Caspase-1 Activation is Increased with Human Labour in Foetal Membranes and Myometrium and Mediates Infection-Induced Interleukin-1β Secretion

Abstract

Problem: Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that is involved in human parturition, especially in the context of infection-induced preterm birth. Caspase-1 is a key component of inflammasomes, which are activated upon infection to trigger the maturation of IL-1β. Method of study: To determine the effect of human labour on caspase-1 activation in human foetal membranes and myometrium. In addition, the mechanisms by which inflammasome activation regulates IL-1β production were also be assessed. Results: Higher caspase-1 gene and protein expression were detected in foetal membranes myometrium obtained from term labouring women when compared with samples taken from non labourin..