; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NYU-Winthrop University Hospital, Mineola, NY, United States
| | - Ramkumar Menon
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Perinatal Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States.
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Alcendor DJ. Evaluation of Health Disparity in Bacterial Vaginosis and the Implications for HIV-1 Acquisition in African American Women. Am J Reprod Immunol 2016; 76:99-107. [PMID: 26847837 PMCID: PMC4942368 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a health disparity for both bacterial vaginosis (BV) and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection in African American women that may be linked. The evidence that BV predisposes women to higher risk for HIV infection is well documented. The underlying mechanisms to support the epidemiological connections will require further investigations. This review explores the risk factors for BV disease with implications for HIV-1 acquisition in the context of race as a potential driver of the 20-fold increase in HIV-1 acquisition for African American women compared to white women. Specifically, it explores (i) disparities for BV in African American women, (ii) racial disparity for HIV-1 acquisition in African American women, (iii) common factors associated with BV and HIV acquisition in African American women, and (iv) potential mechanisms of the enhancement of HIV-1 transmission by BV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald J Alcendor
- Center for AIDS Health Disparities Research, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Meharry Medical College, School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
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Redelinghuys MJ, Ehlers MM, Dreyer AW, Kock MM. Normal flora and bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy: an overview. Crit Rev Microbiol 2015; 42:352-63. [DOI: 10.3109/1040841x.2014.954522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Martin DH, Ferris MJ. Endogenous Microbiota of the Genitourinary Tract. Mucosal Immunol 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-415847-4.00007-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Chandiramani M, Seed PT, Orsi NM, Ekbote UV, Bennett PR, Shennan AH, Tribe RM. Limited relationship between cervico-vaginal fluid cytokine profiles and cervical shortening in women at high risk of spontaneous preterm birth. PLoS One 2012; 7:e52412. [PMID: 23300664 PMCID: PMC3530581 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0052412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2012] [Accepted: 11/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To determine the relationship between high vaginal pro-inflammatory cytokines and cervical shortening in women at high risk of spontaneous preterm labor and to assess the influence of cervical cerclage and vaginal progesterone on this relationship. Methods This prospective longitudinal observational study assessed 112 women with at least one previous preterm delivery between 16 and 34 weeks’ gestation. Transvaginal cervical length was measured and cervico-vaginal fluid sampled every two weeks until 28 weeks. If the cervix shortened (<25 mm) before 24 weeks’ gestation, women (cases) were randomly assigned to cerclage or progesterone and sampled weekly. Cytokine concentrations were measured in a subset of cervico-vaginal fluid samples (n = 477 from 78 women) by 11-plex fluid-phase immunoassay. Results All 11 inflammatory cytokines investigated were detected in cervico-vaginal fluid from women at high risk of preterm birth, irrespective of later cervical shortening. At less than 24 weeks’ gestation and prior to intervention, women destined to develop a short cervix (n = 36) exhibited higher cervico-vaginal concentrations than controls (n = 42) of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor [(GM-CSF) 16.2 fold increase, confidence interval (CI) 1.8–147; p = 0.01] and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 [(MCP-1) 4.8, CI 1.0–23.0; p = 0.05]. Other cytokines were similar between cases and controls. Progesterone treatment did not suppress cytokine concentrations. Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), interferon (IFN)-γ and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α concentrations were higher following randomization to cerclage versus progesterone (p<0.05). Cerclage, but not progesterone treatment, was followed by a significant increase in cervical length [mean 11.4 mm, CI 5.0–17.7; p<0.001]. Conclusions Although GM-CSF and MCP-1 cervico-vaginal fluid concentrations were raised, the majority of cervico-vaginal cytokines did not increase in association with cervical shortening. Progesterone treatment showed no significant anti-inflammation action on cytokine concentrations. Cerclage insertion was associated with an increase in the majority of inflammatory markers and cervical length.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manju Chandiramani
- Division of Women's Health, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
