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Jung E, Romero R, Suksai M, Gotsch F, Chaemsaithong P, Erez O, Conde-Agudelo A, Gomez-Lopez N, Berry SM, Meyyazhagan A, Yoon BH. Clinical chorioamnionitis at term: definition, pathogenesis, microbiology, diagnosis, and treatment. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2024; 230:S807-S840. [PMID: 38233317 PMCID: PMC11288098 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Clinical chorioamnionitis, the most common infection-related diagnosis in labor and delivery units, is an antecedent of puerperal infection and neonatal sepsis. The condition is suspected when intrapartum fever is associated with two other maternal and fetal signs of local or systemic inflammation (eg, maternal tachycardia, uterine tenderness, maternal leukocytosis, malodorous vaginal discharge or amniotic fluid, and fetal tachycardia). Clinical chorioamnionitis is a syndrome caused by intraamniotic infection, sterile intraamniotic inflammation (inflammation without bacteria), or systemic maternal inflammation induced by epidural analgesia. In cases of uncertainty, a definitive diagnosis can be made by analyzing amniotic fluid with methods to detect bacteria (Gram stain, culture, or microbial nucleic acid) and inflammation (white blood cell count, glucose concentration, interleukin-6, interleukin-8, matrix metalloproteinase-8). The most common microorganisms are Ureaplasma species, and polymicrobial infections occur in 70% of cases. The fetal attack rate is low, and the rate of positive neonatal blood cultures ranges between 0.2% and 4%. Intrapartum antibiotic administration is the standard treatment to reduce neonatal sepsis. Treatment with ampicillin and gentamicin have been recommended by professional societies, although other antibiotic regimens, eg, cephalosporins, have been used. Given the importance of Ureaplasma species as a cause of intraamniotic infection, consideration needs to be given to the administration of antimicrobial agents effective against these microorganisms such as azithromycin or clarithromycin. We have used the combination of ceftriaxone, clarithromycin, and metronidazole, which has been shown to eradicate intraamniotic infection with microbiologic studies. Routine testing of neonates born to affected mothers for genital mycoplasmas could improve the detection of neonatal sepsis. Clinical chorioamnionitis is associated with decreased uterine activity, failure to progress in labor, and postpartum hemorrhage; however, clinical chorioamnionitis by itself is not an indication for cesarean delivery. Oxytocin is often administered for labor augmentation, and it is prudent to have uterotonic agents at hand to manage postpartum hemorrhage. Infants born to mothers with clinical chorioamnionitis near term are at risk for early-onset neonatal sepsis and for long-term disability such as cerebral palsy. A frontier is the noninvasive assessment of amniotic fluid to diagnose intraamniotic inflammation with a transcervical amniotic fluid collector and a rapid bedside test for IL-8 for patients with ruptured membranes. This approach promises to improve diagnostic accuracy and to provide a basis for antimicrobial administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunjung Jung
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Roberto Romero
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI.
| | - Manaphat Suksai
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Francesca Gotsch
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
| | - Piya Chaemsaithong
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mahidol University, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Offer Erez
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Agustin Conde-Agudelo
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
| | - Nardhy Gomez-Lopez
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI; Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
| | - Stanley M Berry
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
| | - Arun Meyyazhagan
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI; Centre of Perinatal and Reproductive Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Bo Hyun Yoon
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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2
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Galaz J, Romero R, Greenberg JM, Theis KR, Arenas-Hernandez M, Xu Y, Farias-Jofre M, Miller D, Kanninen T, Garcia-Flores V, Gomez-Lopez N. Host-microbiome interactions in distinct subsets of preterm labor and birth. iScience 2023; 26:108341. [PMID: 38047079 PMCID: PMC10692673 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Preterm birth, the leading cause of perinatal morbidity, often follows premature labor, a syndrome whose prevention remains a challenge. To better understand the relationship between premature labor and host-microbiome interactions, we conducted a mechanistic investigation using three preterm birth models. We report that intra-amniotic delivery of LPS triggers inflammatory responses in the amniotic cavity and cervico-vaginal microenvironment, causing vaginal microbiome changes and signs of active labor. Intra-amniotic IL-1α delivery causes a moderate inflammatory response in the amniotic cavity but increasing inflammation in the cervico-vaginal space, leading to vaginal microbiome disruption and signs of active labor. Conversely, progesterone action blockade by RU-486 triggers local immune responses accompanying signs of active labor without altering the vaginal microbiome. Preterm labor facilitates ascension of cervico-vaginal bacteria into the amniotic cavity, regardless of stimulus. This study provides compelling mechanistic insights into the dynamic host-microbiome interactions within the cervico-vaginal microenvironment that accompany premature labor and birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Galaz
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile
| | - Roberto Romero
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Jonathan M. Greenberg
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Kevin R. Theis
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Marcia Arenas-Hernandez
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Yi Xu
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Marcelo Farias-Jofre
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile
| | - Derek Miller
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Tomi Kanninen
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Valeria Garcia-Flores
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Nardhy Gomez-Lopez
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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Ticconi C, Mardente S, Mari E, Barreca F, Montanaro M, Mauriello A, Rizzo G, Zicari A. High mobility group box 1 in women with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss. J Perinat Med 2023; 51:1139-1146. [PMID: 37246521 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2023-0109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate whether high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is involved in unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss (uRPL). METHODS Plasma levels of HMGB1 were measured by ELISA in non-pregnant women with (n=44) and without (n=53 controls) uRPL. Their platelets and plasma-derived microvesicles (MVs) were also assayed for HMGB1. Endometrial biopsies were taken in selected uRPL (n=5) and control women (n=5) and the tissue expression of HMGB1 was determined by western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC). RESULTS plasma levels of HMGB1 were significantly higher in women with uRPL than in control women. HMGB1 content in platelets and MVs obtained from women with uRPL was significantly higher than that obtained from control women. HMGB1 expression in endometrium was higher in tissues obtained from women with uRPL than in tissues obtained from control women. IHC analysis revealed that HMGB1 is expressed in endometrium with different patterns between uRPL and control women. CONCLUSIONS HMGB1 could be involved in uRPL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Ticconi
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Section of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Mardente
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Section of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuela Mari
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Barreca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Manuela Montanaro
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mauriello
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Rizzo
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Section of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Zicari
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
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4
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Peña-Garcia PE, Morales-Ortiz J, Marrero-Palanco J, Virgillio A, Finette BA, Washington AV, Bonney EA. Decreased level of TREM like Transcript 1 (TLT-1) is associated with prematurity and promotes the in-utero inflammatory response to maternal lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure. Am J Reprod Immunol 2023; 90:e13772. [PMID: 37766406 PMCID: PMC10575570 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM The occurrence of preterm birth is associated with multiple factors including bleeding, infection and inflammation. Platelets are mediators of hemostasis and can modulate inflammation through interactions with leukocytes. TREM like Transcript 1 (TLT-1) is a type 1 single Ig domain receptor on activated platelets. In adults, it plays a protective role by dampening the inflammatory response and facilitating platelet aggregation at sites of vascular injury. TLT-1 is expressed in human placenta and found in cord blood. We thus hypothesized that TLT-1 deficiency is associated with prematurity and fetal inflammation. METHOD OF STUDY To test this hypothesis, we examined cord blood levels of soluble TLT-1 (sTLT) in premature and term infants and compared the inflammatory response in C57BL/6 (WT) and TLT-1-/- (treml1-/- , KO) mice given intraperitoneal LPS mid-gestation RESULTS: The preterm infant cord blood level of sTLT was significantly lower than that found at term. On exposure to LPS, histology of KO (as compared to WT) placenta and decidua showed increased hemorrhage, and KO decidual RNA expression of IL-10 was significantly lower. KO fetal interface tissues (placenta, membranes, amniotic fluid) over time showed increased expression of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, IFN-γ, and TNF, but not MCP-1. However, fetal organs showed similar levels. CONCLUSION There is a potential association between insufficient TLT-1 expression and increased fetal inflammatory responses in the setting of prematurity. The data support further study of TLT-1 in the mechanistic link between bleeding, inflammation and preterm birth, and perhaps as a biomarker in human pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola E. Peña-Garcia
- University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras, San Juan, Puerto Rico
- University of Vermont, Larner College of Medicine Department of Obstetrics Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences
| | | | | | - Ariana Virgillio
- University of Vermont, Larner College of Medicine Department of Obstetrics Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences
| | - Barry A. Finette
- University of Vermont, Larner College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics and
| | | | - Elizabeth A. Bonney
- University of Vermont, Larner College of Medicine Department of Obstetrics Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences
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5
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Gong GS, Muyayalo KP, Zhang YJ, Lin XX, Liao AH. Flip a coin: cell senescence at the maternal-fetal interface†. Biol Reprod 2023; 109:244-255. [PMID: 37402700 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
During pregnancy, cell senescence at the maternal-fetal interface is required for maternal well-being, placental development, and fetal growth. However, recent reports have shown that aberrant cell senescence is associated with multiple pregnancy-associated abnormalities, such as preeclampsia, fetal growth restrictions, recurrent pregnancy loss, and preterm birth. Therefore, the role and impact of cell senescence during pregnancy requires further comprehension. In this review, we discuss the principal role of cell senescence at the maternal-fetal interface, emphasizing its "bright side" during decidualization, placentation, and parturition. In addition, we highlight the impact of its deregulation and how this "dark side" promotes pregnancy-associated abnormalities. Furthermore, we discuss novel and less invasive therapeutic practices associated with the modulation of cell senescence during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang-Shun Gong
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P.R. China
| | - Kahindo P Muyayalo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, D.R. Congo
| | - Yu-Jing Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P.R. China
| | - Xin-Xiu Lin
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P.R. China
| | - Ai-Hua Liao
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P.R. China
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6
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Siricilla S, Hansen CJ, Rogers JH, De D, Simpson CL, Waterson AG, Sulikowski GA, Crockett SL, Boatwright N, Reese J, Paria BC, Newton J, Herington JL. Arrest of mouse preterm labor until term delivery by combination therapy with atosiban and mundulone, a natural product with tocolytic efficacy. Pharmacol Res 2023; 195:106876. [PMID: 37536638 PMCID: PMC10712649 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
There is a lack of FDA-approved tocolytics for the management of preterm labor (PL). In prior drug discovery efforts, we identified mundulone and mundulone acetate (MA) as inhibitors of in vitro intracellular Ca2+-regulated myometrial contractility. In this study, we probed the tocolytic potential of these compounds using human myometrial samples and a mouse model of preterm birth. In a phenotypic assay, mundulone displayed greater efficacy, while MA showed greater potency and uterine-selectivity in the inhibition of intracellular-Ca2+ mobilization. Cell viability assays revealed that MA was significantly less cytotoxic. Organ bath and vessel myography studies showed that only mundulone exerted inhibition of myometrial contractions and that neither compounds affected vasoreactivity of ductus arteriosus. A high-throughput combination screen identified that mundulone exhibits synergism with two clinical-tocolytics (atosiban and nifedipine), and MA displayed synergistic efficacy with nifedipine. Of these combinations, mundulone+atosiban demonstrated a significant improvement in the in vitro therapeutic index compared to mundulone alone. The ex vivo and in vivo synergism of mundulone+atosiban was substantiated, yielding greater tocolytic efficacy and potency on myometrial tissue and reduced preterm birth rates in a mouse model of PL compared to each single agent. Treatment with mundulone after mifepristone administration dose-dependently delayed the timing of delivery. Importantly, mundulone+atosiban permitted long-term management of PL, allowing 71% dams to deliver viable pups at term (>day 19, 4-5 days post-mifepristone exposure) without visible maternal and fetal consequences. Collectively, these studies provide a strong foundation for the development of mundulone as a single or combination tocolytic for management of PL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shajila Siricilla
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Christopher J Hansen
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jackson H Rogers
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Debasmita De
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Carolyn L Simpson
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Alex G Waterson
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Gary A Sulikowski
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Stacey L Crockett
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Naoko Boatwright
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jeff Reese
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Bibhash C Paria
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - J Newton
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jennifer L Herington
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
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7
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Galaz J, Motomura K, Romero R, Liu Z, Garcia-Flores V, Tao L, Xu Y, Done B, Arenas-Hernandez M, Kanninen T, Farias-Jofre M, Miller D, Tarca AL, Gomez-Lopez N. A key role for NLRP3 signaling in preterm labor and birth driven by the alarmin S100B. Transl Res 2023; 259:46-61. [PMID: 37121539 PMCID: PMC10524625 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2023.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Preterm birth remains the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. A substantial number of spontaneous preterm births occur in the context of sterile intra-amniotic inflammation, a condition that has been mechanistically proven to be triggered by alarmins. However, sterile intra-amniotic inflammation still lacks treatment. The NLRP3 inflammasome has been implicated in sterile intra-amniotic inflammation; yet, its underlying mechanisms, as well as the maternal and fetal contributions to this signaling pathway, are unclear. Herein, by utilizing a translational and clinically relevant model of alarmin-induced preterm labor and birth in Nlrp3-/- mice, we investigated the role of NLRP3 signaling by using imaging and molecular biology approaches. Nlrp3 deficiency abrogated preterm birth and the resulting neonatal mortality induced by the alarmin S100B by impeding the premature activation of the common pathway of labor as well as by dampening intra-amniotic and fetal inflammation. Moreover, Nlrp3 deficiency altered leukocyte infiltration and functionality in the uterus and decidua. Last, embryo transfer revealed that maternal and fetal Nlrp3 signaling contribute to alarmin-induced preterm birth and neonatal mortality, further strengthening the concept that both individuals participate in the complex process of preterm parturition. These findings provide novel insights into sterile intra-amniotic inflammation, a common etiology of preterm labor and birth, suggesting that the adverse perinatal outcomes resulting from prematurity can be prevented by targeting NLRP3 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Galaz
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Detroit, Michigan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan; Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Kenichiro Motomura
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Detroit, Michigan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Roberto Romero
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Detroit, Michigan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Zhenjie Liu
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Detroit, Michigan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Valeria Garcia-Flores
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Detroit, Michigan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Li Tao
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Detroit, Michigan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Yi Xu
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Detroit, Michigan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Bogdan Done
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Detroit, Michigan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Marcia Arenas-Hernandez
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Detroit, Michigan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Tomi Kanninen
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Detroit, Michigan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Marcelo Farias-Jofre
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Detroit, Michigan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan; Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Derek Miller
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Detroit, Michigan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Adi L Tarca
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Detroit, Michigan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan; Department of Computer Science, Wayne State University College of Engineering, Detroit, Michigan; Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Nardhy Gomez-Lopez
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Detroit, Michigan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan; Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan.
