Article
Immunology
Gemma Sullivan, Paola Galdi, Nis Borbye-Lorenzen, David Q. Stoye, Gillian J. Lamb, Margaret J. Evans, Kristin Skogstrand, Siddharthan Chandran, James P. Boardman
Summary: The study reveals that preterm infants have a different umbilical cord blood immune profile compared to term-born infants, and preterm infants exposed to HCA show specific alterations in immune function apparent on day 5 postnatal life.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Zacharias Fasoulakis, Antonios Koutras, Thomas Ntounis, Panos Antsaklis, Marianna Theodora, Asimina Valsamaki, George Daskalakis, Emmanuel N. Kontomanolis
Summary: Inflammation is directly responsible for or contributes to 50% of all premature deliveries, with chorioamnionitis being the root cause of persistent inflammation in preterm newborns. Inflammation also plays a critical role in the development of various conditions in neonates, including necrotizing enterocolitis, retinopathy of prematurity, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, intraventricular hemorrhage, and periventricular leukomalacia. The immature immune systems of premature infants are easily disrupted, leading to exposure to different antigens and detrimental implications for their health.
Article
Immunology
Yasuyuki Negishi, Yoshio Shima, Masahiko Kato, Tomoko Ichikawa, Hajime Ino, Yumi Horii, Shunji Suzuki, Rimpei Morita
Summary: Preterm birth is a common complication during pregnancy and has a significant impact on neonatal health. It can be caused by both infections and sterile inflammation. Sterile inflammation, induced by cellular damage, triggers an inflammatory response and has been associated with various pregnancy complications.
JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Soo Ran Choi, Taehee Kim, Yejeong Kim, Sugyung Jung, Suk Jin Choi
Summary: The study demonstrates a significant association between elevated MMP-8 levels in oral fluid obtained after birth and acute histologic chorioamnionitis (HCA) in preterm deliveries. It suggests that measuring MMP-8 in oral fluid may serve as a potential predictor of HCA in preterm newborns.
REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Pediatrics
Christina L. Herrera, Priyanka S. Kadari, Jessica E. Pruszynski, Imran Mir
Summary: Maternal infection does not appear to be directly linked to neurodevelopmental impairment or death at 2 years of age in extremely preterm infants. However, acute histologic chorioamnionitis is associated with this outcome, suggesting the need for further research into the impact of infection and immune response on outcomes in extremely preterm infants.
PEDIATRIC RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Xiao-tian Ni, Wang-sheng Wang, Yun Liu, Yi-kai Lin, Fan Zhang, Wen-jia Lei, Li-jun Ling, Fan Pan, Ya-nan Zhu, Meng-die Li, Tao Duan, Ming Liu, Kang Sun
Summary: This study demonstrates that bradykinin peptides are present in human amnion and are involved in the regulation of PTGS2 expression and PGE2 production in human amnion fibroblasts at both term and preterm birth, and this effect may be enhanced by infection.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Soo Ran Choi, Suk Jin Choi
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the association between secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) levels in afterbirth oral fluid (AOF) of the baby and acute histologic chorioamnionitis (HC). The results showed that SLPI levels in AOF decreased as the intensity of acute HC increased. These findings could be helpful in predicting acute HC immediately after birth.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Jason Phung, Carol A. Wang, Jocelyn Reeders, Eng-Cheng Chan, Carlos Riveros, Tamas Zakar, Jonathan W. Paul, Craig E. Pennell, Roger Smith
Summary: The study found that gene expression patterns in preterm uterine contractions are different from term labor, suggesting preterm labor may have different initiation processes compared to term labor.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Iseop Cho, Kyong-No Lee, Eunwook Joo, Yu Mi Kim, Tae Eun Kim, Kyo Hoon Park
Summary: This study identified E-selectin and kallistatin as potential plasma biomarkers associated with acute HCA in women with PPROM. Their combined analysis with serum CRP and WBC counts significantly improved acute HCA diagnosis.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Jason Phung, Carol Wang, Jocelyn Reeders, Tamas Zakar, Jonathan W. Paul, Sonika Tyagi, Craig E. Pennell, Roger Smith
Summary: This study aimed to comprehensively determine the protein-coding transcriptomic differences between preterm nonlaboring and preterm laboring myometria with and without chorioamnionitis. The results showed that myometria from preterm patients in labor without chorioamnionitis and preterm patients not in labor were transcriptionally similar, while the presence of chorioamnionitis was associated with marked gene changes. Comprehensive bioinformatic analysis indicated that preterm labor with or without chorioamnionitis was associated with innate immune activation.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Aashray Singareddy, Ashley S. E. Lee, Patrick L. Sweeney, Abigael E. Finkle, Howard L. Williams, Paula M. Buchanan, Noah H. Hillman, Joyce M. Koenig
Summary: The study found that NLR values in preterm neonates at 0-12 hours and 13-24 hours after birth predicted the occurrence of fetal chorioamnionitis better than chance, potentially identifying high-risk preterm neonates.
