Preterm birth – birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy – is a leading cause of neonatal death worldwide. Intrauterine and systemic infection and inflammation cause 30-40% of spontaneous preterm labor, which precedes preterm birth. The immune system has been implicated as playing a role in preterm birth, although the manner in which antibody production, and other immune factors affect spontaneous preterm labor and birth has been largely unknown. Recent research has shown that B lymphocyte function plays a large role in regulating uterine inflammation in the later phases of pregnancy, and resisting uterine contractions.
The study, from a team of researchers led by Kang Chen, Ph.D., assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the School of Medicine at Wayne State University has revealed that B lymphocytes may be key in resisting preterm birth triggered by inflammation(1). Until now, it has largely been thought that B lymphocytes are sparse or absent in the uterine lining and not very important for pregnancy. However, Chen’s lab found that during the later portion of pregnancy, mothers’ B lymphocytes do in fact occupy the uterine lining. Within the uterine lining they detect inflammation and uterine stress and produce one molecule in particular – PIBF1 – which suppresses uterine inflammation and preterm birth.
“This study not only reveals the long-neglected function of B lymphocytes in promoting healthy pregnancy, but also supports therapeutic approaches of using B lymphocyte-derived molecules — such as PIBF1 — to prevent or treat preterm birth,” said Chen.
From a conventional standpoint, these “therapeutic approaches” may be pharmaceutically derived, however, this research adds to the traditional wisdom that tells of the importance of having a strong immune system going into pregnancy, and during pregnancy.
1. Chen K, et al.Interleukin-33-induced expression of PIBF1 by decidual B cells protects against preterm labor.Nat Med. 2016 Dec 5. doi: 10.1038/nm.4244.
Node Smith, associate editor for NDNR, is a fifth year naturopathic medical student at NUNM, where he has been instrumental in maintaining a firm connection to the philosophy and heritage of naturopathic medicine amongst the next generation of docs. He helped found the first multi-generational experiential retreat, which brings elders, alumni, and students together for a weekend campout where naturopathic medicine and medical philosophy are experienced in nature. Three years ago he helped found the non-profit, Association for Naturopathic ReVitalization (ANR), for which he serves as the board chairman. ANR has a mission to inspire health practitioners to embody the naturopathic principles through experiential education. Node also has a firm belief that the next era of naturopathic medicine will see a resurgence of in-patient facilities which use fasting, earthing, hydrotherapy and homeopathy to bring people back from chronic diseases of modern living; he is involved in numerous conversations and projects to bring about this vision.