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8
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Siricilla S, Hansen CJ, Rogers JH, De D, Simpson CL, Waterson AG, Sulikowski GA, Crockett SL, Boatwright N, Reese J, Paria BC, Newton J, Herington JL. Arrest of mouse preterm labor until term delivery by combination therapy with atosiban and mundulone, a natural product with tocolytic efficacy. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.06.543921. [PMID: 37333338 PMCID: PMC10274706 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.06.543921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Currently, there is a lack of FDA-approved tocolytics for the management of preterm labor (PL). In prior drug discovery efforts, we identified mundulone and its analog mundulone acetate (MA) as inhibitors of in vitro intracellular Ca 2+ -regulated myometrial contractility. In this study, we probed the tocolytic and therapeutic potential of these small molecules using myometrial cells and tissues obtained from patients receiving cesarean deliveries, as well as a mouse model of PL resulting in preterm birth. In a phenotypic assay, mundulone displayed greater efficacy in the inhibition of intracellular-Ca 2+ from myometrial cells; however, MA showed greater potency and uterine-selectivity, based IC 50 and E max values between myometrial cells compared to aorta vascular smooth muscle cells, a major maternal off-target site of current tocolytics. Cell viability assays revealed that MA was significantly less cytotoxic. Organ bath and vessel myography studies showed that only mundulone exerted concentration-dependent inhibition of ex vivo myometrial contractions and that neither mundulone or MA affected vasoreactivity of ductus arteriosus, a major fetal off-target of current tocolytics. A high-throughput combination screen of in vitro intracellular Ca 2+ -mobilization identified that mundulone exhibits synergism with two clinical-tocolytics (atosiban and nifedipine), and MA displayed synergistic efficacy with nifedipine. Of these synergistic combinations, mundulone + atosiban demonstrated a favorable in vitro therapeutic index (TI)=10, a substantial improvement compared to TI=0.8 for mundulone alone. The ex vivo and in vivo synergism of mundulone and atosiban was substantiated, yielding greater tocolytic efficacy and potency on isolated mouse and human myometrial tissue and reduced preterm birth rates in a mouse model of PL compared to each single agent. Treatment with mundulone 5hrs after mifepristone administration (and PL induction) dose-dependently delayed the timing of delivery. Importantly, mundulone in combination with atosiban (FR 3.7:1, 6.5mg/kg + 1.75mg/kg) permitted long-term management of PL after induction with 30 μg mifepristone, allowing 71% dams to deliver viable pups at term (> day 19, 4-5 days post-mifepristone exposure) without any visible maternal and fetal consequences. Collectively, these studies provide a strong foundation for the future development of mundulone as a stand-alone single- and/or combination-tocolytic therapy for management of PL.
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9
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Oh KJ, Romero R, Kim HJ, Lee J, Hong JS, Yoon BH. Preterm labor with intact membranes: a simple noninvasive method to identify patients at risk for intra-amniotic infection and/or inflammation. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2022; 35:10514-10529. [PMID: 36229038 PMCID: PMC10544756 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2022.2131388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop a noninvasive scoring system to identify patients at high risk for intra-amniotic infection and/or inflammation, which would reduce the need for amniocentesis. METHODS This prospective cohort study comprised patients admitted with preterm labor and intact membranes (20-34 weeks of gestation) who underwent a transabdominal amniocentesis and for whom concentrations of quantitative cervical fetal fibronectin and of maternal serum C-reactive protein (CRP) were determined. Intra-amniotic infection was defined as a positive amniotic fluid culture for microorganisms. Intra-amniotic inflammation was defined as an amniotic fluid matrix metalloproteinase-8 concentration >23 ng/mL. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify intra-amniotic infection/inflammtion with noninvasive parameters that had a significant relationship with univariate analysis. With four parameters identified by multivariate analysis, we generated a noninvasive risk scoring system. RESULTS Of the study population consisting of 138 singleton pregnant women, (1) the overall rate of intra-amniotic infection/inflammation was 28.3% (39/138); (2) four parameters were used to develop a noninvasive risk scoring system [i.e. cervical fetal fibronectin concentration (score 0-2), maternal serum CRP concentration (score 0-2), cervical dilatation (score 0-2), and gestational age at presentation (score 0-1)]; the total score ranges from 0 to 7; 3) the area under the curve of the risk score was 0.96 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.92-0.99), significantly higher than that of each predictor in the identification of intra-amniotic infection/inflammation (p < .001, for all); 4) the risk score with a cutoff of 4 had a sensitivity of 94.9% (37/39), a specificity of 90.9% (90/99), a positive predictive value of 80.4% (37/46), a negative predictive value of 97.8% (90/92), a positive likelihood ratio of 10.4 (95% CI, 5.6-19.5), and a negative likelihood ratio of 0.06 (95% CI, 0.15-0.22) in the identification of intra-amniotic infection/inflammation. CONCLUSIONS (1) The combination of four parameters (concentrations of cervical fetal fibronectin and maternal serum CRP, cervical dilatation, and gestational age) was independently associated with intra-amniotic infection and/or inflammation; and (2) the risk scoring system comprised of the combination of 4 noninvasive parameters was sensitive and specific to identify the patients at risk for intra-amniotic infection and/or inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung Joon Oh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Hyeon Ji Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - JoonHo Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Joon-Seok Hong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Bo Hyun Yoon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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10
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Negishi Y, Shima Y, Kato M, Ichikawa T, Ino H, Horii Y, Suzuki S, Morita R. Inflammation in preterm birth: Novel mechanism of preterm birth associated with innate and acquired immunity. J Reprod Immunol 2022; 154:103748. [PMID: 36126439 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2022.103748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Preterm birth (PB) is the most-frequent complication occurring during pregnancy, with a significant impact on neonatal morbidity and mortality. Chorioamnionitis (CAM), the neutrophil infiltration into chorioamniotic membranes, is a major cause of PB. However, several cases of PB have also been reported without apparent pathogenic infection or CAM. Such cases are now attributed to "sterile inflammation." The concept of sterile inflammation has already attracted attention in various diseases, like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases; recently been discussed for obstetric complications such as miscarriage, PB, gestational hypertension, and gestational diabetes. Sterile inflammation is induced by alarmins, such as high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), interleukins (IL-33 and IL-1α), and S100 proteins, that are released by cellular damage without apparent pathogenic infection. These antigens are recognized by pattern-recognition receptors, expressed mainly on antigen-presenting cells of decidua, placenta, amnion, and myometrium, which consequently trigger inflammation. In reproduction, these alarmins are associated with the development of various pregnancy complications, including PB. In this review, we have summarized the development of PB related to acute CAM, chronic CAM, and sterile inflammation as well as proposed a new mechanism for PB that involves innate immunity, acquired immunity, and sterile inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuyuki Negishi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Yoshio Shima
- Department of Pediatrics, Nippon Medical School Musashikosugi Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan.
| | - Masahiko Kato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Tomoko Ichikawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Hajime Ino
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Yumi Horii
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Shunji Suzuki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Rimpei Morita
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan.
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11
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Don EE, Landman AJEMC, Vissers G, Jordanova ES, Post Uiterweer ED, de Groot CJM, de Boer MA, Huirne JAF. Uterine Fibroids Causing Preterm Birth: A New Pathophysiological Hypothesis on the Role of Fibroid Necrosis and Inflammation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158064. [PMID: 35897637 PMCID: PMC9331897 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
According to recent studies and observations in clinical practice, uterine fibroids increase the risk of preterm birth. There are several theories on the pathogenesis of preterm birth in the presence of fibroids. One theory proclaims that fibroid necrosis leads to preterm birth, though pathophysiological mechanisms have not been described. Necrotic tissue secretes specific cytokines and proteins and we suggest these to be comparable to the inflammatory response leading to spontaneous preterm birth. We hypothesize that fibroid necrosis could induce preterm parturition through a similar inflammatory response. This new hypothesis generates novel perspectives for future research and the development of preventative strategies for preterm birth. Moreover, we emphasize the importance of the recognition of fibroids and especially fibroid necrosis by clinicians during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma E. Don
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.J.E.M.C.L.); (G.V.); (C.J.M.d.G.); (M.A.d.B.); (J.A.F.H.)
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-20-444-4444
| | - Anadeijda J. E. M. C. Landman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.J.E.M.C.L.); (G.V.); (C.J.M.d.G.); (M.A.d.B.); (J.A.F.H.)
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Guus Vissers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.J.E.M.C.L.); (G.V.); (C.J.M.d.G.); (M.A.d.B.); (J.A.F.H.)
| | - Ekaterina S. Jordanova
- Center for Gynecologic Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
- Department of Urology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute/Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Emiel D. Post Uiterweer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Christianne J. M. de Groot
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.J.E.M.C.L.); (G.V.); (C.J.M.d.G.); (M.A.d.B.); (J.A.F.H.)
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marjon A. de Boer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.J.E.M.C.L.); (G.V.); (C.J.M.d.G.); (M.A.d.B.); (J.A.F.H.)
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Judith A. F. Huirne
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.J.E.M.C.L.); (G.V.); (C.J.M.d.G.); (M.A.d.B.); (J.A.F.H.)
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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12
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The amniotic fluid proteome predicts imminent preterm delivery in asymptomatic women with a short cervix. Sci Rep 2022; 12:11781. [PMID: 35821507 PMCID: PMC9276779 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15392-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Preterm birth, the leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality, is associated with increased risk of short- and long-term adverse outcomes. For women identified as at risk for preterm birth attributable to a sonographic short cervix, the determination of imminent delivery is crucial for patient management. The current study aimed to identify amniotic fluid (AF) proteins that could predict imminent delivery in asymptomatic patients with a short cervix. This retrospective cohort study included women enrolled between May 2002 and September 2015 who were diagnosed with a sonographic short cervix (< 25 mm) at 16–32 weeks of gestation. Amniocenteses were performed to exclude intra-amniotic infection; none of the women included had clinical signs of infection or labor at the time of amniocentesis. An aptamer-based multiplex platform was used to profile 1310 AF proteins, and the differential protein abundance between women who delivered within two weeks from amniocentesis, and those who did not, was determined. The analysis included adjustment for quantitative cervical length and control of the false-positive rate at 10%. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was calculated to determine whether protein abundance in combination with cervical length improved the prediction of imminent preterm delivery as compared to cervical length alone. Of the 1,310 proteins profiled in AF, 17 were differentially abundant in women destined to deliver within two weeks of amniocentesis independently of the cervical length (adjusted p-value < 0.10). The decreased abundance of SNAP25 and the increased abundance of GPI, PTPN11, OLR1, ENO1, GAPDH, CHI3L1, RETN, CSF3, LCN2, CXCL1, CXCL8, PGLYRP1, LDHB, IL6, MMP8, and PRTN3 were associated with an increased risk of imminent delivery (odds ratio > 1.5 for each). The sensitivity at a 10% false-positive rate for the prediction of imminent delivery by a quantitative cervical length alone was 38%, yet it increased to 79% when combined with the abundance of four AF proteins (CXCL8, SNAP25, PTPN11, and MMP8). Neutrophil-mediated immunity, neutrophil activation, granulocyte activation, myeloid leukocyte activation, and myeloid leukocyte-mediated immunity were biological processes impacted by protein dysregulation in women destined to deliver within two weeks of diagnosis. The combination of AF protein abundance and quantitative cervical length improves prediction of the timing of delivery compared to cervical length alone, among women with a sonographic short cervix.
