Diversity in cytokine response to bacteria associated with preterm birth by fetal membranes.

OBJECTIVE

This study compared cytokine and prostaglandin (PG) responses by fetal membranes stimulated with 4 different bacterial species associated with preterm birth (PTB).

STUDY DESIGN

Fetal membranes (n = 13 from normal term cesarean sections [not in labor]) in an organ explant system were stimulated with heat-killed Ureaplasma parvum, Gardanerella vaginalis, Escherichia coli, group B Streptococcus (GBS), or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Cytokines (interleukin [IL]-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-alpha, and interferon-gamma) and PG (PGF(2alpha) and PGE(2)) concentrations were quantitated and compared.

RESULTS

LPS and E coli increased all cytokine and PG productions compared with controls. Cytokine profiles were similar after G vaginalis and GBS stimulation. G vaginalis increased PGE(2), whereas GBS increased PGF(2alpha). U parvum demonstrated the mildest response with only IL-10 and TNF-alpha concentrations being higher with no detectible effect on PGs.

CONCLUSION

Fetal membrane cytokine signatures of 4 different bacteria associated with PTB are distinct, suggesting that infection as a potential cause of PTB is not homogeneous in its presentation.