Elafin (SKALP/Trappin-2/proteinase inhibitor-3) is produced by the cervix in pregnancy and cervicovaginal levels are diminished in bacterial vaginosis

Reprod Sci. 2009 Dec;16(12):1125-34. doi: 10.1177/1933719109341998. Epub 2009 Sep 1.

Abstract

Objectives: To examine cervicovaginal elafin production in pregnancy and determine its relationship in bacterial vaginosis.

Study design: Samples of cervicovaginal secretions were collected from women with uncomplicated singleton pregnancies (n = 112) below 20 weeks gestation. Bacterial flora was assessed using Nugent's criteria, and levels of elafin were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent serologic assay (ELISA). Elafin expression in the cervix was also examined by immunohistochemistry. In vitro expression of elafin was examined using cervix and vaginal cell lines.

Results: Elafin is expressed in the cervical glandular epithelium. Elafin was found in all 112 samples of cervicovaginal secretions and levels were diminished in women with bacterial vaginosis (P < .05). Interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta) stimulated elafin expression in cells derived from the endocervix, but not in those derived from the vaginal epithelium.

Conclusions: Elafin is a component of cervicovaginal secretions in pregnancy, and levels are diminished in bacterial vaginosis. It may be an important component of innate immunity in the lower genital tract.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cell Line
  • Cervix Uteri / metabolism*
  • Cervix Uteri / microbiology
  • Down-Regulation
  • Elafin / genetics
  • Elafin / metabolism*
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Interleukin-1beta / metabolism
  • Interleukin-8 / metabolism
  • Mucous Membrane / metabolism
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Trimester, First
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Vagina / metabolism*
  • Vagina / microbiology
  • Vaginosis, Bacterial / metabolism*
  • Vaginosis, Bacterial / microbiology

Substances

  • CXCL8 protein, human
  • Elafin
  • Interleukin-1beta
  • Interleukin-8
  • PI3 protein, human
  • RNA, Messenger