Pregnancy causes physiological and immunological adaptations that allow the mother and
fetus to communicate with precision in order to promote a healthy pregnancy. At the same …

Alterations of the human microbiome are a known characteristic of various inflammatory
disease states and have been linked to spontaneous preterm birth and other adverse …

A successful pregnancy depends on not only the tolerance of the fetal immune system by the
mother but also resistance against the threat of hazardous microorganisms. Infection with …

Healthy fetal development is dependent on nutrient and oxygen transfer via the placenta.
Optimal growth and function of placental vasculature is therefore essential to support in …

The causes of preterm birth are multifactorial, but its association with infection has been well-
established. The predominant paradigm describes an ascending infection from the lower …

Pregnancy induces unique changes in maternal immune responses and metabolism.
Drastic physiologic adaptations, in an intricately coordinated fashion, allow the maternal …

Despite the well-known fact that the placenta has long-term effects on maternal and fetal
health, the placenta remains a poorly understood and understudied organ. Not only is the …

Despite great medical advances in preventing maternal and infant mortality in the past
century, one issue remains unresolved: why do so many women give birth prematurely? A …

Preterm birth is a major cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity worldwide. Bacterial
infection and the subsequent inflammatory response are recognised as an important cause …

Preterm parturition is a one of the most significant global maternal-child health problem. In
recent years, there has been an explosion in reports on a role for microbiomes (ie, a …