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13
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Gomez-Lopez N, Galaz J, Miller D, Farias-Jofre M, Liu Z, Arenas-Hernandez M, Garcia-Flores V, Shaffer Z, Greenberg J, Theis KR, Romero R. The immunobiology of preterm labor and birth: intra-amniotic inflammation or breakdown of maternal-fetal homeostasis. Reproduction 2022; 164:R11-R45. [PMID: 35559791 PMCID: PMC9233101 DOI: 10.1530/rep-22-0046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In brief The syndrome of preterm labor comprises multiple established and novel etiologies. This review summarizes the distinct immune mechanisms implicated in preterm labor and birth and highlights potential strategies for its prevention. Abstract Preterm birth, the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide, results from preterm labor, a syndrome that includes multiple etiologies. In this review, we have summarized the immune mechanisms implicated in intra-amniotic inflammation, the best-characterized cause of preterm labor and birth, as well as novel etiologies non-associated with intra-amniotic inflammation (i.e. formally known as idiopathic). While the intra-amniotic inflammatory responses driven by microbes (infection) or alarmins (sterile) have some overlap in the participating cellular and molecular processes, the distinct natures of these two conditions necessitate the implementation of specific approaches to prevent adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. Intra-amniotic infection can be treated with the correct antibiotics, whereas sterile intra-amniotic inflammation could potentially be treated by administering a combination of anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. betamethasone, inflammasome inhibitors, etc.). Recent evidence also supports the role of fetal T-cell activation as a newly described trigger for preterm labor and birth in a subset of cases diagnosed as idiopathic. Moreover, herein we also provide evidence of two maternally-driven immune mechanisms responsible for preterm births formerly considered to be idiopathic. First, the impairment of maternal Tregs can lead to preterm birth, likely due to the loss of immunosuppressive activity resulting in unleashed effector T-cell responses. Secondly, homeostatic macrophages were shown to be essential for maintaining pregnancy and promoting fetal development, and the adoptive transfer of homeostatic M2-polarized macrophages shows great promise for preventing inflammation-induced preterm birth. Collectively, in this review, we discuss the established and novel immune mechanisms responsible for preterm birth and highlight the potential targets for novel strategies aimed at preventing the multi-etiological syndrome of preterm labor leading to preterm birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nardhy Gomez-Lopez
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS); Bethesda, Maryland, 20892 and Detroit, Michigan, 48201, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, 48201, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, 48201, USA
| | - Jose Galaz
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS); Bethesda, Maryland, 20892 and Detroit, Michigan, 48201, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, 48201, USA
| | - Derek Miller
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS); Bethesda, Maryland, 20892 and Detroit, Michigan, 48201, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, 48201, USA
| | - Marcelo Farias-Jofre
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS); Bethesda, Maryland, 20892 and Detroit, Michigan, 48201, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, 48201, USA
| | - Zhenjie Liu
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS); Bethesda, Maryland, 20892 and Detroit, Michigan, 48201, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, 48201, USA
| | - Marcia Arenas-Hernandez
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS); Bethesda, Maryland, 20892 and Detroit, Michigan, 48201, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, 48201, USA
| | - Valeria Garcia-Flores
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS); Bethesda, Maryland, 20892 and Detroit, Michigan, 48201, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, 48201, USA
| | - Zachary Shaffer
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS); Bethesda, Maryland, 20892 and Detroit, Michigan, 48201, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, 48201, USA
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, USA
| | - Jonathan Greenberg
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS); Bethesda, Maryland, 20892 and Detroit, Michigan, 48201, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, 48201, USA
| | - Kevin R. Theis
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS); Bethesda, Maryland, 20892 and Detroit, Michigan, 48201, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, 48201, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, 48201, USA
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS); Bethesda, Maryland, 20892 and Detroit, Michigan, 48201, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, 48824, USA
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, 48201, USA
- Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan, 48201, USA
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Galaz J, Romero R, Arenas-Hernandez M, Farias-Jofre M, Motomura K, Liu Z, Kawahara N, Demery-Poulos C, Liu TN, Padron J, Panaitescu B, Gomez-Lopez N. Clarithromycin prevents preterm birth and neonatal mortality by dampening alarmin-induced maternal–fetal inflammation in mice. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:503. [PMID: 35725425 PMCID: PMC9210693 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-04764-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background One of every four preterm neonates is born to a woman with sterile intra-amniotic inflammation (inflammatory process induced by alarmins); yet, this clinical condition still lacks treatment. Herein, we utilized an established murine model of sterile intra-amniotic inflammation induced by the alarmin high-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) to evaluate whether treatment with clarithromycin prevents preterm birth and adverse neonatal outcomes by dampening maternal and fetal inflammatory responses. Methods Pregnant mice were intra-amniotically injected with HMGB1 under ultrasound guidance and treated with clarithromycin or vehicle control, and pregnancy and neonatal outcomes were recorded (n = 15 dams each). Additionally, amniotic fluid, placenta, uterine decidua, cervix, and fetal tissues were collected prior to preterm birth for determination of the inflammatory status (n = 7–8 dams each). Results Clarithromycin extended the gestational length, reduced the rate of preterm birth, and improved neonatal mortality induced by HMGB1. Clarithromycin prevented preterm birth by interfering with the common cascade of parturition as evidenced by dysregulated expression of contractility-associated proteins and inflammatory mediators in the intra-uterine tissues. Notably, clarithromycin improved neonatal survival by dampening inflammation in the placenta as well as in the fetal lung, intestine, liver, and spleen. Conclusions Clarithromycin prevents preterm birth and improves neonatal survival in an animal model of sterile intra-amniotic inflammation, demonstrating the potential utility of this macrolide for treating women with this clinical condition, which currently lacks a therapeutic intervention. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-022-04764-2.
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Stranik J, Kacerovsky M, Sterba M, Andrys C, Abad C, Staud F, Micuda S, Soucek O, Jacobsson B, Musilova I. Development of a Rat Model of Intra-Amniotic Inflammation via Ultrasound-Guided Administration of a Triggering Agent in the Gestational Sac to Enable Analysis of Individual Amniotic Fluid Samples. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:871193. [PMID: 35496265 PMCID: PMC9039461 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.871193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: To develop a rat model of intra-amniotic inflammation, characterized by the concentration of interleukin-6 in the amniotic fluid, induced by an ultrasound-guided transabdominal administration of lipopolysaccharide into individual gestational sacs.Methods: An ultrasound-guided transabdominal intra-amniotic administration of lipopolysaccharide or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) as control was performed in rats on embryonic day 18. Only accessible gestational sacs with precise recording of their positions were injected. Twenty-four hours later, individual amniotic fluid samples were collected from the gestational sacs of laparotomized animals. The gestational sacs were divided into four subgroups: (i) with lipopolysaccharide: injected gestational sacs from rats undergoing lipopolysaccharide administration; (ii) without lipopolysaccharide: non-injected gestational sacs from rats undergoing lipopolysaccharide administration; (iii) with PBS: injected gestational sacs from rats undergoing PBS administration; and (iv) without PBS: non-injected gestational sacs from rats undergoing PBS administration. The concentration of interleukin-6 in individual amniotic fluid samples was assessed using ELISA.Results: In the group of five animals receiving lipopolysaccharide, 24 (33%) and 48 (77%) gestational sacs were and were not injected, respectively. The amniotic fluid was obtained from 21 (88%) injected and 46 (95%) non-injected sacs. In the control group of five animals receiving phosphate-buffered saline, 28 (35%) and 52 (75%) gestational sacs were and were not injected, respectively. The amniotic fluid was obtained from 18 (64%) injected and 50 (96%) non-injected sacs. No labor occurred, and only one fetal death was observed in a gestational sac injected with lipopolysaccharide. Differences in concentrations of interleukin-6 in the amniotic fluid were found among the subgroups of the gestational sacs (with lipopolysaccharide: median 762 pg/ml; without lipopolysaccharide: median 35.6 pg/ml; with PBS: median 35.6 pg/ml; and without PBS: median 35.6 pg/ml; p < 0.0001). Concentrations of interleukin-6 in the amniotic fluid from the gestational sacs with lipopolysaccharide were significantly higher than those in the three remaining subgroups (p < 0.0001). No differences in concentrations of interleukin-6 in the amniotic fluid were identified between the three remaining subgroups.Conclusion: The ultrasound-guided transabdominal intra-amniotic administration of lipopolysaccharide with a subsequent collection and analysis of amniotic fluid samples is feasible in rats. The intra-amniotic administration of lipopolysaccharide led to the development of intra-amniotic inflammation without leading to fetal mortality or induction of labor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaroslav Stranik
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Hradec Kralove, Czechia
| | - Marian Kacerovsky
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Hradec Kralove, Czechia
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czechia
| | - Martin Sterba
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Hradec Kralove, Czechia
| | - Ctirad Andrys
- Institute of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Hradec Kralove, Czechia
| | - Cilia Abad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Hradec Kralove, Czechia
| | - Frantisek Staud
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Hradec Kralove, Czechia
| | - Stanislav Micuda
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Hradec Kralove, Czechia
| | - Ondrej Soucek
- Institute of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Hradec Kralove, Czechia
| | - Bo Jacobsson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Science, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Genetics and Bioinformatics, Domain of Health Data and Digitalization, Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ivana Musilova
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Hradec Kralove, Czechia
- *Correspondence: Ivana Musilova,
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Animal Models of Chorioamnionitis: Considerations for Translational Medicine. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10040811. [PMID: 35453561 PMCID: PMC9032938 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10040811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Preterm birth is defined as any birth occurring before 37 completed weeks of gestation by the World Health Organization. Preterm birth is responsible for perinatal mortality and long-term neurological morbidity. Acute chorioamnionitis is observed in 70% of premature labor and is associated with a heavy burden of multiorgan morbidities in the offspring. Unfortunately, chorioamnionitis is still missing effective biomarkers and early placento- as well as feto-protective and curative treatments. This review summarizes recent advances in the understanding of the underlying mechanisms of chorioamnionitis and subsequent impacts on the pregnancy outcome, both during and beyond gestation. This review also describes relevant and current animal models of chorioamnionitis used to decipher associated mechanisms and develop much needed therapies. Improved knowledge of the pathophysiological mechanisms underpinning chorioamnionitis based on preclinical models is a mandatory step to identify early in utero diagnostic biomarkers and design novel anti-inflammatory interventions to improve both maternal and fetal outcomes.
