Inflammation and preterm birth

M Cappelletti, S Della Bella, E Ferrazzi… - Journal of Leucocyte …, 2016 - academic.oup.com
M Cappelletti, S Della Bella, E Ferrazzi, D Mavilio, S Divanovic
Journal of Leucocyte Biology, 2016academic.oup.com
Preterm birth is the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Although the
underlying causes of pregnancy-associated complication are numerous, it is well
established that infection and inflammation represent a highly significant risk factor in
preterm birth. However, despite the clinical and public health significance, infectious agents,
molecular trigger (s), and immune pathways underlying the pathogenesis of preterm birth
remain underdefined and represent a major gap in knowledge. Here, we provide an …
Abstract
Preterm birth is the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Although the underlying causes of pregnancy-associated complication are numerous, it is well established that infection and inflammation represent a highly significant risk factor in preterm birth. However, despite the clinical and public health significance, infectious agents, molecular trigger(s), and immune pathways underlying the pathogenesis of preterm birth remain underdefined and represent a major gap in knowledge. Here, we provide an overview of recent clinical and animal model data focused on the interplay between infection-driven inflammation and induction of preterm birth. Furthermore, here, we highlight the critical gaps in knowledge that warrant future investigations into the interplay between immune responses and induction of preterm birth.
Oxford University Press