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Vaginal Inflammation: Association between Leukocyte Concentration and Levels of Immune Mediators
Author(s) -
Beghini Joziani,
Giraldo Paulo C.,
Eleutério José,
Amaral Rose Luce do,
Polpeta Nádia C.,
Gonçalves Ana Katherine
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
american journal of reproductive immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.071
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1600-0897
pISSN - 1046-7408
DOI - 10.1111/aji.12475
Subject(s) - inflammation , medicine , lipocalin , immune system , immunology , vagina , surgery
Problem A wide variety of mediators are involved in inflammatory processes. However, the identity of those participating in vaginal immune responses has not been established. We correlated extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer ( EMMPRIN ), matrix metalloproteinase‐8 ( MMP ‐8), hyaluronan ( HA ), hyaluronidase‐1 (Hyal‐1), human β‐defensin‐2 ( hBD 2), and neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin ( NGAL ) concentrations with the extent of leukocyte infiltration into the vagina and suggest their participation in vaginal inflammation. Methods of study Vaginal fluid was obtained from 233 women seen at the outpatient clinic in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Campinas University, Brazil. The magnitude of vaginal inflammation was determined by the leukocyte count on vaginal smears and categorized as no inflammation (0 leukocytes/field), moderate inflammation (1–4 leukocytes/field), and intense inflammation (>4 leukocytes/field). Concentrations of EMMPRIN , MMP ‐8, HA , Hyal‐1, hBD 2, and NGAL were determined in vaginal fluid by ELISA . Results EMMPRIN , MMP ‐8, HA , hBD 2, and NGAL concentration increased with elevated leukocyte numbers ( P < 0.05), while Hyal‐1 did not. EMMPRIN concentrations were correlated with HA and MMP ‐8 levels. Conclusion EMMPRIN , MMP ‐8, HA , β‐defensin, and NGAL are elevated in women with vaginal inflammation.