Decreased Expression of Transforming Growth Factor-beta1 in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Cells of Preterm Infants with Maternal Chorioamnionitis

Abstract

Maternal chorioamnionitis has been associated with abnormal lung development. We examined the effect of maternal chorioamnionitis on the expression of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1) in the lungs of preterm infants. A total of 63 preterm (≤34 weeks) infants who were intubated in the delivery room were prospectively enrolled. Their placentas were examined for the presence of chorioamnionitis. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and cells were obtained shortly after birth. TGF-β1 was measured in BAL fluid and TGF-β1 mRNA expression was determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in BAL cells. TGF-β1 mRNA expression in BAL cells showed a positive correlation with gestational age (r=0.414, p =0.002). TGF-β1 mRNA expression was significantly decreased in the presence of maternal chorioamnionitis (0.70±0.12 vs. 0.81±0.15, p =0.007). Adjustment for gestational age, birth weight, and delivery mode did not nullify the significance. TGF-β1 mRNA expression was marginally significantly decreased in preterm infants who developed bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) later (0.75±0.11 vs. 0.82±0.15, p =0.055). However, adjustment for gestational age, patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), and maternal chorioamnionitis nullified the significance. These results might be an indirect evidence that maternal chorioamnionitis may inhibit normal lung development of fetus.

Chorioamnionitis appears not to be a Risk Factor for Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Preterm Infants: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…While all studies provided data to measure the association between CA and PDA, none of the studies was primarily designed to assess this association. In 40 studies78917181923242526272829303132333435363738394041424344454647484950515253545556, the objective was to examine the outcomes, including PDA, of preterm infants with and without maternal CA. In 5 studies5758596061, the objective was to examine the risk factors for PDA, including maternal CA.…”

“…In 5 studies5758596061, the objective was to examine the risk factors for PDA, including maternal CA. Ten studies17192324255758596061 dealt with clinical and 3478918262728293031323334353637383940414243444546474849505152535455 dealt with histological CA. One study56 described intra-amniotic infection/inflammation.…”

Association Between Blood Spot Transforming Growth Factor-β and Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Extremely Low-Birth Weight Infants

“…The significantly lower blood TGF-β concentrations noted in the PDA group can probably be ascribed to the lower gestation and birth weight in this group. Previous data have showed a moderate positive correlation between TGF-β in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and gestation and birth weight [4]. …”

Neutrophil-Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin 2, Krebs Von den Lungen-6, Beta 2 Microglobulin, and Adiponectin: Crosstalk in Early Prediction of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Egyptian Preterm

“…Endotracheal intubation in the delivery room was done only when clinically indicated according to the neonatal resuscitation program [12]. BAL fluid and cells were obtained by the method described by Choi et al, [13] shortly after birth as soon as the preterm infants became stable, but before surfactant replacement therapy when indicated.…”