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Updated: Feb 5, 2026
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The Production of Pluripotent Stem Cells from Mouse Amniotic Fluid Cells Using a Transposon System
Published on: February 28, 2017
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The association between selected mid-trimester amniotic fluid candidate proteins and spontaneous preterm delivery
Maria Hallingström1,2, Teresa Cobo2,3,4, Marian Kacerovsky5,6
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
Summary
This study explored early biomarkers for spontaneous preterm delivery (PTD) in amniotic fluid. Lower levels of adiponectin, GM-CSF, and MIF were observed in women who delivered preterm, but results require caution due to statistical adjustments.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Reproductive Medicine
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Spontaneous preterm delivery (PTD) is a major cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality.
- Identifying early biomarkers for PTD is crucial for timely intervention and improved outcomes.
- Mid-trimester amniotic fluid may contain indicators of impending PTD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate inflammatory responses in mid-trimester amniotic fluid.
- To identify potential early biomarkers associated with spontaneous preterm delivery (PTD).
- To explore the relationship between specific protein levels and PTD risk.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study involving women undergoing mid-trimester amniocentesis (14-19 weeks gestation).
- Analysis of 26 candidate proteins in amniotic fluid using Luminex xMAP technology.
- Comparison of protein concentrations between women with spontaneous PTD and term delivery groups, with statistical adjustments.
Main Results:
- Lower median levels of adiponectin, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) were observed in the spontaneous PTD group.
- These differences were nominally significant after adjusting for plate effects.
- No significant differences persisted after Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons.
Conclusions:
- The study identified potential protein biomarkers (adiponectin, GM-CSF, MIF) in amniotic fluid associated with spontaneous PTD.
- Results suggest a possible role for inflammation in PTD etiology.
- Larger studies are needed to confirm findings and investigate microbial invasion or intra-amniotic inflammation in asymptomatic women.
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