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Leukemia inhibitory factor: association with intraamniotic infection
P M Waring1, R Romero, N Laham
1Cancer Research Unit, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Australia.
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|November 1, 1994
Summary
Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is elevated in amniotic fluid during intraamniotic infection. Gestational tissues release LIF in response to inflammatory mediators, suggesting a role in infection.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Infectious diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Intraamniotic infection is a significant cause of preterm birth.
- Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is a cytokine with diverse biological roles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the association between leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and intraamniotic infection.
Main Methods:
- A comparative clinical study measured amniotic fluid LIF concentrations.
- Radioreceptor assay was used to quantify LIF levels.
- Gestational tissue explants were cultured to assess LIF release.
Main Results:
- LIF was undetectable in normal pregnancy but elevated in intraamniotic infection before term (p < 0.001) and at term (p < 0.005).
- LIF concentrations correlated with amniotic fluid white blood cell counts (r = 0.47, p < 0.001).
- Endotoxin, IL-1α, and TNF-α enhanced LIF release from gestational tissues.
Conclusions:
- Elevated amniotic fluid LIF concentrations are linked to intraamniotic infection.
- Gestational tissues release LIF in response to inflammatory mediators and bacterial products.