Mechanisms of chorioamnionitis-associated preterm birth: interleukin-1β inhibits progesterone receptor expression in decidual cells.

In chorioamnionitis (CAM), a major cause of preterm birth (PTB), maternal-fetal inflammation of the decidua and amniochorion cause the release of cytokines that elicit cervical ripening, fetal membrane rupture and myometrial activation. We posit that this inflammatory milieu triggers PTB by inhibiting progesterone receptor (PR) expression and increasing decidual prostaglandin (PG) production. Immunohistochemical staining of decidua detected significantly lower PR levels in decidual cells (DCs) from CAM-complicated PTB.

Myostatin, follistatin and activin type II receptors are highly expressed in adenomyosis.

Objective: To evaluate the expression pattern of activins and related growth factor messenger RNA (mRNA) levels in adenomyotic nodules and in their endometrium.

Design: Prospective study.

Setting: University hospital.