title: Inflammation promotes a cytokine response and disrupts the cervical epithelial barrier: a possible mechanism of premature cervical remodeling and preterm birth.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  An inflammatory challenge disrupts the cervical epithelial barrier and promotes cervical remodeling.
  
  
  METHODS
  Immortalized ectocervical and endocervical cells were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and soluble E-cadherin (SECAD) were assessed. Cells were then pretreated with dexamethasone prior to LPS exposure, and IL-6, IL-8, and SECAD levels were again assessed. The integrity of the epithelial cell barrier was determined using a permeability assay.
  
  
  RESULTS
  LPS significantly increased IL-6 and IL-8 levels, and SECAD was significantly increased at 24 hours. LPS induced inflammation increased permeability for both cell lines. Dexamethasone pretreatment prior to LPS exposure significantly decreased IL-6 and IL-8 levels in both cell lines. There was no reduction in SECAD levels with dexamethasone pretreatment. Permeability decreased in the presence of dexamethasone for ectocervical cells only.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These studies demonstrate an inflammatory challenge to cervical epithelial cells promotes a cytokine release and functionally alters the cervical epithelial barrier.
authors.affiliation: Maternal and Child Health Research Program, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. Christopher.Nold@uphs.upenn.edu
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Nold
authors.forename: Lauren
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Anton
authors.forename: Amy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: Michal
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Elovitz
mesh_terms: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D002460:Cell Line; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000276:immunology*; D016207:Cytokines / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000187:drug effects*; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000494:pharmacology; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides / Q000276:immunology; D047928:Premature Birth / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D016207:Cytokines; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides; D003907:Dexamethasone