Effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 supernatant and fetal sex on lipopolysaccharide-induced cytokine and prostaglandin-regulating enzymes in human placental trophoblast cells: implications for treatment of bacterial vaginosis and prevention of preterm labor

Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2009 May;200(5):532.e1-8. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2008.12.032. Epub 2009 Mar 14.

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the effect of fetal sex on the output of cytokines and prostaglandin-regulating enzymes in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and probiotic lactobacilli-treated placental trophoblast cells.

Study design: We examined the effect of LPS and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 supernatant in placental trophoblast cells on tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1beta, and IL-10 using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and on prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2), 15-hydroxy prostaglandin dehydrogenase (PGDH), and toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4) using Western blotting. Comparisons were performed using one-way analysis of variance and Student t test.

Results: LPS increased the output of TNF-alpha, IL-10, and PTGS2 with a greater response in male placentae. L rhamnosus GR-1 supernatant inhibited the LPS-stimulated TNF-alpha and increased IL-10. It also up-regulated expression of PGDH in female placentae and partially reduced the LPS-stimulated PTGS2 in male placentae. There was no change in IL-1beta. Expression of TLR-4 was greater in placentae of male fetuses.

Conclusion: These findings suggest an underlying mechanism for the sex difference in the incidence of preterm birth and provide potential evidence for a therapeutic benefit of lactobacilli in reducing preterm labor.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cells, Cultured
  • Cyclooxygenase 2 / metabolism
  • Cytokines / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydroxyprostaglandin Dehydrogenases / metabolism
  • Interleukin-10 / metabolism
  • Interleukin-1beta / metabolism
  • Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus / immunology*
  • Lipopolysaccharides / pharmacology
  • Male
  • Obstetric Labor, Premature / prevention & control*
  • Pregnancy
  • Probiotics*
  • Sex Factors
  • Toll-Like Receptor 4 / metabolism
  • Trophoblasts / cytology
  • Trophoblasts / enzymology
  • Trophoblasts / microbiology*
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / metabolism
  • Vaginosis, Bacterial / immunology
  • Vaginosis, Bacterial / metabolism
  • Vaginosis, Bacterial / therapy*

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • IL10 protein, human
  • Interleukin-1beta
  • Lipopolysaccharides
  • TLR4 protein, human
  • Toll-Like Receptor 4
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • lipopolysaccharide A
  • Interleukin-10
  • Hydroxyprostaglandin Dehydrogenases
  • 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase
  • Cyclooxygenase 2
  • PTGS2 protein, human