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Shynlova O, Nadeem L, Dorogin A, Mesiano S, Lye SJ. The selective progesterone receptor modulator-promegestone-delays term parturition and prevents systemic inflammation-mediated preterm birth in mice. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 226:249.e1-249.e21. [PMID: 34418351 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2021.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Progesterone, acting via its nuclear receptors called progesterone receptors, promotes myometrial relaxation during pregnancy, and suspension of this activity triggers labor. We previously found that 20α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase causes a local withdrawal of progesterone in the term and preterm myometrium by converting the progesterone into an inactive form before it accesses the progesterone receptors. OBJECTIVE We hypothesized that a selective progesterone receptor modulator called promegestone, which is not metabolized by 20α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, would sustain progesterone receptor signaling and prevent/delay term labor and preterm labor in mice. STUDY DESIGN In the term labor mouse model, promegestone (0.2 mg/dam) or a vehicle were administered subcutaneously in timed-pregnant CD-1 mice at gestational days 15, 16, and 17 (term gestational days, 19.5). In the inflammation preterm labor model, pregnant mice received promegestone or a vehicle on gestational days 15, 16, and 17, which was 24 hours before, immediately before, and 24 hours after systemic bacterial endotoxin (50 μg intraperitoneal; lipopolysaccharide group) or vehicle (saline) administration. The maternal and fetal tissues were collected on gestational day 16 6 hours after lipopolysaccharide±promegestone injection and at term gestational day 18.75. The protein levels of 10 cytokines were measured by multiplex immunoassay in maternal plasma and amniotic fluid. Myometrial, decidual, and placental messenger RNA levels of multiple cytokines and procontractile proteins were evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction and confirmed by immunoblotting. RESULTS Promegestone prevented term labor and maintained mice pregnancy postterm >24 hours. The litter size and fetal weights were not different from the controls. Promegestone prevented systemic bacterial-endotoxin-induced preterm labor in 100% of the mice, blocked uterine contractions, significantly inhibited all systemic inflammation-induced myometrial cytokines, and partially inhibited decidual and placental inflammation. Promegestone did not prevent bacterial-endotoxin-induced fetal toxicity. CONCLUSION Promegestone a selective progesterone receptor modulator that binds progesterone receptors with high affinity and is not metabolized by 20α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase could completely suppress term parturition and systemic bacterial-endotoxin-induced preterm birth in mice. We suggest that such selective progesterone receptor modulators may represent a potential therapeutic approach to the prevention of preterm labor in women at high risk of preterm birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oksana Shynlova
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Lubna Nadeem
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anna Dorogin
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sam Mesiano
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
| | - Stephen J Lye
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Xu X, Wang J, Zhu D, Yin J, Liu J, Wu X, Yang W, Hu Q, Ren Y, Zhang Z, Zhou P, Wei Z, Zou H, Cao Y. Low-dose aspirin protects unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion via downregulation of HMGB1 inflammation activation. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:914030. [PMID: 36465622 PMCID: PMC9712724 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.914030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) is considered as a kind of sterile inflammatory mediators, which is an overexpression in patients with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA). Specific targeting effect of aspirin on HMGB1 has been revealed. Our previous studies have explored the application of HMGB1 as a therapeutic target of aspirin in URSA disease of mice model and human, but the dynamic process of aspirin downregulating HMGB1 concentration has not been demonstrated. METHODS From December 2018 to November 2020, women with URSA (n = 91) and control women (n = 90) with no history of recurrent abortion or adverse pregnancy were included in the Reproductive Medicine Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University. ELISA was applied to detect the concentrations of HMGB1 and IFN-γ in the peripheral blood. Thirty-one URSA patients were monitored for low-dose aspirin treatment (2 and 4 weeks), the changes of HMGB1 and IFN-γ concentrations in peripheral blood of URSA patients before and after using aspirin were compared, and pregnancy outcomes after aspirin treatment were followed up. RESULTS The levels of HMGB1 in peripheral blood were significantly higher in URSA patients compared with controls, decreasing trends of HMGB1 and IFN-γ concentrations in plasma of URSA patients were observed after treatment with low-dose aspirin continuously, and the expression of HMGB1 was positively correlated with IFN-γ. There were no birth abnormalities in the babies of the URSA patients treated with aspirin. CONCLUSIONS High levels of HMGB1 may be one of the pathogenesis of URSA. Low-dose aspirin may provide protective effect on the HMGB1-triggered URSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ma’anshan Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Ma’anshan, Anhui, China
| | - Damin Zhu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, Anhui, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jiaqian Yin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, Anhui, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jinxian Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, Anhui, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xiao Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, Anhui, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Wenjuan Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, Anhui, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Qian Hu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, Anhui, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yu Ren
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, Anhui, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zhiguo Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, Anhui, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, Anhui, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zhaolian Wei
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, Anhui, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Huijuan Zou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- *Correspondence: Yunxia Cao, ;; Huijuan Zou,
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- *Correspondence: Yunxia Cao, ;; Huijuan Zou,
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Motomura K, Romero R, Plazyo O, Garcia-Flores V, Gershater M, Galaz J, Miller D, Gomez-Lopez N. The alarmin S100A12 causes sterile inflammation of the human chorioamniotic membranes as well as preterm birth and neonatal mortality in mice†. Biol Reprod 2021; 105:1494-1509. [PMID: 34632484 PMCID: PMC8689293 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Sterile inflammation is triggered by danger signals, or alarmins, released upon cellular stress or necrosis. Sterile inflammation occurring in the amniotic cavity (i.e. sterile intra-amniotic inflammation) is frequently observed in women with spontaneous preterm labor resulting in preterm birth, the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide; this condition is associated with increased amniotic fluid concentrations of alarmins. However, the mechanisms whereby alarmins induce sterile intra-amniotic inflammation are still under investigation. Herein, we investigated the mechanisms whereby the alarmin S100A12 induces inflammation of the human chorioamniotic membranes in vitro and used a mouse model to establish a causal link between this alarmin and adverse perinatal outcomes. We report that S100A12 initiates sterile inflammation in the chorioamniotic membranes by upregulating the expression of inflammatory mediators such as pro-inflammatory cytokines and pattern recognition receptors. Importantly, S100A12 induced the priming and activation of inflammasomes, resulting in caspase-1 cleavage and the subsequent release of mature IL-1β by the chorioamniotic membranes. This alarmin also caused the activation of the chorioamniotic membranes by promoting MMP-2 activity and collagen degradation. Lastly, the ultrasound-guided intra-amniotic injection of S100A12 at specific concentrations observed in the majority of women with sterile intra-amniotic inflammation induced preterm birth (rates: 17% at 200 ng/sac; 25% at 300 ng/sac; 25% at 400 ng/sac) and neonatal mortality (rates: 22% at 200 ng/sac; 44% at 300 ng/sac; 31% at 400 ng/sac), thus demonstrating a causal link between this alarmin and adverse perinatal outcomes. Collectively, our findings shed light on the inflammatory responses driven by alarmins in the chorioamniotic membranes, providing insight into the immune mechanisms leading to preterm birth in women with sterile intra-amniotic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenichiro Motomura
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Olesya Plazyo
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Valeria Garcia-Flores
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Meyer Gershater
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Jose Galaz
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Derek Miller
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Nardhy Gomez-Lopez
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
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Prenatal administration of IL-1Ra attenuate the neurodevelopmental impacts following non-pathogenic inflammation during pregnancy. Sci Rep 2021; 11:23404. [PMID: 34862457 PMCID: PMC8642433 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02927-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Prenatal inflammation negatively affects placental function, subsequently altering fetal development. Pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) are used to mimics infections in preclinical models but rarely detected during pregnancy. Our group previously developed an animal model of prenatal exposure to uric acid (endogenous mediator), leading to growth restriction alongside IL-1-driven placental inflammation (Brien et al. in J Immunol 198(1):443–451, 2017). Unlike PAMPs, the postnatal impact of prenatal non-pathogenic inflammation is still poorly understood. Therefore, we investigated the effects of prenatal uric acid exposure on postnatal neurodevelopment and the therapeutic potential of the IL-1 receptor antagonist; IL-1Ra. Uric acid induced growth restriction and placental inflammation, which IL-1Ra protected against. Postnatal evaluation of both structural and functional aspects of the brain revealed developmental changes. Both astrogliosis and microgliosis were observed in the hippocampus and white matter at postnatal day (PND)7 with IL-1Ra being protective. Decreased myelin density was observed at PND21, and reduced amount of neuronal precursor cells was observed in the Dentate Gyrus at PND35. Functionally, motor impairments were observed as evaluated with the increased time to fully turn upward (180 degrees) on the inclined plane and the pups were weaker on the grip strength test. Prenatal exposure to sterile inflammation, mimicking most clinical situation, induced growth restriction with negative impact on neurodevelopment. Targeted anti-inflammatory intervention prenatally could offer a strategy to protect brain development during pregnancy.
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Galaz J, Romero R, Arenas-Hernandez M, Panaitescu B, Para R, Gomez-Lopez N. Betamethasone as a potential treatment for preterm birth associated with sterile intra-amniotic inflammation: a murine study. J Perinat Med 2021; 49:897-906. [PMID: 33878254 PMCID: PMC8440410 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2021-0049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Preterm birth remains the leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Preterm birth is preceded by spontaneous preterm labor, which is commonly associated with sterile intra-amniotic inflammation; yet, no approved treatment exists for this clinical condition. Corticosteroids are the standard of care to improve neonatal outcomes in women at risk of preterm birth. Herein, we first validated our model of alarmin-induced preterm birth. Next, we investigated whether treatment with betamethasone could prevent preterm birth resulting from sterile intra-amniotic inflammation in mice. METHODS Under ultrasound guidance, the first cohort of dams received an intra-amniotic injection of the alarmin high-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1, n=10) or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, n=9) as controls. A second cohort of dams received HMGB1 intra-amniotically and were subcutaneously treated with betamethasone (n=15) or vehicle (n=15). Dams were observed until delivery, and perinatal outcomes were observed. RESULTS Intra-amniotic HMGB1 reduced gestational length (p=0.04), inducing preterm birth in 40% (4/10) of cases, of which 100% (4/4) were categorized as late preterm births. Importantly, treatment with betamethasone extended the gestational length (p=0.02), thereby reducing the rate of preterm birth by 26.6% (from 33.3% [5/15] to 6.7% [1/15]). Treatment with betamethasone did not worsen the rate of neonatal mortality induced by HMGB1 or alter weight gain in the first three weeks of life. CONCLUSIONS Treatment with betamethasone prevents preterm birth induced by the alarmin HMGB1. This study supports the potential utility of betamethasone for treating women with sterile intra-amniotic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Galaz
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, United States,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, United States,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States,Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States,Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, MI, United States,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Marcia Arenas-Hernandez
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, United States,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Bogdan Panaitescu
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, United States,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Robert Para
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, United States,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Nardhy Gomez-Lopez
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, United States,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States,Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
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22
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Banerjee S, Huang Z, Wang Z, Nakashima A, Saito S, Sharma S, Cheng S. Etiological Value of Sterile Inflammation in Preeclampsia: Is It a Non-Infectious Pregnancy Complication? Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:694298. [PMID: 34485175 PMCID: PMC8415471 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.694298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding of sterile inflammation and its associated biological triggers and diseases is still at the elementary stage. This becomes more warranted in cases where infections are not associated with the pathology. Detrimental effects of bacterial and viral infections on the immune responses at the maternal-fetal interface as well as pregnancy outcomes have been well documented. However, an infection-induced etiology is not thought to be a major contributing component to severe pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia (PE) and gestational diabetes. How is then an inflammatory signal thought to be associated with these pregnancy complications? It is not clear what type of inflammation is involved in the onset of PE-like features. We opine that sterile inflammation regulated by the inflammasome-gasdermins-caspase-1 axis is a contributory factor to the onset of PE. We hypothesize that increased production and release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) or Alarmins such as high-mobility group box1 (HMGB1), cell-free fetal DNA, uric acid, the NOD-like receptor pyrin-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, IL-1β and IL-18 occur in the PE placenta. Some of these molecules have already been observed in the placenta from women with PE. Mechanistically, emerging evidence has demonstrated that excessive placental endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, impaired autophagy and gasdermine D (GSDMD)-mediated intrinsic pyroptosis are key events that contribute to systemic sterile inflammation in patients with PE, especially early-onset PE (e-PE). In this review, we highlight the advances on the roles of sterile inflammation and inflammatory signaling cascades involving ER stress, autophagy deficiency and pyroptosis in PE pathophysiology. Deciphering the mechanisms underlying these inflammatory pathways may provide potential diagnostic biomarkers and facilitate the development of therapeutic strategies to treat this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayani Banerjee
- Department of Pediatrics, Women and Infants Hospital-Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Zheping Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, Women and Infants Hospital-Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Zhengke Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Women and Infants Hospital-Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Akitoshi Nakashima
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Shigeru Saito
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Surendra Sharma
- Department of Pediatrics, Women and Infants Hospital-Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Shibin Cheng
- Department of Pediatrics, Women and Infants Hospital-Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
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23
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Motomura K, Romero R, Garcia-Flores V, Leng Y, Xu Y, Galaz J, Slutsky R, Levenson D, Gomez-Lopez N. The alarmin interleukin-1α causes preterm birth through the NLRP3 inflammasome. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 26:712-726. [PMID: 32647859 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaaa054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Sterile intra-amniotic inflammation is a clinical condition frequently observed in women with preterm labor and birth, the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Growing evidence suggests that alarmins found in amniotic fluid, such as interleukin (IL)-1α, are central initiators of sterile intra-amniotic inflammation. However, the causal link between elevated intra-amniotic concentrations of IL-1α and preterm birth has yet to be established. Herein, using an animal model of ultrasound-guided intra-amniotic injection of IL-1α, we show that elevated concentrations of IL-1α cause preterm birth and neonatal mortality. Additionally, using immunoblotting techniques and a specific immunoassay, we report that the intra-amniotic administration of IL-1α induces activation of the NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in the fetal membranes, but not in the decidua, as evidenced by a concomitant increase in the protein levels of NLRP3, active caspase-1, and IL-1β. Lastly, using Nlrp3-/- mice, we demonstrate that the deficiency of this inflammasome sensor molecule reduces the rates of preterm birth and neonatal mortality caused by the intra-amniotic injection of IL-1α. Collectively, these results demonstrate a causal link between elevated IL-1α concentrations in the amniotic cavity and preterm birth as well as adverse neonatal outcomes, a pathological process that is mediated by the NLRP3 inflammasome. These findings shed light on the mechanisms underlying sterile intra-amniotic inflammation and provide further evidence that this clinical condition can potentially be treated by targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Motomura
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, MD, USA and Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - R Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, MD, USA and Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.,Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA.,Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - V Garcia-Flores
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, MD, USA and Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Y Leng
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, MD, USA and Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Y Xu
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, MD, USA and Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - J Galaz
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, MD, USA and Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - R Slutsky
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, MD, USA and Detroit, MI, USA
| | - D Levenson
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, MD, USA and Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - N Gomez-Lopez
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, MD, USA and Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
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24
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High Mobility Group Box 1 in Pig Amniotic Membrane Experimentally Infected with E. coli O55. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11081146. [PMID: 34439812 PMCID: PMC8393629 DOI: 10.3390/biom11081146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Intra-amniotic infections (IAI) are one of the reasons for preterm birth. High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a nuclear protein with various physiological functions, including tissue healing. Its excessive extracellular release potentiates inflammatory reaction and can revert its action from beneficial to detrimental. We infected the amniotic fluid of a pig on the 80th day of gestation with 1 × 104 colony forming units (CFUs) of E. coli O55 for 10 h, and evaluated the appearance of HMGB1, receptor for glycation endproducts (RAGE), and Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 in the amniotic membrane and fluid. Sham-infected amniotic fluid served as a control. The expression and release of HMGB1 were evaluated by Real-Time PCR, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and ELISA. The infection downregulated HMGB1 mRNA expression in the amniotic membrane, changed the distribution of HMGB1 protein in the amniotic membrane, and increased its level in amniotic fluid. All RAGE mRNA, protein expression in the amniotic membrane, and soluble RAGE level in the amniotic fluid were downregulated. TLR4 mRNA and protein expression and soluble TLR4 were all upregulated. HMGB1 is a potential target for therapy to suppress the exaggerated inflammatory response. This controlled expression and release can, in some cases, prevent the preterm birth of vulnerable infants. Studies on suitable animal models can contribute to the development of appropriate therapy.
