Whether the human fetus and the prenatal intrauterine environment (amniotic fluid and
placenta) are stably colonized by microbial communities in a healthy pregnancy remains a …

In brief The syndrome of preterm labor comprises multiple established and novel etiologies.
This review summarizes the distinct immune mechanisms implicated in preterm labor and …

Problem Inflammation and infection play a major role in preterm birth. The purpose of this
study was to (i) determine the prevalence and clinical significance of sterile intra‐amniotic …

Placental tissues encompass all the tissues which support fetal development, including the
placenta, placental membrane, umbilical cord, and amniotic fluid. Since the 1990s there has …

Background Microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity resulting in intra-amniotic infection is
associated with obstetrical complications such as preterm labor with intact or ruptured …

BACKGROUND At the interface of the external environment and the mucosal surface of the
female reproductive tract (FRT) lies a first-line defense against pathogen invasion that …

Background The placenta plays an important role in the modulation of pregnancy immunity;
however, there is no consensus regarding the existence of a placental microbiome in …

BACKGROUND Reproductive tract infection is an important factor leading to male and
female infertility. Among female infertility factors, microbial and viral infections are the main …

Objective: To determine the frequency and clinical significance of sterile and microbial-
associated intra-amniotic inflammation in asymptomatic patients with a sonographic short …

Studies described so far suggest that human β-defensin 2 is an important protein of innate
immune response which provides protection for the human organism against invading …