Using principal component analysis to examine associations of early pregnancy inflammatory biomarker profiles and adverse birth outcomes

Abstract

Objective: Inflammation as a risk factor for preterm birth is well-established. The primary objective of this analysis was to examine whether individual cytokines versus a composite indicator of mid-pregnancy inflammation are significantly associated with risk for adverse birth outcomes. Study design:A multi-site prospective study was conducted in a socio-demographically diverse cohort of 610 pregnant participants. At a study visit between 12 and 20 6/7 weeks' gestation, low-grade inflammation was measured via log-transformed serum concentrations of the biomarkers IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-13, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and CRP. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to identify underlying dimensions of inflammatory activity from the seven biomarkers measured. Gestational age and birth weight at delivery were obtained from medical chart review. The associations between inflammatory profiles and birth outcomes were assessed via linear and logistic regression models. Results were compared with those from individual inflammatory biomarkers, and model fit was assessed using Akaike's Information Criterion (AIC).Results: Principal component analysis analysis yielded a two-factor solution, with the first factor (IF1) composed of IL-8, IL-10, IL-13, IFN-ɣ, and TNF-α, and the second

Prenatal allostatic load and preterm birth: A systematic review

“…The most common reasons for exclusion were lack of focus on perinatal distress or the AL index ( n = 246), inappropriate study population ( n = 22), and inappropriate study design ( n = 55). Several studies (Coussons-Read et al, 2012 ; Kramer et al, 2013 ; Gillespie et al, 2021 ; Huang et al, 2021 ; Keenan-Devlin et al, 2021 , 2022 ) initially appeared promising; however, these studies did not meet all inclusion criteria and lacked connection to the AL framework as well as pathways of perinatal stress and distress, and were therefore excluded.…”

Spatially and Temporally Resolved Ambient PM2.5 in Relation to Preterm Birth

“…This imbalance between downregulated reproductive hormones and stimulated inflammation could set in motion a cascade of molecular changes ending in preterm delivery [43]. Notably, a recent study of 610 pregnancies, found that increased IL-6 and c-reactive protein between gestational weeks 12-20 was associated with decreased gestational age and an increased odds of preterm delivery [44]. Unfortunately, the study did not consider sex-specificity; however, placental cytokine levels and responses have been shown to vary by fetal sex [45].…”

Utilizing Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography with Phosphatidylserine Microbubbles to Detect Placental Inflammation in Rhesus Macaques

“…Angiopoietins are also present in the placenta and are involved in the inflammatory pathway through mediating angiogenesis and vascular restructuring [ 33 ]. The implementation of molecular imaging using contrast-enhanced ultrasound could help to identify at-risk pregnancies, as placental inflammation is associated with placental dysfunction and poor pregnancy outcomes [ 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 ].…”