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25
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Ran Y, Huang D, Mei Y, Liu Z, Zhou Y, He J, Zhang H, Yin N, Qi H. Identification of the correlations between interleukin-27 (IL-27) and immune-inflammatory imbalance in preterm birth. Bioengineered 2021; 12:3201-3218. [PMID: 34224308 PMCID: PMC8806804 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.1945894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Preterm birth (PTB) is an immune-inflammatory disease that needs to be resolved. This study aimed to identify the role of interleukin-27 (IL-27), an immunomodulatory factor, in PTB and its associated mechanisms. Here, we analyzed the high-throughput of samples data from the maternal-fetal interface to the peripheral circulation obtained from public databases and reported that the elevated IL-27 was involved with the onset of PTB. Further bioinformatics analyses (e.g. GeneMANIA and GSEA) revealed that IL-27 overexpression in the peripheral circulation as well as maternal-fetal interface is related to the activation of the immune-inflammatory process represented by IFN-γ signaling, etc. In addition, IL-27 and immune infiltration correlation analysis demonstrated that IL-27 mediates this immune-inflammatory imbalance, plausibly mainly through monocyte-macrophage and neutrophils. This finding was further validated by analyzing additional datasets. Overall, this is the first study to elaborate on the role of IL-27-mediated immuno-inflammation in PTB from the perspective of bioinformatics, which may provide a novel strategy for the prevention and treatment of PTB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Ran
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dongni Huang
- Department of Obstetrics, Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
| | - Youwen Mei
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zheng Liu
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yunqian Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jie He
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hanwen Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Nanlin Yin
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongbo Qi
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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26
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The amniotic fluid cell-free transcriptome in spontaneous preterm labor. Sci Rep 2021; 11:13481. [PMID: 34188072 PMCID: PMC8242007 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-92439-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The amniotic fluid (AF) cell-free RNA was shown to reflect physiological and pathological processes in pregnancy, but its value in the prediction of spontaneous preterm delivery is unknown. Herein we profiled cell-free RNA in AF samples collected from women who underwent transabdominal amniocentesis after an episode of spontaneous preterm labor and subsequently delivered within 24 h (n = 10) or later (n = 28) in gestation. Expression of known placental single-cell RNA-Seq signatures was quantified in AF cell-free RNA and compared between the groups. Random forest models were applied to predict time-to-delivery after amniocentesis. There were 2385 genes differentially expressed in AF samples of women who delivered within 24 h of amniocentesis compared to gestational age-matched samples from women who delivered after 24 h of amniocentesis. Genes with cell-free RNA changes were associated with immune and inflammatory processes related to the onset of labor, and the expression of placental single-cell RNA-Seq signatures of immune cells was increased with imminent delivery. AF transcriptomic prediction models captured these effects and predicted delivery within 24 h of amniocentesis (AUROC = 0.81). These results may inform the development of biomarkers for spontaneous preterm birth.
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27
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Oxidative Stress Induced Damage and Early Senescence in Preterm Placenta. J Pregnancy 2021; 2021:9923761. [PMID: 34258068 PMCID: PMC8249137 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9923761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Senescent cells have been demonstrated to release High Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1) which induces labor through an inflammatory pathway. This research is aimed at demonstrating whether telomere shortening, proinflammatory HMGB1, and oxidative damage marker 8-OHdG play a role in the placenta of preterm birth in comparison to term birth. Method A cross-sectional study on 67 full thickness of the placenta obtained from mothers with term and preterm birth. Mothers with clinical signs of infection (fever > 38°C, leukocytosis > 18000/μL, or abnormal vaginal discharge) and other pregnancy complications were excluded. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to measure T/S ratio and ELISA quantification to measure the amount of HMGB1 and 8-OHdG. Result A total of 34 placentas from preterm and 33 placentas from term birth were examined. Maternal characteristics were comparable between the two groups. There were no statistical difference of T/S ratio (p = 0.181), HMGB1 (p = 0.119), and 8-OHdG (p = 0.144) between the preterm and term groups. HMGB1 was moderately correlated with 8-OHdG (r = 0.314). Telomere T/S ratio of the placenta did not differ between preterm and term labor despite difference in gestational age, suggesting earlier shortening in the preterm group. It is possible that critical telomere length has been achieved in both term and preterm placenta that warrants labor through senescence process. The result of our study also showed that HMGB1 was not correlated to telomere length, due to the fact that HMGB1 is not upregulated until the critical length of telomere for senescence is exhibited. Conclusion Similar telomere length might be exhibited due to early telomere shortening in preterm birth that mimics the term placenta. The relationship between placental telomere shortening and HMGB1 release remains to be uncovered. Further research is needed to discover the factors leading to early telomere shortening in the placenta of preterm birth.
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28
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Radnaa E, Richardson LS, Sheller-Miller S, Baljinnyam T, de Castro Silva M, Kumar Kammala A, Urrabaz-Garza R, Kechichian T, Kim S, Han A, Menon R. Extracellular vesicle mediated feto-maternal HMGB1 signaling induces preterm birth. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:1956-1973. [PMID: 34008619 PMCID: PMC8162392 DOI: 10.1039/d0lc01323d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Preterm birth (PTB; <37 weeks of gestation) impacts ∼11% of all pregnancies and contributes to 1 million neonatal deaths worldwide annually. An understanding of the feto-maternal (F-M) signals that initiate birthing (parturition) at term is critical to design strategies to prevent their premature activation, resulting in PTB. Although endocrine and immune cell signaling are well-reported, fetal-derived paracrine signals capable of transitioning quiescent uterus to an active state of labor are poorly studied. Recent reports have suggested that senescence of the fetal amnion membrane coinciding with fetal growth and maturation generates inflammatory signals capable of triggering parturition. This is by increasing the inflammatory load at the feto-maternal interface (FMi) tissues (i.e., amniochorion-decidua). High mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1), an alarmin, is one of the inflammatory signals released by senescent amnion cells via extracellular vesicles (exosomes; 40-160 nm). Increased levels of HMGB1 in the amniotic fluid, cord and maternal blood are associated with term and PTB. This study tested the hypothesis that senescent amnion cells release HMGB1, which is fetal signaling capable of increasing FMi inflammation, predisposing them to parturition. To test this hypothesis, exosomes from amnion epithelial cells (AECs) grown under normal conditions were engineered to contain HMGB1 by electroporation (eHMGB1). eHMGB1 was characterized (quantity, size, shape, markers and loading efficiency), and its propagation through FMi was tested using a four-chamber microfluidic organ-on-a-chip device (FMi-OOC) that contained four distinct cell types (amnion and chorion mesenchymal, chorion trophoblast and decidual cells) connected through microchannels. eHMGB1 propagated through the fetal cells and matrix to the maternal decidua and increased inflammation (receptor expression [RAGE and TLR4] and cytokines). Furthermore, intra-amniotic injection of eHMGB1 (containing 10 ng) into pregnant CD-1 mice on embryonic day 17 led to PTB. Injecting carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester (CFSE)-labeled eHMGB1, we determined in vivo kinetics and report that eHMGB1 trafficking resulting in PTB was associated with increased FMi inflammation. This study determined that fetal exosome mediated paracrine signaling can generate inflammation and induce parturition. Besides, in vivo functional validation of FMi-OOC experiments strengthens the reliability of such devices to test physiologic and pathologic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enkhtuya Radnaa
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Perinatal Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555-1062, USA.
| | - Lauren S Richardson
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Perinatal Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555-1062, USA. and Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Samantha Sheller-Miller
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Perinatal Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555-1062, USA.
| | - Tuvshintugs Baljinnyam
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Mariana de Castro Silva
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Perinatal Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555-1062, USA.
| | - Ananth Kumar Kammala
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Perinatal Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555-1062, USA.
| | - Rheanna Urrabaz-Garza
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Perinatal Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555-1062, USA.
| | - Talar Kechichian
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Perinatal Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555-1062, USA.
| | - Sungjin Kim
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Arum Han
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Ramkumar Menon
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Perinatal Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555-1062, USA.
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RNA Sequencing Reveals Distinct Immune Responses in the Chorioamniotic Membranes of Women with Preterm Labor and Microbial or Sterile Intra-amniotic Inflammation. Infect Immun 2021; 89:IAI.00819-20. [PMID: 33558326 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00819-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Preterm labor precedes premature birth, the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Preterm labor can occur in the context of either microbe-associated intra-amniotic inflammation (i.e., intra-amniotic infection) or intra-amniotic inflammation in the absence of detectable microorganisms (i.e., sterile intra-amniotic inflammation). Both intra-amniotic infection and sterile intra-amniotic inflammation trigger local immune responses that have deleterious effects on fetal life. Yet, the extent of such immune responses in the fetal tissues surrounding the amniotic cavity (i.e., the chorioamniotic membranes) is poorly understood. By using RNA sequencing (RNA seq) as a discovery approach, we found that there were significant transcriptomic differences involving host response to pathogens in the chorioamniotic membranes of women with intra-amniotic infection compared to those from women without inflammation. In addition, the sterile or microbial nature of intra-amniotic inflammation was associated with distinct transcriptomic profiles in the chorioamniotic membranes. Moreover, the immune response in the chorioamniotic membranes of women with sterile intra-amniotic inflammation was milder in nature than that induced by microbes and involved the upregulation of alarmins and inflammasome-related molecules. Lastly, the presence of maternal and fetal inflammatory responses in the placenta was associated with the upregulation of immune processes in the chorioamniotic membranes. Collectively, these findings provide insight into the immune responses against microbes or alarmins that take place in the fetal tissues surrounding the amniotic cavity, shedding light on the immunobiology of preterm labor and birth.
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Romero R, Pacora P, Kusanovic JP, Jung E, Panaitescu B, Maymon E, Erez O, Berman S, Bryant DR, Gomez-Lopez N, Theis KR, Bhatti G, Kim CJ, Yoon BH, Hassan SS, Hsu CD, Yeo L, Diaz-Primera R, Marin-Concha J, Lannaman K, Alhousseini A, Gomez-Roberts H, Varrey A, Garcia-Sanchez A, Gervasi MT. Clinical chorioamnionitis at term X: microbiology, clinical signs, placental pathology, and neonatal bacteremia - implications for clinical care. J Perinat Med 2021; 49:275-298. [PMID: 33544519 PMCID: PMC8324070 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2020-0297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Clinical chorioamnionitis at term is considered the most common infection-related diagnosis in labor and delivery units worldwide. The syndrome affects 5-12% of all term pregnancies and is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality as well as neonatal death and sepsis. The objectives of this study were to determine the (1) amniotic fluid microbiology using cultivation and molecular microbiologic techniques; (2) diagnostic accuracy of the clinical criteria used to identify patients with intra-amniotic infection; (3) relationship between acute inflammatory lesions of the placenta (maternal and fetal inflammatory responses) and amniotic fluid microbiology and inflammatory markers; and (4) frequency of neonatal bacteremia. METHODS This retrospective cross-sectional study included 43 women with the diagnosis of clinical chorioamnionitis at term. The presence of microorganisms in the amniotic cavity was determined through the analysis of amniotic fluid samples by cultivation for aerobes, anaerobes, and genital mycoplasmas. A broad-range polymerase chain reaction coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry was also used to detect bacteria, select viruses, and fungi. Intra-amniotic inflammation was defined as an elevated amniotic fluid interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentration ≥2.6 ng/mL. RESULTS (1) Intra-amniotic infection (defined as the combination of microorganisms detected in amniotic fluid and an elevated IL-6 concentration) was present in 63% (27/43) of cases; (2) the most common microorganisms found in the amniotic fluid samples were Ureaplasma species, followed by Gardnerella vaginalis; (3) sterile intra-amniotic inflammation (elevated IL-6 in amniotic fluid but without detectable microorganisms) was present in 5% (2/43) of cases; (4) 26% of patients with the diagnosis of clinical chorioamnionitis had no evidence of intra-amniotic infection or intra-amniotic inflammation; (5) intra-amniotic infection was more common when the membranes were ruptured than when they were intact (78% [21/27] vs. 38% [6/16]; p=0.01); (6) the traditional criteria for the diagnosis of clinical chorioamnionitis had poor diagnostic performance in identifying proven intra-amniotic infection (overall accuracy, 40-58%); (7) neonatal bacteremia was diagnosed in 4.9% (2/41) of cases; and (8) a fetal inflammatory response defined as the presence of severe acute funisitis was observed in 33% (9/27) of cases. CONCLUSIONS Clinical chorioamnionitis at term, a syndrome that can result from intra-amniotic infection, was diagnosed in approximately 63% of cases and sterile intra-amniotic inflammation in 5% of cases. However, a substantial number of patients had no evidence of intra-amniotic infection or intra-amniotic inflammation. Evidence of the fetal inflammatory response syndrome was frequently present, but microorganisms were detected in only 4.9% of cases based on cultures of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria in neonatal blood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
- Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Percy Pacora
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Juan Pedro Kusanovic
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Center for Research and Innovation in Maternal-Fetal Medicine (CIMAF), Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sótero del Río Hospital, Santiago, Chile
| | - Eunjung Jung
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Bogdan Panaitescu
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Eli Maymon
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheba, Israel
| | - Offer Erez
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheba, Israel
| | - Susan Berman
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - David R. Bryant
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Nardhy Gomez-Lopez
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Kevin R. Theis
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
- Perinatal Research Initiative in Maternal, Perinatal and Child Health, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Gaurav Bhatti
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Chong Jai Kim
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Bo Hyun Yoon
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sonia S. Hassan
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
- Office of Women’s Health, Integrative Biosciences Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Chaur-Dong Hsu
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Lami Yeo
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Ramiro Diaz-Primera
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Julio Marin-Concha
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Kia Lannaman
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Ali Alhousseini
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, MI, USA
| | - Hunter Gomez-Roberts
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Aneesha Varrey
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Angel Garcia-Sanchez
