title: Fetal membrane biomarker network diversity and disease functions induced by intra-amniotic pathogens.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Intra-amniotic pathogens and by-products activate innate immune responses encompassing multitudes of signaling molecules and pathways that can result in spontaneous preterm birth (PTB). This study investigates fetal membrane response to bacterial stimulation using a bioinformatics approach.
  
  
  METHODS
  Dysregulated biomarker (IL1-β, IL-2, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-α) data from fetal membranes at term stimulated with Ureaplasma urealyticum, Ureaplasma parvum, Mycoplasma hominis, E. coli, Group B Streptococci, Polyporhans gingivalis, or Gardnerella vaginalis with 50% (v/v) amniotic fluid (AF) were analyzed by Ingenuity Pathway Analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In racially stratified analysis, networks representing late-stage immune inflammation were seen in African-Americans in AF absence. Inflammation was dominant in AF presence as well. In Caucasians, late-stage immune response was dominant with AF, but not in its absence.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Fetal membrane biofunctions in response to bacteria reflect early- and late-stage innate immune defenses that vary based on the presence of AF and subject race.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555-1062 USA.
authors.forename: Geeta
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bhat
authors.forename: Morgan R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Peltier
authors.forename: Tariq Ali
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Syed
authors.forename: Cayce O
authors.initials: CO
authors.lastname: Drobek
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Saade
authors.forename: Ramkumar
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Menon
mesh_terms: D000653:Amniotic Fluid / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000382:microbiology*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism*; D019295:Computational Biology; D005321:Extraembryonic Membranes / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000382:microbiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate; D007249:Inflammation / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000382:microbiology*; D044469:Racial Groups
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers