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Updated: Jun 6, 2026
Sample Preparation for Endopeptidomic Analysis in Human Cerebrospinal Fluid
Published on: December 4, 2017
Proteomic identification of serum peptides predicting subsequent spontaneous preterm birth
M Sean Esplin1, Karen Merrell, Robert Goldenberg
1Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, 84132, USA. sean.esplin@imail.org
Objective:
We sought to identify serum markers of subsequent spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB) in asymptomatic women prior to labor.
Study Design:
Serum proteomics was applied to sera from 80 pregnant women sampled at 24 weeks and an additional 80 pregnant women sampled at 28 weeks. Half had uncomplicated pregnancies and half had SPTB.
Results:
Three specific peptides arising from inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain 4 protein were significantly reduced in women at 24 and 28 weeks having subsequent SPTB. The most discriminating peptide had a sensitivity of 65.0% and specificity of 82.5%; odds ratio, 8.8; and 95% confidence interval, 3.1-24.8. A combination of the 3 new biomarkers and 6 previously studied biomarkers increased sensitivity to 86.5%, with a specificity of 80.6% at 28 weeks.
Conclusion:
Three novel serum markers of SPTB have been identified using serum proteomics. Using a combination of these new markers with additional markers, women at risk of SPTB can be identified weeks prior to SPTB.
