Fetal sex and preterm birth

Abstract Rates of preterm birth vary between different populations and ethnic groups. Epidemiologic studies have suggested that the incidence of preterm birth is also higher in pregnancies carrying a male fetus; the male:female difference is greater in earlier preterm pregnancy. Placental or chorion...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Placenta (Eastbourne) 2013-02, Vol.34 (2), p.95-99
Main Authors: Challis, J, Newnham, J, Petraglia, F, Yeganegi, M, Bocking, A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 2 - metabolism
Biological and medical sciences
Cytokines
Embryology: invertebrates and vertebrates. Teratology
Female
Fetal sex
Fetus - physiopathology
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
HPA axis
Humans
Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System - physiopathology
Infant, Newborn
Inflammation Mediators - physiology
Internal Medicine
Male
Obstetric Labor, Premature - etiology
Obstetric Labor, Premature - physiopathology
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Pituitary-Adrenal System - physiopathology
Placenta
Placenta - physiopathology
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Complications, Infectious - etiology
Pregnancy Complications, Infectious - physiopathology
Pregnancy. Parturition. Lactation
Premature Birth - etiology
Premature Birth - physiopathology
Preterm birth
Probiotics - therapeutic use
Risk Factors
Sex Characteristics
Stress, Physiological
Trophoblasts - physiology
Vertebrates: reproduction
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Summary:Abstract Rates of preterm birth vary between different populations and ethnic groups. Epidemiologic studies have suggested that the incidence of preterm birth is also higher in pregnancies carrying a male fetus; the male:female difference is greater in earlier preterm pregnancy. Placental or chorion trophoblast cells from pregnancies with a male fetus produced more pro-inflammatory TNFα in response to LPS stimulation and less anti-inflammatory IL-10 and granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) than cells from pregnancies with a female fetus, more prostaglandin synthase (PTGS-2) and less prostaglandin dehydrogenase (PGDH). These results suggest that in the presence of a male fetus the trophoblast has the potential to generate a more pro-inflammatory environment. Maturation of the fetal hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and expression of placental genes, particularly 11β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-2 are also expressed in a sex dependent manner, consistent with the sex-biasing influences on gene networks. Sex differences in these activities may affect clinical outcomes of pre- and post-dates pregnancies and fetal/newborn wellbeing. These factors need consideration in studies of placental function and in the development of personalized strategies for the diagnosis of preterm labor and postnatal health.
ISSN:0143-4004
1532-3102
DOI:10.1016/j.placenta.2012.11.007