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Menon R, Torloni MR, Voltolini C, Torricelli M, Merialdi M, Betrán AP, Widmer M, Allen T, Davydova I, Khodjaeva Z, Thorsen P, Kacerovsky M, Tambor V, Massinen T, Nace J, Arora C. Biomarkers of spontaneous preterm birth: an overview of the literature in the last four decades. Reprod Sci 2012; 18:1046-70. [PMID: 22031189 DOI: 10.1177/1933719111415548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding spontaneous preterm birth ([PTB] < 37 weeks) is difficult due to heterogeneities associated with multitudes of risk factors and pathophysiological pathways. Several biomarkers are routinely used clinically for predicting preterm labor; however, these factors are either nonspecific or detected too late. OBJECTIVE Systematic review of literature on PTB biomarkers in the last 40 years to map out the existing knowledge and gaps in understanding PTB biomarkers. SEARCH STRATEGIES Five electronic databases were searched for human studies on PTB biomarkers published in any language between 1965 and 2008. SELECTION CRITERIA The phenotype of interest for final data extraction was exclusively spontaneous PTB with no rupture of membranes. Data extraction included (a) general characteristics of the study (clinical setting, period, and study design), (b) study/participant characteristics (inclusion and exclusion criteria, race/ethnicity, number of participants, gestational age at sampling, (c) characteristics of the biomarker (type, rationale for its selection, type of biological sample, and assay used, and (d) concentration of biomarkers in cases and controls. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS The search yielded 7255 citations and data were extracted from 217 articles which met our inclusion and exclusion criteria. MAIN RESULTS A total of 116 different biomarkers were reported and these were assayed 578 times in the 217 included studies. Over two thirds of the 217 studies were performed on North American or European populations. No reliable biomarkers emerged as a risk predictor of PTB. CONCLUSIONS Identifying similar studies on biomarkers for the prediction of PTB was a very challenging task due heterogeneities in study design, sampling issues (types, timing and processing), assay methods, and analyses. Major areas of concern identified in this review include poor phenotype definition, nonideal study designs and poor rationale for biomarker selection and assays and population stratification issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramkumar Menon
- Department of OB & GYN, Division of Maternal- Fetal Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, TX, USA.
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Marks MA, Viscidi RP, Chang K, Silver M, Burke A, Howard R, Gravitt PE. Differences in the concentration and correlation of cervical immune markers among HPV positive and negative perimenopausal women. Cytokine 2011; 56:798-803. [PMID: 22015106 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2011.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2011] [Revised: 09/01/2011] [Accepted: 09/19/2011] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Women≥45years of age with persistent HPV infections have distinct peripheral circulating immune profiles. Few studies have comprehensively evaluated the cervical immunologic microenvironment in HPV-positive and HPV-negative perimenopausal women. METHODS We collected cervical secretion specimens from 34 high risk HPV (HR-HPV) positive and 44 HR-HPV negative women enrolled in an ongoing prospective cohort assessing the natural history of HPV across the menopausal transition. We used these specimens to quantify concentrations of 27 different immune markers using multiplexed bead-based immunoassays. RESULTS HR-HPV positive women had significantly higher median concentrations of IL-5 (0.11 ng/mgtotal protein vs. 0.08 ng/mgtotal protein), IL-9 (2.7 ng/mgtotal protein vs. 2.1 ng/mgtotal protein), IL-13 (2.1 ng/mgtotal protein vs. 0.9 ng/mgtotal protein), IL-17 (2.9 ng/mgtotal protein vs. 1.1 ng/mgtotal protein), EOTAXIN (4.1 ng/mgtotal protein vs. 1.1 ng/mgtotal protein), GM-CSF (4.3 ng/mgtotal protein vs. 3.3 ng/mgtotal protein), and MIP-1α (3.5 ng/mgtotal protein vs. 1.9 ng/mgtotal protein) compared to HR-HPV negative women. A shift in the correlation of T-cell and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-5, IL-9, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, IL-15, and TNF-α) from IL-2 to EOTAXIN was observed between HR-HPV negative and positive women. CONCLUSIONS Higher local concentrations of anti-inflammatory and allergy associated markers, with a shift in T-cell associated cytokine correlation from IL-2 to EOTAXIN, are associated with HPV infection among older women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan A Marks
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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Abstract
Although it has been clear for more than 2 decades that bacterial vaginosis increases the risk for preterm birth in some women, it is not yet fully understood why this association exists or how best to modify the risk. Incomplete understanding of this polymicrobial condition and difficulties in classification contribute to the challenge. The relationship between altered vaginal microflora and preterm birth is likely mediated by host immune responses. Because treatment of bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy does not improve preterm birth rates, and may in fact increase them, screening and treatment of asymptomatic pregnant women is discouraged. Symptomatic women should be treated for symptom relief. This article reviews the pathophysiology of bacterial vaginosis and controversy surrounding management during pregnancy. Agents currently recommended for treatment of this condition are reviewed.
