Monocyte chemotactic protein-2 and -3 in amniotic fluid: relationship to microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity, intra-amniotic inflammation and preterm delivery

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the presence of monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-2 and MCP-3 in cervical and amniotic fluid in women in preterm labor.

Study design: Cervical and amniotic fluid was sampled from women with singleton pregnancies (< or =34 weeks) in preterm labor (n = 58).

Results: Monocyte chemotactic protein-2 (range: 80-583 pg/ml) and MCP-3 (range: 36-649 pg/ml) were detectable in 7/58 women in preterm labor. Monocyte chemotactic protein-3 was found significantly more often in amniotic fluid of women delivered within 7 days (P < 0.001), <34 weeks (P = 0.002), or with intra-amniotic inflammation (P < 0.001) and microbial invasion of the amniotic fluid (P = 0.003). Women in preterm labor had detectable levels of MCP-2 significantly more often if they gave birth before 34 weeks of gestation (P = 0.038) or had intra-amniotic inflammation (P = 0.042).

Conclusions: The presence of MCPs in amniotic fluid of women in preterm labor was associated with preterm birth before 34 weeks of gestation (MCP-2 and MCP-3), microbial invasion (MCP-3), and inflammation (MCP-2 and MCP-3) of the amniotic cavity.