Galectins are critical regulators of cytokine signalling at feto-maternal interface in infection-associated spontaneous preterm birth.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) is a global health issue. Studies suggest infections are chiefly associated with sPTB and galectins (gals) play a role in regulation of innate and adaptive maternal immune response against pathogens during sPTB. The aim of this study was to describe the gene expression of gal -1, -3, -8, -9, -13 in relation to gene expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and the cytokines IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α, IFN-ϒ in the setting of sPTB and confirmed infection with Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma hominis, and Ureaplasma urealyticum.

METHODS:

Placental samples were collected from 120 term control and 120 sPTB pregnancies. PCR was used to detect specific pathogens. Gene expression of galectins, cytokines, and COX-2 was performed using real time qPCR.

RESULTS:

Fold-change expression of gal -1, -3, -8, -9, -13 was 5.13, 6.11, 1.14, 5.23 and 7.16 (p<0.001), respectively; while IL-10, IL-8, TNF-α, IFN-ϒ and COX-2 was 6.29, 6.55, 6.35, 6.36 and 2.73-fold upregulated (p<0.05), respectively in infected sPTB. Gal-1 was positively correlated with IL-10 (r=0.49, p=0.003) while gal-3 showed significant correlation with IL-8 (r=0.42, p=0.0113), TNF-α (r=0.65, p=< 0.001) and COX-2 (r=0.72, p=0.001). However, gal-8 was not significantly correlated with any cytokine. Gal-9, -13 were negatively correlated with IFN-ϒ (r=-0.45, p=0.006) and IL-8 (r=-0.39, p=0.018).

DISCUSSION:

Gal-1, -9, -13 are anti-inflammatory and might play role in immune-tolerance while gal-3 is pro-inflammatory and possibly responsible for immunogenic response, having potential to anticipate the clinical beginning of preterm labour during infection.

• Authors: Tanu Bhati, Ankita Ray, Renu Arora, Fouzia Siraj, Suhel Parvez, Sangita Rastogi
• Journal: Placenta (Placenta) Vol. 138 Pg. 10-19 (07 2023) ISSN: 1532-3102 [Electronic] Netherlands
• PMID: 37146535 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• 1-nitrohydroxyphenyl-N-benzoylalanine
• Interleukin-10
• Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
• Cyclooxygenase 2
• Interleukin-8
• Cytokines
• Galectins

Topics

• Pregnancy
• Infant, Newborn
• Female
• Humans
• Premature Birth
• Interleukin-10
• Placenta
• Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
• Cyclooxygenase 2
• Interleukin-8
• Cytokines
• Galectins