The Role of Beta-Defensin 2 in Preventing Preterm Birth with Chorioamnionitis: Insights into Inflammatory Responses and Epithelial Barrier Protection.

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, 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 prese

SUBMITTER: Yun S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11900102 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature