ATF3 is a negative regulator of inflammation in human fetal membranes. (November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lim, Ratana; Barker, Gillian; Liong, Stella; Nguyen-Ngo, Caitlyn; Tong, Stephen; Kaitu'u-Lino, Tu'uhevaha; Lappas, Martha
• Is Part Of: Placenta. Volume 47(2016:Nov.)
• Page Start: 63
• Page End: 72
• Publication Date: 2016-11
• Subjects: ATF3 -- Human labour -- Inflammation -- Infection -- Fetal membranes; Placenta -- Periodicals; Reproduction -- Periodicals; Placenta -- Periodicals; Placenta -- Périodiques; Reproduction -- Périodiques; 612.63
• DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2016.09.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0143-4004

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: Infection and inflammation stimulate pro-inflammatory cytokines, prostaglandins and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, which play a central role in myometrial contractions and rupture of fetal membranes. In human and mouse immune cells, activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) is a negative regulator of inflammation. No studies have examined the role of ATF3 in human labour. Methods: Primary amnion cells were used to determine the effect of interleukin (IL)-1β and the bacterial product fibroblast-stimulating lipopeptide (fsl-1) on ATF3 expression, and the effect of ATF3 siRNA on pro-labour mediators. ATF3 expression was assessed in fetal membranes from non-labouring and labouring women at term and preterm, and after preterm pre-labour rupture of membranes (PPROM). Results: IL-1β and fsl-1 significantly increased ATF3 expression. Silencing ATF3 significantly increased IL-1β- or fsl-1-induced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6) and chemokines (IL-8 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1)); cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA expression and prostaglandin PGF2α release; and MMP-9 expression. ATF3 expression was decreased in fetal membranes with term labour. There was no effect of preterm labour or PPROM on ATF3 expression. Discussion: ATF3 is a negative regulator of inflammation in human fetal membranes; in primary amnion cells, ATF3 expression is induced by IL-1β and fsl-1, and ATF3 silencing further exacerbates the inflammatory response when stimulated with these factors. Subsequently, ATF3 expression is decreased in fetal membranes after term labour and with preterm chorioamnionitis, conditions closely associated with inflammation and infection. Our data suggest that ATF3 may play a role in the terminal processes of human labour and delivery. Highlights: ATF3 is a negative regulator of inflammation in human fetal membranes. IL-1β and the bacterial product fsl-1 increase ATF3 expression in human primary amnion cells. ATF3 silencing exacerbates IL-1β and fsl-1-induced inflammation in primary amnion cells. ATF3 expression is lower in fetal membranes after term labour. ATF3 expression is lower in fetal membranes with preterm chorioamnionitis.