Inflammation and infection have been reported to induce preterm delivery. We have studied the relationship between inflammation and various ion channels, including the L-type Ca(2+) channel and P2X7 receptor, during acute inflammation of the pregnant rat uterus induced by lipopolysaccharides. Recently, we found that mice with odontogenic Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.g, an important odontogenic pathogen) infection delivered at day 18.3 of gestation (vs. day 20.5 in normal mice). The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of myometrial contractile-associated proteins inducing contractions and confirm that these mice are useful as a model for preterm delivery induced by chronic inflammation. We examined the expression of the oxytocin receptor, connexin 43, prostaglandin F receptors, L-type Ca(2+) channel, and P2X7 receptor in the myometrium at day 18 of gestation by real-time PCR and western blot analyses. We also measured TNF-α and IL-1β levels in the blood serum, placenta, fetal membrane and myometrium on the same day. mRNA expression of the oxytocin receptor, connexin 43, prostaglandin F receptors, L-type Ca(2+) channel, and P2X7 receptor was elevated by 5.4, 3.2, 2.4, 2.5, and 1.7 fold, respectively, in the P.g-infected mice. Protein levels of the oxytocin receptor and connexin 43 also increased. Serum levels of TNF-α and IL-1β were elevated, showing that systemic inflammation continued during pregnancy. IL-1β levels in the placenta and fetal membrane also increased, suggesting inflammatory reactions were induced. Thus, mice with odontogenic infection may be useful as a model of chronic inflammation-induced preterm delivery.

Inflammation is associated with preterm birth. We previously described a mouse model of chronic inflammation-induced preterm birth after dental Porphyromonas gingivalis infection. The aim of this study was to employ this model system to investigate the mechanisms through which enhanced uterine contractility induces preterm birth. Messenger RNA (mRNA) encoding contraction-associated proteins, such as oxytocin receptors, was measured at various gestational time points by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Spontaneous and oxytocin-induced uterine contractile activity at gestational day 18 was assessed using a tissue organ bath. The expression levels of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), TLR4, cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) on gestational day 18 were also determined by real-time PCR or Western blotting. Messenger RNA encoding contraction-associated proteins was increased at gestational day 18, and the spontaneous contractile activity (1.6-fold greater area under the contraction curve) and sensitivity to oxytocin (EC: 8.8 nM vs 2.2 nM) were enhanced in the P gingivalis group compared to those in the control group. In the P gingivalis group, COX-2 mRNA expression was not elevated in the placenta or myometrium but was upregulated 2.3-fold in the fetal membrane. The TLR2 mRNA levels in the fetal membrane were 2.7-fold higher in the P gingivalis group, whereas TLR4 levels were not elevated. Activation of the NF-κB p65 and p38 MAPK pathways was enhanced in the fetal membrane of the P gingivalis group. Thus, in mice with chronic dental P gingivalis infection, TLR2-induced inflammation in the fetal membrane leads to upregulation of uterine contractility, leading to preterm birth.

Inflammation and infection, including dental infectious diseases, are factors that can induce preterm birth. We previously reported that mice with dental Porphyromonas gingivalis infection could be used as a model of preterm birth. In this model, cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and interleukin (IL)-1β levels are increased, and P. gingivalis colonies are observed in the fetal membrane. However, the mechanism underlying fetal membrane inflammation remains unknown. Therefore, we investigated the immune responses of human amnion to P. gingivalis in vitro. Methods: Epithelial and mesenchymal cells were isolated from human amnion using trypsin and collagenase, and primary cell cultures were obtained. Confluent cells were stimulated with P. gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (P.g-LPS) or P. gingivalis. mRNA expressions of IL-1β, IL-8, IL-6 and COX-2, protein expressions of nuclear factor (NF)-κB pathway components and culture medium levels of prostaglandin E 2 were evaluated.Results: Following stimulation with 1 μg/mL P.g-LPS, the mRNA expression levels of IL-1β, IL-8, IL-6 and COX-2 in mesenchymal cells were increased 5.9-, 3.3-, 4.2-and 3.1-fold, respectively. Similarly, the expression levels of IL-1β, IL-8, IL-6 and COX-2 in mesenchymal cells were increased by 7.6-, 8.2-, 13.4-and 9.3-fold, respectively, after coculture with P. gingivalis. Additionally, stimulation with P.g-LPS or P. gingivalis resulted in the activation of NF-κB signaling and increased production of IL-1β and prostaglandin E 2 . In contrast, no significant changes were observed in epithelial cells. Discussion: Our findings suggest that mesenchymal cells might mediate the inflammatory responses to P. gingivalis and P.g-LPS, thereby producing inflammation that contributes to the induction of preterm birth.

Fibrinogen is an essential agent involved in maintaining pregnancy and coagulation. Since inherited fibrinogen disorders introduce greater risks for conditions such as placental abruption and postpartum hemorrhage, careful prenatal and perinatal management is essential for this patient population. We report two cases of successful deliveries in patients with hypofibrinogenemia. Case 1 is of a 26-year-old (gravida 1, para 1) woman. The patient's fibrinogen level increased spontaneously to higher than 300 mg/dL during pregnancy, without treatment. She delivered at week 38 of gestation, with no complications. Case 2 is of a 30-year-old (gravida 3, para 1) woman. We performed repeated infusions of fibrinogen to maintain the level higher than 100 mg/dL during pregnancy and at least 200 mg/dL in the perioperative period; the patient delivered a healthy infant. We identified a new mutation, Hiroshima I (γ278Tyr→His). It is important to maintain appropriate fibrinogen levels in cases of inherited fibrinogen disorders for successful prenatal and peripartum management.

Preterm birth is one of the most significant obstetric complications. Inflammation reportedly promotes uterine contraction and weakening of the fetal membrane, which induces preterm birth. Previous studies using animal models of lipopolysaccharide-induced acute inflammation have shown that progesterone (P4) promotes uterine quiescence. However, this effect is not fully understood in chronic inflammation. This study aimed to investigate the effects of P4 on uterine contractility and inflammation of the fetal membrane in mice infected with Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.g.), a major periodontal pathogen as a model of preterm birth caused by chronic inflammation. Mice were injected with 1 mg of P4 from day 15.5 to 17.5. P4 prolonged the mean gestation period of P.g mice from 18.3 to 20.4 days, and no reduction in the gestation period was observed. P4 treatment suppressed spontaneous uterine contractility and decreased oxytocin sensitivity. In addition, the expression of inflammatory cytokines in the fetal membrane was significantly reduced. Thus, P4 prevented preterm birth by suppressing enhanced uterine contractility induced by chronic inflammation in this model. This result describes the effects of P4 in a chronic inflammation model, which may lead to a better understanding of the efficacy of P4 in preventing preterm birth in humans.

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