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The role of complement in preterm birth and prematurity

Norma Galindo-Sevilla1, Frida Reyes-Arroyo1,2, Javier Mancilla-Ramírez3,4

  • 1Departamento de Infectología e Inmunología, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Secretaría de Salud, Mexico City 11000, Mexico.

Journal of Perinatal Medicine
|September 9, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Complications from preterm birth (PTB) are a major cause of early childhood death. Complement activation in labor, involving components like C1q and C5b-9, drives inflammation and contributes to PTB onset and progression.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Reproductive Biology
  • Neonatology

Background:

  • Preterm birth (PTB) complications are the leading cause of mortality in children under five globally.
  • Approximately 15 million infants are born prematurely each year worldwide.
  • Labor and delivery exhibit inflammatory characteristics, with complement activation playing a significant role.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the complement system's basic description.
  • To elucidate the role of complement activation in preterm birth (PTB).
  • To discuss current concepts on complement's contribution to novel therapeutic strategies and biomarkers for PTB.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of the complement system.
  • Analysis of complement component deposition (C1q, C5b-9) on fetal membranes.
  • Review of inflammatory mediator release and its effects during labor.

Main Results:

  • Complement components C1q and C5b-9 deposit on fetal membranes, releasing inflammatory mediators.
  • These mediators contribute to uterine contractions, cervical ripening, and membrane rupture.
  • Complement acts as a co-adjuvant in the initiation and progression of labor.

Conclusions:

  • The complement system is intricately involved in the inflammatory processes of labor and preterm birth.
  • Understanding complement's role opens avenues for novel therapeutic strategies and biomarker development for PTB.
  • Targeting complement activation may offer new approaches to prevent or manage PTB complications.

Keywords:
biomarkerscomplementcomplement restrictioninflammationprematuritypreterm birth

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