JOURNAL OF PERINATOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Pediatrics
Xiaoli Wang, Haiyuan Li, Qianqian Zhang, Qianwen Shen, Dan Zhu, Hong Li, Zheng Tang, Jiuru Zhao, Zhiwei Liu
Summary: This study found that exposure to histological chorioamnionitis (HCA) in preterm children is associated with an increased risk of wheezing. However, there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of other outcomes.
Article
Immunology
Kyong-No Lee, Iseop Cho, Eun Mi Im, Eunji Oh, Kyo Hoon Park
Summary: This study found that IGFBP-1, Fas, kallistatin, and P-selectin are associated with acute HCA and microbial-associated HCA in women with PTL. Their combined use can significantly improve the diagnostic ability for the detection of microbial-associated HCA.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Nikola Jovic, Marija Milovanovic, Jovana Joksimovic Jovic, Marija Bicanin Ilic, Dejana Rakic, Vladimir Milenkovic, Bojana Stojanovic, Jelena Milovanovic, Aleksandar Arsenijevic, Nebojsa Arsenijevic, Mirjana Varjacic
Summary: This study investigated the protein expression of Gal-3, NLRP3, and IL-1 beta in the maternal-fetal interface, finding significantly higher levels in preterm birth (PTB) cases compared to term birth (TB) cases. The expression of Gal-3 and IL-1 beta correlated with inflammation parameters in maternal and fetal blood, indicating a potential role in regulating inflammatory processes during labor.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Viral G. Jain, Julia E. Kline, Lili He, Beth M. Kline-Fath, Mekibib Altaye, Louis J. Muglia, Emily A. DeFranco, Namasivayam Ambalavanan, Nehal A. Parikh
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the independent risk of chorioamnionitis for neurodevelopmental impairments in premature infants. The results showed that premature infants exposed to acute histologic chorioamnionitis had higher brain abnormality scores on magnetic resonance imaging compared to those with no or mild chorioamnionitis exposure. Magnetic resonance imaging metrics such as brain tissue volume and sulcal depth were also associated with chorioamnionitis.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Kristen R. Moore, Meena Tomar, Brandie D. Taylor, Scott E. Gygax, David W. Hilbert, Donna D. Baird
Summary: The prevalence of Mycoplasma genitalium was found to be 18% among African American women aged 23-35 years old. Specific BV-associated microbes, including Leptotrichia/Sneathia and Megasphaera phylotype 1, were significantly associated with a higher prevalence of M. genitalium. Increased quantity of L. iners was also positively associated with M. genitalium, while Nugent score, herpes serostatus, and lifetime number of sex partners showed no association. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and understand the interactions between M. genitalium and other vaginal bacteria in African American women.
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Inyang Uwak, Natalie Olson, Angelica Fuentes, Megan Moriarty, Jairus Pulczinski, Juleen Lam, Xiaohui Xu, Brandie D. Taylor, Samuel Taiwo, Kirsten Koehler, Margaret Foster, Weihsueh A. Chiu, Natalie M. Johnson
Summary: Numerous studies have shown an inverse association between prenatal exposure to PM2.5 and low birth weight, with an increase in PM2.5 exposure related to a decrease in birth weight. On the other hand, the evidence for the impact of PM10 on birth weight is moderate and the quality of evidence for coarse PM is rated as very low/low, primarily due to heterogeneity and risk of bias.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Hend I. Shahin, Enkhtuya Radnaa, Ourlad Alzeus G. Tantengco, Talar Kechichian, Ananth Kumar Kammala, Samantha Sheller-Miller, Brandie D. Taylor, Ramkumar Menon
Summary: Fetal cells-derived exosomes and microvesicles produced under oxidative stress exhibit unique cargo and inflammatory properties, playing a role in feto-maternal communication and potentially contributing to the initiation of parturition by inducing inflammation in uterine cells.
BIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Brandie DePaoli Taylor, Michael F. Criscitiello, Tyne Hernandez, Brooke Norwood, Akaninyene Noah, Fuller W. Bazer
Summary: This study investigates the relationship between IFN epsilon and preterm birth by measuring its levels and suggests a possible association between IFN epsilon and medically indicated preterm birth, particularly in cases of preterm preeclampsia. These preliminary findings suggest a need for larger longitudinal studies.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Kristen R. Moore, Quaker E. Harmon, Shanshan Zhao, Brandie D. Taylor, Donna D. Baird
Summary: This study found no evidence to support the hypothesis that bacterial vaginosis (BV) increases the risk of uterine fibroid incidence or growth, and BV does not play a role in the high burden of fibroids in Black women.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Christine T. Bozlak, Qiana L. Brown, Renee Davis, Rachel de Long, Melissa M. Howard, Teri E. Lassiter, Maria J. Perez-Patron, Brandie DePaoli Taylor, Renee Turchi, Michelle Menser Tissue
Summary: Maternal and child health is an important field in public health that requires further training and investment. Recent assessments in the United States show a significant shortage of MCH public health professionals in the near future. To address this gap, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services initiated the MCH Catalyst Program to support the establishment of MCH training programs in accredited schools of public health. This article discusses the achievements and lessons learned from the first five grantees of the MCH Catalyst Program.
MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Akaninyene Noah, Ashley Hill, Maria J. Perez-Patron, Abbey B. Berenson, Camilla R. Comeaux, Brandie D. Taylor
Summary: This study examined the association between foreign-born status and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in a cohort of expecting mothers. The findings showed that foreign-born women had a lower risk of STI diagnosis. Stratified analysis by race/ethnicity revealed that foreign-born status did not reduce the risk of STIs among Hispanic women, but it did reduce the risk among Black women. Furthermore, STIs increased the risk of adverse birth outcomes among US-born Black women, but not among US-born Hispanic women.
REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Brandie DePaoli Taylor, Ashley Hill, Maria J. Perez-Patron, Catherine L. Haggerty, Enrique F. Schisterman, Ashley Naimi, Akaninyene Noah, Camillia R. Comeaux
Summary: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are associated with sexually transmitted infections, particularly Chlamydia and gonorrhea, which may increase the risk of severe preeclampsia.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Lauren S. Richardson, Nkechinyere Emezienna, Irina Burd, Brandie D. Taylor, Morgan R. Peltier, Arum Han, Ramkumar Menon
Summary: A study using an organ-on-chip model has found that race/ethnicity differences play a role in perinatal brain injury, but the fetal sex of neonates does not affect susceptibility to intraamniotic inflammation leading to neuroinflammation.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Sarah Kaitlyn Hooks, Olayinka Abiodun-Ojo, Akaninyene Noah, Ashley Hill, Maria J. Perez-Patron, Ramkumar Menon, Brandie DePaoli Taylor
Summary: Fetal sex may interact with maternal obesity to affect the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus and preterm birth.
REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Elizabeth A. DeVilbiss, Alexandra C. Purdue-Smithe, Lindsey A. Sjaarda, Brandie D. Taylor, Joshua R. Freeman, Neil J. Perkins, Robert M. Silver, Enrique F. Schisterman, Sunni L. Mumford
Summary: We examined the association between preconception adiposity and offspring sex and sex ratio. Among women attempting pregnancy, higher levels of adiposity were associated with reduced sex ratio, primarily driven by a decrease in male livebirths. Obesity and higher levels of serum leptin and skinfold measurements were significantly associated with lower sex ratios. This study highlights the importance of preconception adiposity in determining offspring sex and sex ratio.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Briana Ortiz, Ashley Driscoll, Ramkumar Menon, Brandie D. Taylor, Lauren S. Richardson
Summary: This study examined the effects of Chlamydia infection on maternal decidua cells and found that Chlamydia antigens can induce interleukin-6 inflammation via the TLR4-TAB1 signaling pathway, independent of p38 MAPK, apoptosis, and necrosis. This suggests that Chlamydia infection may disrupt decidual inflammatory homeostasis and potentially contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Brandie DePaoli Taylor, Victor Adekanmbi, Yuanyi Zhang, Abbey Berenson
Summary: This study examined the impact of gonorrhea and gonorrhea coinfection on hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and other adverse pregnancy outcomes. It found that gonorrhea increased the odds of preterm preeclampsia and preterm birth. Further research is needed to understand the burden of sexually transmitted infections on HDP.
OPEN FORUM INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Melanie T. Odenkirk, Kelly G. Stratton, Marina A. Gritsenko, Lisa M. Bramer, Bobbie-Jo M. Webb-Robertson, Kent J. Bloodsworth, Karl K. Weitz, Anna K. Lipton, Matthew E. Monroe, Jeremy R. Ash, Denis Fourches, Brandie D. Taylor, Kristin E. Burnum-Johnson, Erin S. Baker
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Colette A. Nickodem, Ramkumar Menon, Thomas McDonald, Brandie DePaoli Taylor
REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCES
(2020)