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Antimicrobial Peptides in Preterm Birth

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Guest Editor
Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hallym University College of Medicine, Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Interests: preterm birth; cervical insufficiency; intrauterine inflammation; diabetes mellitus in pregnancy; obesity in pregnancy; drug transporter

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The role of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in preterm birth, a significant cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality, has gained momentum in recent research. This emerging field explores the molecular mechanisms underlying AMPs' involvement in maintaining maternal-fetal homeostasis and preventing preterm labor. With advances in genomics and proteomics, we are gaining deeper insights into the interactions between AMPs, the microbiome, and the immune system. This special issue seeks contributions that elucidate the latest developments in AMPs' role in preterm birth, highlighting their potential as therapeutic targets.

Dr. Ga-Hyun Son
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • antimicrobial peptides
  • preterm birth
  • molecular mechanisms
  • microbiome
  • immune system

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

15 pages, 3149 KiB  
Article
The Role of Beta-Defensin 2 in Preventing Preterm Birth with Chorioamnionitis: Insights into Inflammatory Responses and Epithelial Barrier Protection
by Sangho Yun, Shin-Hae Kang, Jiwon Ryu, Kyoungseon Kim, Keun-Young Lee, Jae Jun Lee, Ji Young Hong and Ga-Hyun Son
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(5), 2127; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26052127 - 27 Feb 2025
Viewed by 513
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides, such as beta-defensin 2 (BD2), are vital in controlling infections and immune responses. In this study, we investigated the expression and role of BD2 in the amniotic membrane and human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs) from patients with preterm birth and chorioamnionitis, [...] Read more.
Antimicrobial peptides, such as beta-defensin 2 (BD2), are vital in controlling infections and immune responses. In this study, we investigated the expression and role of BD2 in the amniotic membrane and human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs) from patients with preterm birth and chorioamnionitis, focusing on its regulation of inflammatory cytokines and its protective effect on the epithelial barrier. Our results show increased BD2 expression in chorioamnionitis, and Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation increased BD2 release from hAECs in a dose- and time-dependent manner. BD2 treatment effectively modulated the inflammatory response by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β) and enhancing the release of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Additionally, BD2 helps preserve epithelial barrier integrity by restoring E-cadherin expression and reducing Snail expression in inflamed hAECs. In an LPS-induced preterm birth mouse model, BD2 treatment delayed preterm delivery and reduced inflammatory cytokine levels. These results suggest that BD2 plays a protective role in preventing preterm birth by regulating inflammation and maintaining epithelial barrier function, highlighting its therapeutic potential for inflammation-related preterm birth. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Peptides in Preterm Birth)
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