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Pediatrics, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Maria Teresa Gervasi
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
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Elliott RO, He M. Unlocking the Power of Exosomes for Crossing Biological Barriers in Drug Delivery. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13010122. [PMID: 33477972 PMCID: PMC7835896 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13010122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the 2013 Nobel Prize was awarded for the discovery of vesicle trafficking, a subgroup of nanovesicles called exosomes has been driving the research field to a new regime for understanding cellular communication. This exosome-dominated traffic control system has increased understanding of many diseases, including cancer metastasis, diabetes, and HIV. In addition to the important diagnostic role, exosomes are particularly attractive for drug delivery, due to their distinctive properties in cellular information transfer and uptake. Compared to viral and non-viral synthetic systems, the natural, cell-derived exosomes exhibit intrinsic payload and bioavailability. Most importantly, exosomes easily cross biological barriers, obstacles that continue to challenge other drug delivery nanoparticle systems. Recent emerging studies have shown numerous critical roles of exosomes in many biological barriers, including the blood–brain barrier (BBB), blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB), blood–lymph barrier (BlyB), blood–air barrier (BAB), stromal barrier (SB), blood–labyrinth barrier (BLaB), blood–retinal barrier (BRB), and placental barrier (PB), which opens exciting new possibilities for using exosomes as the delivery platform. However, the systematic reviews summarizing such discoveries are still limited. This review covers state-of-the-art exosome research on crossing several important biological barriers with a focus on the current, accepted models used to explain the mechanisms of barrier crossing, including tight junctions. The potential to design and engineer exosomes to enhance delivery efficacy, leading to future applications in precision medicine and immunotherapy, is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah Omarkhail Elliott
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Bioengineering Program, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA;
| | - Mei He
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Bioengineering Program, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA;
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
- Correspondence:
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Stranik J, Kacerovsky M, Andrys C, Soucek O, Bolehovska R, Holeckova M, Matulova J, Jacobsson B, Musilova I. Intra-amniotic infection and sterile intra-amniotic inflammation are associated with elevated concentrations of cervical fluid interleukin-6 in women with spontaneous preterm labor with intact membranes. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2021; 35:4861-4869. [PMID: 33412979 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2020.1869932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the concentration of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the cervical fluid in women with spontaneous preterm labor with intact fetal membranes (PTL) complicated by intra-amniotic infection (the presence of both microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity and intra-amniotic inflammation), or sterile intra-amniotic inflammation (the presence of intra-amniotic inflammation alone). METHODS Eighty women with singleton pregnancies complicated by PTL between gestational ages 22 + 0 and 34 + 6 weeks were included in this retrospective cohort study. Samples of amniotic and cervical fluids were collected at the time of admission. Amniotic fluid samples were obtained via transabdominal amniocentesis, and cervical fluid was obtained using a Dacron polyester swab. Microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity was diagnosed based on the combination of culture and molecular biology methods. The concentration of IL-6 in the amniotic and cervical fluids were measured using an automated electrochemiluminescence immunoassay method. Intra-amniotic inflammation was defined as an amniotic fluid IL-6 concentration ≥3000 pg/mL. RESULTS The presence of intra-amniotic infection and sterile inflammation was identified in 15% (12/80) and 26% (21/80) of the women, respectively. Women with intra-amniotic infection (median: 587 pg/mL; p = .01) and with sterile intra-amniotic inflammation (median: 590 pg/mL; p = .005) had higher concentrations of IL-6 in the cervical fluid than those without intra-amniotic inflammation (intra-amniotic infection: median 587 pg/mL vs. without inflammation, median: 136 pg/mL; p = .01; sterile intra-amniotic inflammation, median: 590 pg/mL vs. without inflammation, p = .005). No differences were found in the concentrations of IL-6 in the cervical fluid between women with intra-amniotic infection and sterile intra-amniotic inflammation (p = .81). CONCLUSION In pregnancies with PTL, both forms of intra-amniotic inflammation are associated with elevated concentrations of IL-6 in the cervical fluid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaroslav Stranik
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Marian Kacerovsky
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.,Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Ctirad Andrys
- Institute of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Soucek
- Institute of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Radka Bolehovska
- Institute of Clinical Biochemistry and Diagnostics, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Magdalena Holeckova
- Institute of Clinical Biochemistry and Diagnostics, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Matulova
- Department of Social Medicine, Charles University, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Bo Jacobsson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Science, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Genetics and Bioinformatics, Domain of Health Data and Digitalization, Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ivana Musilova
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
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Block LN, Bowman BD, Schmidt JK, Keding LT, Stanic AK, Golos TG. The promise of placental extracellular vesicles: models and challenges for diagnosing placental dysfunction in utero†. Biol Reprod 2021; 104:27-57. [PMID: 32856695 PMCID: PMC7786267 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Monitoring the health of a pregnancy is of utmost importance to both the fetus and the mother. The diagnosis of pregnancy complications typically occurs after the manifestation of symptoms, and limited preventative measures or effective treatments are available. Traditionally, pregnancy health is evaluated by analyzing maternal serum hormone levels, genetic testing, ultrasonographic imaging, and monitoring maternal symptoms. However, researchers have reported a difference in extracellular vesicle (EV) quantity and cargo between healthy and at-risk pregnancies. Thus, placental EVs (PEVs) may help to understand normal and aberrant placental development, monitor pregnancy health in terms of developing placental pathologies, and assess the impact of environmental influences, such as infection, on pregnancy. The diagnostic potential of PEVs could allow for earlier detection of pregnancy complications via noninvasive sampling and frequent monitoring. Understanding how PEVs serve as a means of communication with maternal cells and recognizing their potential utility as a readout of placental health have sparked a growing interest in basic and translational research. However, to date, PEV research with animal models lags behind human studies. The strength of animal pregnancy models is that they can be used to assess placental pathologies in conjunction with isolation of PEVs from fluid samples at different time points throughout gestation. Assessing PEV cargo in animals within normal and complicated pregnancies will accelerate the translation of PEV analysis into the clinic for potential use in prognostics. We propose that appropriate animal models of human pregnancy complications must be established in the PEV field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey N Block
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Brittany D Bowman
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jenna Kropp Schmidt
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Logan T Keding
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Aleksandar K Stanic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Thaddeus G Golos
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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Para R, Romero R, Miller D, Panaitescu B, Varrey A, Chaiworapongsa T, Hassan SS, Hsu CD, Gomez-Lopez N. Human β-defensin-3 participates in intra-amniotic host defense in women with labor at term, spontaneous preterm labor and intact membranes, and preterm prelabor rupture of membranes. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2020; 33:4117-4132. [PMID: 30999788 PMCID: PMC6800590 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2019.1597047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2019] [Revised: 03/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Human β-defensin-3 (HBD-3) has a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity, and activity and, therefore, plays a central role in host defense mechanisms against infection. Herein, we determined whether HBD-3 was a physiological constituent of amniotic fluid during midtrimester and at term and whether the concentration of this defensin was increased in amniotic fluid of women with spontaneous preterm labor and intact membranes and those with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (pPROM) with intra-amniotic inflammation or intra-amniotic infection.Methods: Amniotic fluid was collected from 219 women in the following groups: (1) midtrimester who delivered at term (n = 35); (2) with or without spontaneous labor at term (n = 50); (3) spontaneous preterm labor with intact membranes who delivered at term (n = 29); (4) spontaneous preterm labor with intact membranes who delivered preterm with or without intra-amniotic inflammation or intra-amniotic infection (n = 69); and (5) pPROM with or without intra-amniotic infection (n = 36). Amniotic fluid HBD-3 concentrations were determined using a sensitive and specific ELISA kit.Results: (1) HBD-3 is a physiological constituent of amniotic fluid; (2) the amniotic fluid concentration of HBD-3 did not change with gestational age (midtrimester versus term not in labor); (3) amniotic fluid concentrations of HBD-3 were higher in women with spontaneous labor at term than in those without labor; (4) in the absence of intra-amniotic inflammation, amniotic fluid concentrations of HBD-3 were similar between women with spontaneous preterm labor who delivered preterm and those who delivered at term; (5) among patients with spontaneous preterm labor who delivered preterm, amniotic fluid concentrations of HBD-3 were greater in women with intra-amniotic infection than in those without this clinical condition; (6) among patients with spontaneous preterm labor, amniotic fluid concentrations of HBD-3 were higher in women with intra-amniotic inflammation or intra-amniotic infection who delivered preterm than in those without these clinical conditions who delivered at term; and (7) women with pPROM and intra-amniotic infection had higher median amniotic fluid concentrations of HBD-3 than those without this clinical condition.Conclusion: Human β-defensin-3 is a physiological constituent of amniotic fluid and increases during the process of labor at term. Amniotic fluid concentrations of HBD-3 were increased in women with spontaneous preterm labor with intact membranes or pPROM with intra-amniotic inflammation or intra-amniotic infection, indicating that this defensin participates in the host defense mechanisms in the amniotic cavity against microorganisms or danger signals. These findings provide insight into the soluble host defense mechanisms against intra-amniotic inflammation and intra-amniotic infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Para
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U S Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U S Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Derek Miller
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U S Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Bogdan Panaitescu
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U S Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Aneesha Varrey
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U S Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Tinnakorn Chaiworapongsa
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U S Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Sonia S. Hassan
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U S Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Chaur-Dong Hsu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Nardhy Gomez-Lopez
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U S Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Biochemistry, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
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Abstract
In this article, the authors provide a general overview of the major immune cells present at the maternal-fetal interface, describe the key mechanisms used by the placenta to promote maternal immune regulation, tolerance, and adaptation, and discuss how dysregulation of these pathways could lead to obstetric complications such as pregnancy loss and preeclampsia. Finally, they conclude with a description of the innate immune properties of the human placenta that not only serve to protect the pregnancy from infection but also contribute to pregnancy complications such as preterm birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mancy Tong
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, 310 Cedar Street, LSOG 309A, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Vikki M Abrahams
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, 310 Cedar Street, LSOG 305C, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
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36
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Saito Reis CA, Padron JG, Norman Ing ND, Kendal-Wright CE. High-mobility group box 1 is a driver of inflammation throughout pregnancy. Am J Reprod Immunol 2020; 85:e13328. [PMID: 32851715 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A proinflammatory response driven by high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is important for the success of both the early stages of pregnancy and parturition initiation. However, the tight regulation of HMGB1 within these two stages is critical, as increased HMGB1 can manifest into pregnancy-related pathologies. Although during the early stages of pregnancy HMGB1 is critical for the development and implantation of the embryo, and uterine decidualization, high levels within the uterine cavity have been linked to pregnancy failure. In addition, chronic inflammation, resultant from increased HMGB1 within the maternal circulation and gestational tissues, also increases the risk for preterm labor, preterm birth, or infant mortality. Due to the link between HMGB1 and several pregnancy pathologies, the possibility of leveraging HMGB1 as a biomarker has been assessed. However, data are limited that demonstrate how known HMGB1 inhibitors could reduce inflammation within pregnancy. Thus, further research is warranted to improve our understanding of the potential of HMGB1 as a therapeutic target to reduce inflammation within pregnancy. This review aims to describe what is understood about the role of HMGB1 that drives inflammation throughout pregnancy and highlight its potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target within this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea A Saito Reis
- Natural Science and Mathematics, Chaminade University of Honolulu, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Justin G Padron
- Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i at Manoā, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Nainoa D Norman Ing
- Natural Science and Mathematics, Chaminade University of Honolulu, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Claire E Kendal-Wright
- Natural Science and Mathematics, Chaminade University of Honolulu, Honolulu, HI, USA.,Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i at Manoā, Honolulu, HI, USA.,Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'I at Manoā, Honolulu, HI, USA
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37
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Green ES, Arck PC. Pathogenesis of preterm birth: bidirectional inflammation in mother and fetus. Semin Immunopathol 2020; 42:413-429. [PMID: 32894326 PMCID: PMC7508962 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-020-00807-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Preterm birth (PTB) complicates 5–18% of pregnancies globally and is a leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Most PTB is spontaneous and idiopathic, with largely undefined causes. To increase understanding of PTB, much research in recent years has focused on using animal models to recapitulate the pathophysiology of PTB. Dysfunctions of maternal immune adaptations have been implicated in a range of pregnancy pathologies, including PTB. A wealth of evidence arising from mouse models as well as human studies is now available to support that PTB results from a breakdown in fetal-maternal tolerance, along with excessive, premature inflammation. In this review, we examine the current knowledge of the bidirectional communication between fetal and maternal systems and its role in the immunopathogenesis of PTB. These recent insights significantly advance our understanding of the pathogenesis of PTB, which is essential to ultimately designing more effective strategies for early prediction and subsequent prevention of PTB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ella Shana Green
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, Laboratory for Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Petra Clara Arck
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, Laboratory for Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20251, Hamburg, Germany.