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French AL, Adeyemi OM, Agniel DM, Evans CT, Yin MT, Anastos K, Cohen MH. The association of HIV status with bacterial vaginosis and vitamin D in the United States. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2011; 20:1497-503. [PMID: 21875343 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2010.2685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate the association between vitamin D deficiency and bacterial vaginosis (BV) among nonpregnant HIV-infected and uninfected women. METHODS In a substudy of the Women's Interagency HIV Study, including women from Chicago and New York, the association between BV and vitamin D deficiency, demographics, and disease characteristics was tested using generalized estimating equations. Deficiency was defined as <20 ng/mL 25 (OH) vitamin D and insufficiency as >20 and ≤30 ng/mL. BV was defined by the Amsel criteria. RESULTS Among 602 observations of nonpregnant women (480 HIV infected and 122 uninfected), BV was found in 19%. Vitamin D deficiency was found in 59.4%, and insufficiency was found in 24.4%. In multivariable analysis, black race was the most significant predictor of BV (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 5.90, (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.52-13.8). Vitamin D deficiency was independently associated with BV among HIV-infected women (AOR 3.12, 95% CI 1.16-8.38) but not among HIV-uninfected women. There was a negative linear correlation between vitamin D concentration and prevalence of BV in HIV-infected women (r=-0.15, p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS Vitamin D deficiency was very common in this cohort and significantly associated with BV among HIV-infected women. These preliminary findings suggest that further epidemiologic and mechanistic exploration of the relationship between vitamin D and BV in HIV-infected women is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey L French
- Stroger Hospital of Cook County/The CORE Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
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Baseline variation and associations between subject characteristics and five cytokine biomarkers of vaginal safety among healthy non-pregnant women in microbicide trials. Cytokine 2011; 55:134-40. [PMID: 21530305 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2011.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2011] [Revised: 02/28/2011] [Accepted: 03/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Interleukins (IL)-8, IL-1α, IL-1β, and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) have emerged as indicators of vaginal inflammation and HIV-1 transmission risk. We provide values and factors of normal variation of these immune mediators in premenopausal women to allow their wider clinical application as biomarkers of vaginal health. Cross-sectional analyzes (Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon exact tests) of cytokine concentrations in relation to sociodemographic variables and Nugent score were performed on baseline (prior to product) cervicovaginal lavage from two Phase I randomized microbicide trials. All women in the analysis had regular menstrual cycles, 72 h abstinence, normal blood and Pap tests, and absence of genitourinary infections, study-relevant allergies, antibiotics use and history of substance abuse. Cytokine norms were defined as the values among those with Nugent score <4. Among women with normal Nugent score (n=92), IL-8 and IL-1β were lowest in those using abstinence as compared to hormonal contraceptives or male/female sterilization as their primary method for birth control. No difference was found by age, prior pregnancy, or education, and also by race after controlling for contraceptive method. Women with abnormal (>7) and borderline (4-6) Nugent scores had elevated IL-1α and/or IL-1β although their IL-1RA-to-IL(α+β) ratio remained within the normal range due to higher IL-1RA. Women with borderline Nugent scores had IL-8 levels above the normal range. IL-8 and the IL-1RA-to-IL-1 ratio can be used as independent biomarkers of vaginal immune balance. More studies must determine the role of sexual activity, contraceptive method, and borderline Nugent scores, which normally are not exclusion criteria for enrollment in microbicide trials but may affect product tolerability and HIV-1 risk due to the aberrant cytokine levels.
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Jespers V, Francis SC, van de Wijgert J, Crucitti T. Methodological issues in sampling the local immune system of the female genital tract in the context of HIV prevention trials. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010; 65:368-76. [PMID: 21199064 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2010.00938.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The spread of HIV continues unabated in the most vulnerable populations of the world. HIV prevention methods, such as a vaginal microbicide, a mucosal vaccine, pre-exposure prophylaxis or a vaccine, are urgently needed in the fight against new infections. We must make a commitment to supporting innovative research and product design, so that one or more of these products provide a halt to the spread of HIV. Above all, these products should be proven to be safe and not negatively disturb the local immune system in a way that facilitates or enhances heterosexual transmission of HIV. HIV specific and non specific cellular and humoral local vaginal immunity must be assessed in clinical trials when testing prevention products for safety or efficacy. A proven, well-documented and standardized sampling strategy will provide high quality data to be able to assess both safety and local immune responses. In this paper, we will discuss methods for vaginal immunology sampling in the context of clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicky Jespers
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat 155, Antwerp, Belgium.
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Efficacy and tolerability of a local acting antiseptic agent in the treatment of vaginal dysbiosis during pregnancy. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2010; 283:585-90. [DOI: 10.1007/s00404-010-1414-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2009] [Accepted: 02/16/2010] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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