Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2026
07:36
Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats
Published on: November 20, 2015
Association of preterm birth with sustained postnatal inflammatory response
Kristin Skogstrand1, David M Hougaard, Diana E Schendel
1Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark. ksk@ssi.dk
Obstetrics and Gynecology
|May 2, 2008
Summary
Neonatal inflammatory markers in dried blood spots differ between preterm and term infants. These patterns suggest fetal inflammation may contribute to preterm birth, with neonatal factors playing a role.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal immunology
- Biomarkers of inflammation
- Perinatal medicine
Background:
- Preterm birth is a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality.
- The role of inflammation in the etiology of preterm birth requires further investigation.
- Neonatal dried blood spots offer a minimally invasive method for assessing inflammatory profiles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare inflammatory marker profiles in neonatal dried blood spots from preterm and term infants.
- To identify specific inflammatory markers associated with preterm birth.
- To explore the influence of maternal and neonatal factors on these inflammatory patterns.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 25 inflammatory markers using multiplex technology in dried blood spots from 160 neonates (very preterm, preterm, and term).
- Statistical analysis to identify markers associated with preterm birth.
- Multivariable modeling incorporating maternal and neonatal risk factors.
Main Results:
- Elevated levels of IL-1beta, IL-6, soluble IL-6Ralpha, IL-8, MMP-9, and TGF-beta1 were observed in preterm infants.
- Decreased levels of IL-18, BDNF, and CRP were associated with preterm birth.
- Neonatal factors, more than maternal factors, explained variations in inflammatory markers.
Conclusions:
- Distinct inflammatory profiles exist in infants born preterm compared to term infants.
- These findings support the hypothesis that fetal inflammation may be a causative factor in preterm birth.
- Neonatal factors significantly influence the observed inflammatory marker differences.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease
Crohn’s disease is a chronic, relapsing form of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by segmental, transmural inflammation that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Its pathogenesis arises from a combination of genetic susceptibility, environmental exposures, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and immune dysregulation. Together, these factors lead to an exaggerated immune response against components of the gut microbiome.Genetic and Environmental InfluencesMultiple genetic...
01:12Chronic Inflammation: Introduction
Chronic inflammation is a prolonged, dysregulated immune response that persists for weeks to years when the inciting stimulus is difficult to eradicate or when self‑antigens drive ongoing reactivity. Morphologically, it is defined by mononuclear cell infiltration, progressive tissue destruction, and concurrent attempts at healing via angiogenesis and fibrosis. Compared with acute inflammation, edema is less prominent while cellular infiltration predominates; triggers include persistent...
01:25Acute Inflammation III: Local and Systemic Effects
Acute inflammation produces a coordinated set of local and systemic changes that limit injury, eliminate pathogens, and initiate repair. These responses arise within minutes of infection, trauma, or chemical insult and are driven by vascular alterations and leukocyte-derived mediators. When the stimulus resolves, the reaction typically abates within days.Local EffectsAt the site of injury, arteriolar vasodilation increases blood flow, resulting in redness and warmth. Simultaneously, increased...
01:28Inflammatory Response
An inflammatory response is a localized, nonspecific immune reaction that occurs when a tissue is injured. It is characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain, which are commonly called the cardinal signs and symptoms of inflammation. Inflammation can sometimes result in a loss of function.
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
01:20Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the colon characterized by continuous mucosal inflammation that typically begins in the rectum and extends proximally in a uniform pattern. Its pathogenesis involves a complex interplay of genetic predisposition, immune dysregulation, and environmental influences. These factors converge to impair the colon’s epithelial defenses and promote an exaggerated inflammatory response against luminal contents.Breakdown of the Mucosal BarrierA...
01:26Acute Inflammation I: Inflammatory Response
Acute inflammation is a rapid, short-lived physiological response to tissue injury or infection, designed to eliminate harmful agents and initiate repair. This tightly regulated process typically lasts from minutes to several days and is triggered by factors such as microbial invasion, physical trauma, or chemical injury.Recognition and Mediator ReleaseThe inflammatory response begins when resident immune cells—such as mast cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells—detect damage-associated...