title: Gene expression and protein localization of TLR-1, -2, -4 and -6 in amniochorion membranes of pregnancies complicated by histologic chorioamnionitis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine whether histologic chorioamnionitis is associated with changes in gene expression of TLR-1, -2, -4 and -6, and to describe the localization of these receptors in fetal membranes.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 135 amniochorion membranes with or without histologic chorioamnionitis from preterm or term deliveries were included. Fragments of membranes were submitted to total RNA extraction. RNA was reverse transcribed and the quantification of TLRs expression measured by real time PCR.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All amniochorion membranes expressed TLR-1 and TLR-4, whereas 99.1% of membranes expressed TLR-2 and 77.4% expressed TLR-6. TLR-1 and TLR-2 expressions were significantly higher in membranes with histologic chorioamnionitis as compared to membranes without chorioamnionitis in preterm pregnancies (p=0.003 and p<0.001, respectively). Among the membranes of term pregnancies there were no differences in the expressions of such receptors regardless of inflammatory status. Regarding TLR-4 and TLR-6 expression, there was no difference among membranes with or without histologic chorioamnionitis, regardless gestational age at delivery. TLR-1, TLR-2, TLR-4 and TLR-6 expressions were observed in amniotic epithelial, chorionic and decidual cells.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Amniochorion membranes express TLR-1, TLR-2, TLR-4 and TLR-6 and increased expression of TLR-1 and TLR-2 is related to the presence of histologic chorioamnionitis in preterm pregnancies. This study provides further evidence that amniochorion membranes act as a mechanical barrier to microorganisms and as components of the innate immune system.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University, UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Natália P
authors.initials: NP
authors.lastname: Moço
authors.forename: Laura F
authors.initials: LF
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: Ana Carolina
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Pereira
authors.forename: Jossimara
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Polettini
authors.forename: José C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Peraçoli
authors.forename: Kunie I R
authors.initials: KI
authors.lastname: Coelho
authors.forename: Márcia G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: da Silva
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000650:Amnion / Q000378:metabolism; D002821:Chorioamnionitis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D002823:Chorion / Q000378:metabolism; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005321:Extraembryonic Membranes / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D015870:Gene Expression; D006801:Humans; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000378:metabolism; D011247:Pregnancy; D047928:Premature Birth / Q000503:physiopathology; D051194:Toll-Like Receptor 1 / Q000096:biosynthesis; D051195:Toll-Like Receptor 2 / Q000096:biosynthesis; D051197:Toll-Like Receptor 4 / Q000096:biosynthesis; D051216:Toll-Like Receptor 6 / Q000096:biosynthesis; D051193:Toll-Like Receptors / Q000096:biosynthesis*
chemical_list: C495342:TLR2 protein, human; C495345:TLR4 protein, human; C495368:TLR6 protein, human; D051194:Toll-Like Receptor 1; D051195:Toll-Like Receptor 2; D051197:Toll-Like Receptor 4; D051216:Toll-Like Receptor 6; D051193:Toll-Like Receptors
keywords: Amniochorion membranes; Histologic chorioamnionitis; Preterm delivery; Real time PCR; Toll-like receptors