# The Role of Beta-Defensin 2 in Preventing Preterm Birth with Chorioamnionitis: Insights into Inflammatory Responses and Epithelial Barrier Protection

## TL;DR

Beta-defensin 2 (BD2) helps prevent preterm birth by reducing inflammation and protecting epithelial barriers in chorioamnionitis.

## Contribution

This study reveals BD2's novel role in modulating inflammation and preserving epithelial integrity in preterm birth.

## Key findings

- BD2 expression increases in chorioamnionitis and is released in a dose- and time-dependent manner by LPS-stimulated hAECs.
- BD2 reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β) and increases anti-inflammatory IL-10 in inflamed cells.
- BD2 treatment in a mouse model delays preterm birth and lowers inflammatory cytokine levels.

## Abstract

Antimicrobial peptides, such as beta-defensin 2 (BD2), are vital in controlling infections and immune responses. In this study, we investigated the expression and role of BD2 in the amniotic membrane and human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs) from patients with preterm birth and chorioamnionitis, focusing on its regulation of inflammatory cytokines and its protective effect on the epithelial barrier. Our results show increased BD2 expression in chorioamnionitis, and Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation increased BD2 release from hAECs in a dose- and time-dependent manner. BD2 treatment effectively modulated the inflammatory response by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β) and enhancing the release of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Additionally, BD2 helps preserve epithelial barrier integrity by restoring E-cadherin expression and reducing Snail expression in inflamed hAECs. In an LPS-induced preterm birth mouse model, BD2 treatment delayed preterm delivery and reduced inflammatory cytokine levels. These results suggest that BD2 plays a protective role in preventing preterm birth by regulating inflammation and maintaining epithelial barrier function, highlighting its therapeutic potential for inflammation-related preterm birth.