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ATF3 is a negative regulator of inflammation in human fetal membranes

Ratana Lim1, Gillian Barker1, Stella Liong1

  • 1Obstetrics, Nutrition and Endocrinology Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal Research Centre, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia.

Placenta
|October 27, 2016
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) reduces inflammation in fetal membranes during term labor. ATF3 levels decrease in term labor, suggesting its role in the final stages of childbirth and infection-related conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive biology
  • Immunology
  • Molecular biology

Background:

  • Infection and inflammation trigger pro-inflammatory mediators crucial for labor.
  • Activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) acts as a negative regulator of inflammation in immune cells.
  • The role of ATF3 in human labor remains unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of ATF3 in human labor and fetal membrane inflammation.
  • To determine the effect of inflammatory stimuli on ATF3 expression in amnion cells.
  • To assess ATF3 expression in fetal membranes during term and preterm labor.

Main Methods:

  • Primary amnion cells were treated with IL-1β and fsl-1 to study ATF3 expression.
  • ATF3 was silenced using siRNA to evaluate its impact on pro-labor mediators.
  • ATF3 expression was analyzed in fetal membranes from laboring and non-laboring women.

Main Results:

  • IL-1β and fsl-1 significantly upregulated ATF3 expression in amnion cells.
  • ATF3 silencing amplified inflammatory responses, including cytokine and chemokine production, prostaglandin release, and MMP-9 expression.
  • ATF3 expression was notably decreased in fetal membranes during term labor.

Conclusions:

  • ATF3 functions as a negative regulator of inflammation in human fetal membranes.
  • Decreased ATF3 expression in term labor suggests its involvement in labor's terminal phases.
  • ATF3 may play a significant role in managing inflammation during human labor and delivery.
Keywords:
ATF3Fetal membranesHuman labourInfectionInflammation

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