Escherichia coli-induced temporal and differential secretion of heat-shock protein 70 and interleukin-1β by human fetal membranes in a two-compartment culture system.

Introduction: Escherichia coli is recognized as an etiological bacteria associated with chorioamnionitis and the preterm premature rupture of fetal membranes. This pathological condition induces pro-inflammatory cytokines and degradative metalloproteinases, which are considered biological markers secreted in an acute stage of infection. Heat-shock proteins (HSPs) are an important component of the innate immunity response and are found in different pathological conditions.