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38
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Kato M, Negishi Y, Shima Y, Kuwabara Y, Morita R, Takeshita T. Inappropriate activation of invariant natural killer T cells and antigen-presenting cells with the elevation of HMGB1 in preterm births without acute chorioamnionitis. Am J Reprod Immunol 2020; 85:e13330. [PMID: 32852122 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Acute chorioamnionitis (aCAM) associated with microbial infection is a primary cause of preterm birth (PB). However, recent studies have demonstrated that innate immunity and sterile inflammation are causes of PB in the absence of aCAM. Therefore, we analyzed immune cells in the decidua of early to moderate PB without aCAM. METHOD OF STUDY Deciduas were obtained from patients with PB at a gestational age of 24+0 to 33+6 weeks without aCAM in pathological diagnosis. The patients were divided into two groups as follows: patients with labor and/or rupture of membrane (ROM) (no aCAM with labor and/or ROM: nCAM-w-LR), and patients without labor and/or ROM (no aCAM without labor and/or ROM: nCAM-w/o-LR). The immune cells and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) levels in the decidua were analyzed using flow cytometry. Co-culture of CD56+ cells with dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages obtained from the decidua was also performed in the presence of HMGB1. RESULTS The nCAM-w-LR group demonstrated an accumulation of iNKT cells, and increased expression of HMGB1, TLR4, receptors for advanced glycation end products, and CD1d on DCs and macrophages. HMGB1 facilitated the proliferation of iNKT cells co-cultured with DCs and macrophages, which was found to be inhibited by heparin. CONCLUSIONS Inappropriate activation of innate immune cells and increased HMGB1 expression may represent parturition signs in human pregnancy. Therefore, control of these cells and HMGB1 antigenicity may be represent a potential therapeutic target for the prevention of PB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiko Kato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nippon Medical School Musashikosugi Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Negishi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Microbiology and immunology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshio Shima
- Department of Pediatrics, Nippon Medical School Musashikosugi Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yoshimitsu Kuwabara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Rimpei Morita
- Department of Microbiology and immunology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Takeshita
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
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39
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Negishi Y, Shima Y, Takeshita T, Morita R. Harmful and beneficial effects of inflammatory response on reproduction: sterile and pathogen-associated inflammation. Immunol Med 2020; 44:98-115. [PMID: 32838688 DOI: 10.1080/25785826.2020.1809951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In reproduction, inflammatory processes play important roles in the development of many pregnancy complications such as preterm labor/birth, recurrent pregnancy loss, recurrent implantation failure, and preeclampsia. Inflammation can be initiated by both microbial and non-microbial causes. Bacterial infection in the feto-maternal interface and uterus can provoke preterm labor/birth, miscarriage, and chronic endometritis. By contrast, inflammation without infection, or 'sterile inflammation,' can also lead to many kinds of complications, such as preterm labor/birth, miscarriage, or preeclampsia. Aberrant inflammation is facilitated by immune cells such as macrophages, dendritic cells, natural killer cells, and invariant natural killer T cells. In addition, cytokines, chemokines, and several kinds of inflammatory mediators are involved. On the other hand, appropriate inflammation is required for a successful offspring during the progression of the entire pregnancy. Herein, we discuss the relation between pregnancy and inflammation with immunological alterations. Understanding the role of inflammation in complications during pregnancy may establish new perspectives of the progress of normal pregnancy as well as treatments during pregnancy complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuyuki Negishi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshio Shima
- Department of Pediatrics, Nippon Medical School Musashikosugi Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Takeshita
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Rimpei Morita
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
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40
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Menon R, Behnia F, Polettini J, Richardson LS. Novel pathways of inflammation in human fetal membranes associated with preterm birth and preterm pre-labor rupture of the membranes. Semin Immunopathol 2020; 42:431-450. [PMID: 32785751 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-020-00808-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Spontaneous preterm birth (PTB) and preterm pre-labor rupture of the membranes (pPROM) are major pregnancy complications. Although PTB and pPROM have common etiologies, they arise from distinct pathophysiologic pathways. Inflammation is a common underlying mechanism in both conditions. Balanced inflammation is required for fetoplacental growth; however, overwhelming inflammation (physiologic at term and pathologic at preterm) can lead to term and preterm parturition. A lack of effective strategies to control inflammation and reduce the risk of PTB and pPROM suggests that there are several modes of the generation of inflammation which may be dependent on the type of uterine tissue. The avascular fetal membrane (amniochorion), which provides structure, support, and protection to the intrauterine cavity, is one of the key contributors of inflammation. Localized membrane inflammation helps tissue remodeling during pregnancy. Two unique mechanisms that generate balanced inflammation are the progressive development of senescence (aging) and cyclic cellular transitions: epithelial to mesenchymal (EMT) and mesenchymal to epithelial (MET). The intrauterine build-up of oxidative stress at term or in response to risk factors (preterm) can accelerate senescence and promote a terminal state of EMT, resulting in the accumulation of inflammation. Inflammation degrades the matrix and destabilizes membrane function. Inflammatory mediators from damaged membranes are propagated via extracellular vesicles (EV) to maternal uterine tissues and transition quiescent maternal uterine tissues into an active state of labor. Membrane inflammation and its propagation are fetal signals that may promote parturition. This review summarizes the mechanisms of fetal membrane cellular senescence, transitions, and the generation of inflammation that contributes to term and preterm parturitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramkumar Menon
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Perinatal Research Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine & Perinatal Research, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, MRB 11.138, 301 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX, 77555-1062, USA.
| | - Faranak Behnia
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, UT Health, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jossimara Polettini
- Universidade Federal da Fronteira Sul, Campus Passo Fundo, Rua Capitão Araujo, 20, Centro, Passo Fundo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Lauren S Richardson
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Perinatal Research Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine & Perinatal Research, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, MRB 11.138, 301 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX, 77555-1062, USA
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41
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Gomez-Lopez N, Romero R, Garcia-Flores V, Leng Y, Miller D, Hassan SS, Hsu CD, Panaitescu B. Inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome can prevent sterile intra-amniotic inflammation, preterm labor/birth, and adverse neonatal outcomes†. Biol Reprod 2020; 100:1306-1318. [PMID: 30596885 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Sterile intra-amniotic inflammation is commonly observed in patients with spontaneous preterm labor, a syndrome that commonly precedes preterm birth, the leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. However, the mechanisms leading to sterile intra-amniotic inflammation are poorly understood and no treatment exists for this clinical condition. Herein, we investigated whether the alarmin S100B could induce sterile intra-amniotic inflammation by activating the NLRP3 inflammasome, and whether the inhibition of this pathway could prevent preterm labor/birth and adverse neonatal outcomes. We found that the ultrasound-guided intra-amniotic administration of S100B induced a 50% rate of preterm labor/birth and a high rate of neonatal mortality (59.7%) without altering the fetal and placental weights. Using a multiplex cytokine array and immunoblotting, we reported that S100B caused a proinflammatory response in the amniotic cavity and induced the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in the fetal membranes, indicated by the upregulation of the NLRP3 protein and increased release of active caspase-1 and mature IL-1β. Inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome via the specific inhibitor MCC950 prevented preterm labor/birth by 35.7% and reduced neonatal mortality by 26.7%. Yet, inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome at term did not drastically obstruct the physiological process of parturition. In conclusion, the data presented herein indicate that the alarmin S100B can induce sterile intra-amniotic inflammation, preterm labor/birth, and adverse neonatal outcomes by activating the NLRP3 inflammasome, which can be prevented by inhibiting such a pathway. These findings provide evidence that sterile intra-amniotic inflammation could be treated by targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nardhy Gomez-Lopez
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA.,Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Biochemistry, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA.,Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Valeria Garcia-Flores
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Yaozhu Leng
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Derek Miller
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Sonia S Hassan
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA.,Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Chaur-Dong Hsu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA.,Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Bogdan Panaitescu
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
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Gomez-Lopez N, Arenas-Hernandez M, Romero R, Miller D, Garcia-Flores V, Leng Y, Xu Y, Galaz J, Hassan SS, Hsu CD, Tse H, Sanchez-Torres C, Done B, Tarca AL. Regulatory T Cells Play a Role in a Subset of Idiopathic Preterm Labor/Birth and Adverse Neonatal Outcomes. Cell Rep 2020; 32:107874. [PMID: 32640239 PMCID: PMC7396155 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.107874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been exhaustively investigated during early pregnancy; however, their role later in gestation is poorly understood. Herein, we report that functional Tregs are reduced at the maternal-fetal interface in a subset of women with idiopathic preterm labor/birth, which is accompanied by a concomitant increase in Tc17 cells. In mice, depletion of functional Tregs during late gestation induces preterm birth and adverse neonatal outcomes, which are rescued by the adoptive transfer of such cells. Treg depletion does not alter obstetrical parameters in the mother, yet it increases susceptibility to endotoxin-induced preterm birth. The mechanisms whereby depletion of Tregs induces adverse perinatal outcomes involve tissue-specific immune responses and mild systemic maternal inflammation, together with dysregulation of developmental and cellular processes in the placenta, in the absence of intra-amniotic inflammation. These findings provide mechanistic evidence supporting a role for Tregs in the pathophysiology of idiopathic preterm labor/birth and adverse neonatal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nardhy Gomez-Lopez
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Biochemistry, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
| | - Marcia Arenas-Hernandez
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; Departamento de Biomedicina Molecular, Centro de Investigacion y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Mexico City 07360, Mexico
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Derek Miller
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Valeria Garcia-Flores
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Yaozhu Leng
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Yi Xu
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Jose Galaz
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Sonia S Hassan
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Chaur-Dong Hsu
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Harley Tse
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Biochemistry, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Carmen Sanchez-Torres
- Departamento de Biomedicina Molecular, Centro de Investigacion y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Mexico City 07360, Mexico
| | - Bogdan Done
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Adi L Tarca
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; Department of Computer Science, Wayne State University College of Engineering, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
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Bouvier D, Giguère Y, Blanchon L, Bujold E, Pereira B, Bernard N, Gallot D, Sapin V, Forest JC. Study of sRAGE, HMGB1, AGE, and S100A8/A9 Concentrations in Plasma and in Serum-Extracted Extracellular Vesicles of Pregnant Women With Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes. Front Physiol 2020; 11:609. [PMID: 32655405 PMCID: PMC7324632 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), defined as rupture of fetal membranes prior to 37 weeks of gestation, complicates approximately 2–4% of pregnancies and is responsible for 40% of all spontaneous preterm births. PPROM arises from complex pathophysiological pathways with a key actor: inflammation. Sterile inflammation is a feature of senescence-associated fetal membrane maturity. During specific steps of sterile inflammation, cells also release highly inflammatory damage-associated molecular pattern markers (DAMPs), such as high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) or S100A8/A9, known to link and activate the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE). The objective of this study was to measure longitudinally during pregnancy concentrations of the soluble form of RAGE (sRAGE) and its main ligands (AGE, HMGB1, S100A8/A9) in blood specimens. We studied 246 pregnant women (82 with PPROM and 164 matched control pregnant women without complications) from a cohort of 7,866 pregnant women recruited in the first trimester and followed during pregnancy until delivery. sRAGE, AGE, HMGB1, and S100A8/A9 concentrations were measured in plasma and in serum-extracted extracellular vesicles from first trimester (T1), second trimester (T2), and delivery (D). In plasma, we observed, in both PPROM and control groups, (i) a significant increase of HMGB1 concentrations between T1 vs. T2, T1 vs. D, but not between T2 vs. D; (ii) a significant decrease of sRAGE concentrations between T1 and T2 and a significant increase between T2 and D; (iii) a significant decrease of AGE from T1 to D; (iv) no significant variation of S100A8/A9 between trimesters. In intergroup comparisons (PPROM vs. control group), there were no significant differences in time variation taking into account the matching effects. There was a correlation between plasma and serum-extracted extracellular vesicle concentrations of sRAGE, AGE, HMGB1, and S100A8/A9. Our results suggest that the rupture of fetal membranes (physiological or premature) is accompanied by a variation in plasma concentrations of sRAGE, HMGB1, and AGE. The study of RAGE and its main ligands in extracellular vesicles did not give additional insight into the pathophysiological process conducting to PPROM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien Bouvier
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetic Department, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France.,Faculty of Medicine, CNRS 6293, INSERM 1103, GReD, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Yves Giguère
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Québec-Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada.,Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Loïc Blanchon
- Faculty of Medicine, CNRS 6293, INSERM 1103, GReD, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Emmanuel Bujold
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Québec-Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Bruno Pereira
- Biostatistics Unit Direction de la Recherche Clinique et des Innovations (DRCI), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Nathalie Bernard
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Québec-Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Denis Gallot
- Faculty of Medicine, CNRS 6293, INSERM 1103, GReD, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Vincent Sapin
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetic Department, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France.,Faculty of Medicine, CNRS 6293, INSERM 1103, GReD, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Jean-Claude Forest
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Québec-Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada.,Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
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Padron JG, Saito Reis CA, Kendal-Wright CE. The Role of Danger Associated Molecular Patterns in Human Fetal Membrane Weakening. Front Physiol 2020; 11:602. [PMID: 32625109 PMCID: PMC7311766 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The idea that cellular stress (including that precipitated by stretch), plays a significant role in the mechanisms initiating parturition, has gained considerable traction over the last decade. One key consequence of this cellular stress is the increased production of Danger Associated Molecular Patterns (DAMPs). This diverse family of molecules are known to initiate inflammation through their interaction with Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRRs) including, Toll-like receptors (TLRs). TLRs are the key innate immune system surveillance receptors that detect Pathogen Associated Molecular Patterns (PAMPs) during bacterial and viral infection. This is also seen during Chorioamnionitis. The activation of TLR commonly results in the activation of the pro-inflammatory transcription factor Nuclear Factor Kappa-B (NF-kB) and the downstream production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. It is thought that in the human fetal membranes both DAMPs and PAMPs are able, perhaps via their interaction with PRRs and the induction of their downstream inflammatory cascades, to lead to both tissue remodeling and weakening. Due to the high incidence of infection-driven Pre-Term Birth (PTB), including those that have preterm Premature Rupture of the Membranes (pPROM), the role of TLR in fetal membranes with Chorioamnionitis has been the subject of considerable study. Most of the work in this field has focused on the effect of PAMPs on whole pieces of fetal membrane and the resultant inflammatory cascade. This is important to understand, in order to develop novel prevention, detection, and therapeutic approaches, which aim to reduce the high number of mothers suffering from infection driven PTB, including those with pPROM. Studying the role of sterile inflammation driven by these endogenous ligands (DAMPs) activating PRRs system in the mesenchymal and epithelial cells in the amnion is important. These cells are key for the maintenance of the integrity and strength of the human fetal membranes. This review aims to (1) summarize the knowledge to date pertinent to the role of DAMPs and PRRs in fetal membrane weakening and (2) discuss the clinical potential brought by a better understanding of these pathways by pathway manipulation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin G Padron
- Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, United States
| | - Chelsea A Saito Reis
- Natural Science and Mathematics, Chaminade University of Honolulu, Honolulu, HI, United States
| | - Claire E Kendal-Wright
- Natural Science and Mathematics, Chaminade University of Honolulu, Honolulu, HI, United States.,Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, United States
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45
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Gomez-Lopez N, Motomura K, Miller D, Garcia-Flores V, Galaz J, Romero R. Inflammasomes: Their Role in Normal and Complicated Pregnancies. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 203:2757-2769. [PMID: 31740550 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1900901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Inflammasomes are cytoplasmic multiprotein complexes that coordinate inflammatory responses, including those that take place during pregnancy. Inflammasomes and their downstream mediators caspase-1 and IL-1β are expressed by gestational tissues (e.g., the placenta and chorioamniotic membranes) during normal pregnancy. Yet, only the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in the chorioamniotic membranes has been partially implicated in the sterile inflammatory process of term parturition. In vivo and ex vivo studies have consistently shown that the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome is a mechanism whereby preterm labor and birth occur in the context of microbial- or alarmin-induced inflammation. In the placenta, the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome is involved in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia and other pregnancy syndromes associated with placental inflammation. This evidence suggests that inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome or its downstream mediators may foster the development of novel anti-inflammatory therapies for the prevention or treatment of pregnancy complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nardhy Gomez-Lopez
- Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Development, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD 20892, and Detroit, MI 48201; .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201.,Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201
| | - Kenichiro Motomura
- Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Development, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD 20892, and Detroit, MI 48201.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201
| | - Derek Miller
- Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Development, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD 20892, and Detroit, MI 48201.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201
| | - Valeria Garcia-Flores
- Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Development, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD 20892, and Detroit, MI 48201.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201
| | - Jose Galaz
- Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Development, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD 20892, and Detroit, MI 48201.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Development, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD 20892, and Detroit, MI 48201.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824.,Center for Molecular Obstetrics and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201.,Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, MI 48201; and.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199
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Stranik J, Kacerovsky M, Vescicik P, Faist T, Jacobsson B, Musilova I. A rodent model of intra-amniotic inflammation/infection, induced by the administration of inflammatory agent in a gestational sac, associated with preterm delivery: a systematic review. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2020; 35:1592-1600. [PMID: 32349576 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2020.1757063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Background: Rodents are the most commonly used animals in the study of spontaneous preterm delivery (PTD). Intra-amniotic inflammation/infection is a frequent and important cause of PTD. Intraperitoneal and intrauterine administrations of inflammatory agents are traditional methods to establish a rodent model of PTD associated with inflammation and infection. The intra-amniotic administration of inflammatory or infectious triggering agents to rodents can be useful to study not only intra-amniotic inflammatory response but also PTD associated with intra-amniotic inflammation/infection.Objective: This systematic review aimed mainly to assess and analyze all described methods of intra-amniotic administration of infectious and/or inflammatory agents to create a rodent model of intra-amniotic inflammation associated with PTD.Methods: A literature search through two electronic databases from their earliest entries to February 2019 was performed. The selection criteria were as follows: (1) rodents as model animals, (2) a model of intra-amniotic inflammation/infection associated with PTD, and (3) intra-amniotic administration of triggering agents. Data extraction included specification of the study (author and year of publication), characteristics of study animals (species, strain, and number of animals), characteristics of intervention (timing and used technique), substance used for induction of intra-amniotic inflammation/infection, and outcome assessment.Results: The search identified a total of 4673 articles, of which 118 were selected for full-text reading, but only 13 studies were included in the review. Intra-amniotic administration was used only in the articles that were published beyond 2004. Two different approaches were identified: (1) open surgery with direct puncture of the amniotic sacs and (2) transabdominal ultrasound-guided puncture of the gestational sacs. Live microorganisms (Ureaplasma parvum), bacterial products (extracellular membrane vesicles), and pathogen-associated (lipopolysaccharide) and damage-associated molecular patterns (high mobility group box-1, S100B, and surfactant protein A) were used to simulate intra-amniotic inflammation/infection. Differences in the effect on intra-amniotic inflammation/infection associated with PTD in the mouse model were identified among triggering agents. Intra-amniotic application of lipopolysaccharide in the rat model caused intra-amniotic inflammation, but it did not lead to PTD.Conclusion: The intra-amniotic administration of the triggering agents can be used to study intra-amniotic inflammatory response and intra-amniotic inflammation/infection in the rodents model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaroslav Stranik
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Marian Kacerovsky
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.,Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Peter Vescicik
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Faist
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Bo Jacobsson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Genetics and Bioinformatics, Domain of Health Data and Digitalisation, Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ivana Musilova
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
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Triggs T, Kumar S, Mitchell M. Experimental drugs for the inhibition of preterm labor. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2020; 29:507-523. [PMID: 32290715 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2020.1752661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Preterm birth is the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality globally and poses a substantial economic burden. Consequently, there is a need for the identification of therapeutic targets and novel experimental drugs for the inhibition of preterm labor to improve neonatal outcomes. AREAS COVERED The authors review the pathophysiology of labor and the inflammatory pathways underpinning it. The interruption of these pathways forms the basis of therapeutic targets to inhibit preterm labor. Current drugs available for the treatment of preterm labor are reviewed, followed by experimental drugs including toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) antagonists, cytokine suppressive anti-inflammatory drugs (CSAIDs), N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), Sulfasalazine (SSZ), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) antagonists, interleukin-1 receptor (IL-1) inhibitors, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and lipid metabolites, and the polyphenols. EXPERT OPINION A number of new therapeutic strategies for the prevention of preterm labor are being investigated. These have the potential to improve neurodevelopmental outcomes and survival in babies born preterm, reducing the economic and healthcare costs of caring for the complex needs of these children in the immediate and long term. It is likely that over the next decade there will be a new treatment option that targets the pathological inflammatory processes involved in preterm labor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tegan Triggs
- Women's & Newborn Services, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital , Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sailesh Kumar
- Women's & Newborn Services, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital , Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Murray Mitchell
- Women's & Newborn Services, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital , Herston, Queensland, Australia
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Robertson SA, Hutchinson MR, Rice KC, Chin PY, Moldenhauer LM, Stark MJ, Olson DM, Keelan JA. Targeting Toll-like receptor-4 to tackle preterm birth and fetal inflammatory injury. Clin Transl Immunology 2020; 9:e1121. [PMID: 32313651 PMCID: PMC7156293 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Every year, 15 million pregnancies end prematurely, resulting in more than 1 million infant deaths and long-term health consequences for many children. The physiological processes of labour and birth involve essential roles for immune cells and pro-inflammatory cytokines in gestational tissues. There is compelling evidence that the mechanisms underlying spontaneous preterm birth are initiated when a premature and excessive inflammatory response is triggered by infection or other causes. Exposure to pro-inflammatory mediators is emerging as a major factor in the 'fetal inflammatory response syndrome' that often accompanies preterm birth, where unscheduled effects in fetal tissues interfere with normal development and predispose to neonatal morbidity. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are critical upstream gatekeepers of inflammatory activation. TLR4 is prominently involved through its ability to sense and integrate signals from a range of microbial and endogenous triggers to provoke and perpetuate inflammation. Preclinical studies have identified TLR4 as an attractive pharmacological target to promote uterine quiescence and protect the fetus from inflammatory injury. Novel small-molecule inhibitors of TLR4 signalling, specifically the non-opioid receptor antagonists (+)-naloxone and (+)-naltrexone, are proving highly effective in animal models for preventing preterm birth induced by bacterial mimetic LPS, heat-killed Escherichia coli, or the TLR4-dependent pro-inflammatory lipid, platelet-activating factor (PAF). Here, we summarise the rationale for targeting TLR4 as a master regulator of inflammation in fetal and gestational tissues, and the potential utility of TLR4 antagonists as candidates for preventative and therapeutic application in preterm delivery and fetal inflammatory injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Robertson
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School University of Adelaide Adelaide SA Australia
| | - Mark R Hutchinson
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School University of Adelaide Adelaide SA Australia.,ARC Centre for Nanoscale Biophotonics and Adelaide Medical School University of Adelaide Adelaide SA Australia
| | - Kenner C Rice
- Drug Design and Synthesis Section National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism National Institutes of Health Rockville MD USA
| | - Peck-Yin Chin
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School University of Adelaide Adelaide SA Australia
| | - Lachlan M Moldenhauer
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School University of Adelaide Adelaide SA Australia
| | - Michael J Stark
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School University of Adelaide Adelaide SA Australia
| | - David M Olson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Physiology and Pediatrics 220 HMRC University of Alberta Edmonton AB Canada
| | - Jeffrey A Keelan
- Division of Obstetrics & Gynaecology University of Western Australia Perth WA Australia
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Exploring Inflammatory Mediators in Fetal and Maternal Compartments During Human Parturition. Obstet Gynecol 2020; 134:765-773. [PMID: 31503157 DOI: 10.1097/aog.0000000000003470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine inflammatory mediators in three fetomaternal biological compartments to inform theory related to the fetal and maternal inflammatory contributions to parturition at term and preterm. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study of amniotic fluid, cord blood, and maternal plasma from women with singleton pregnancies. Women had one of four conditions: term labor (n=11), term not in labor (n=13), spontaneous preterm birth with intact membranes (preterm birth; n=13), or preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM; n=8). We measured two damage-associated molecular pattern markers (high-mobility group box-1 [HMGB1] and uric acid) and two acute phase response markers (interleukin [IL]-6 and C-reactive protein [CRP]) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The distribution of each analyte within amniotic fluid, cord blood, and maternal plasma across the four conditions (term not in labor, term labor, preterm birth, and preterm PROM) were calculated. To explore whether there were distributional differences in each analyte across each of the four labor conditions, we used a nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test. For analytes that differed across groups, we further compared distributions by labor group (term labor vs term not in labor, and preterm PROM vs preterm birth). RESULTS Fetal compartments (amniotic fluid and cord blood) showed higher HMGB1 in term labor vs term not in labor and preterm PROM vs preterm birth. Amniotic fluid IL-6, cord blood CRP and cord blood uric acid were higher in term vs term not in labor. Cord blood uric acid was higher in preterm PROM vs preterm birth. Only maternal plasma IL-6 was higher in term labor vs term not in labor. CONCLUSION Accumulation of HMGB1 and an overall increase in inflammation observed on the fetal side, but not the maternal side, may be signals of parturition. Understanding fetal-derived proparturition inflammatory signals at term and preterm, especially in preterm PROM, might provide fetal-specific biomarkers and identify underlying mechanisms and targets for interventions to reduce the risk of preterm birth and preterm PROM.
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50
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Bhatti G, Romero R, Rice GE, Fitzgerald W, Pacora P, Gomez-Lopez N, Kavdia M, Tarca AL, Margolis L. Compartmentalized profiling of amniotic fluid cytokines in women with preterm labor. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0227881. [PMID: 31945128 PMCID: PMC6964819 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Amniotic fluid cytokines have been implicated in the mechanisms of preterm labor and birth. Cytokines can be packaged within or on the surface of extracellular vesicles. The main aim of this study was to test whether the protein abundance internal to and on the surface of extracellular vesicles changes in the presence of sterile intra-amniotic inflammation and proven intra-amniotic infection in women with preterm labor as compared to the women with preterm labor without either intra-amniotic inflammation or proven intra-amniotic infection. Study design Women who had an episode of preterm labor and underwent an amniocentesis for the diagnosis of intra-amniotic infection or intra-amniotic inflammation were classified into three groups: 1) preterm labor without either intra-amniotic inflammation or proven intra-amniotic infection, 2) preterm labor with sterile intra-amniotic inflammation, and 3) preterm labor with intra-amniotic infection. The concentrations of 38 proteins were determined on the extracellular vesicle surface, within the vesicles, and in the soluble fraction of amniotic fluid. Results 1) Intra-amniotic inflammation, regardless of detected microbes, was associated with an increased abundance of amniotic fluid cytokines on the extracellular vesicle surface, within vesicles, and in the soluble fraction. These changes were most prominent in women with proven intra-amniotic infection. 2) Cytokine changes on the surface of extracellular vesicles were correlated with those determined in the soluble fraction; yet the magnitude of the increase was significantly different between these compartments. 3) The performance of prediction models of early preterm delivery based on measurements on the extracellular vesicle surface was equivalent to those based on the soluble fraction. Conclusions Differential packaging of amniotic fluid cytokines in extracellular vesicles during preterm labor with sterile intra-amniotic inflammation or proven intra-amniotic infection is reported herein for the first time. The current study provides insights into the biology of the intra-amniotic fluid ad may aid in the development of biomarkers for obstetrical disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaurav Bhatti
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wayne State University College of Engineering, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail: (RR); (GER); (ALT)
| | - Gregory Edward Rice
- Centre for Clinical Research, University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
- * E-mail: (RR); (GER); (ALT)
| | - Wendy Fitzgerald
- Section on Intercellular Interactions, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Percy Pacora
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Nardhy Gomez-Lopez
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Mahendra Kavdia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wayne State University College of Engineering, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Adi L. Tarca
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Computer Science, Wayne State University College of Engineering, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- * E-mail: (RR); (GER); (ALT)
| | - Leonid Margolis
- Section on Intercellular Interactions, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
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