METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR TREATING PRETERM LABOR AND PREMATURE RUPTURE OF FETAL MEMBRANES

摘要

Methods and compositions for the prevention and treatment of preterm labor and premature rupture of fetal membranes are provided. The methods of the invention inhibit the upregulated production of certain pro-inflammatory cytokines in amniochorionic membranes, including IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-alpha, and inhibit preterm labor and the premature rupture of fetal membranes. The practice of the method of the invention using the cytokine IL-10 is specifically described. IL-10 demonstrates the capacity to inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokine production in amniochorionic membranes in vitro as well as the capacity to inhibit uterine contractility and preterm labor in rhesus monkeys in vivo. The methods of the invention may be particularly useful in preventing infection-induced preterm labor and premature rupture of fetal membranes as well as preterm labors with a non-infectious etiology.