Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Maternal infections such as chorioamnionitis could impact fetal lung development by altering cell proliferation and apoptosis. Chorioamnionitis favors the multiple pleiotropic cytokines production such as LIF (leukemia inhibitory factor) and an inflammation-related protein p53. The cytokine production can lead to lung tissue damage and lung disease development. AIM: The aim of the study is to evaluate the expression and the interaction of pro-anti-inflammatory proteins LIF and p53 on fetal lungs of all developmental stages after chorioamnionitis exposure. METHODS: Lung tissue was obtained from stillborn fetuses through elective abortion or miscarriage and was examined. This immuno-histochemical study aimed to evaluate the expression of pro-anti-inflammatory proteins LIF, and p53 on fetal lung tissues exposed to chorioamnionitis during three different stages of fetal lung development. Moreover, the interaction between LIF and p53 on inflammatory lung tissue was evaluated. RESULTS: The comparison analysis of p53 rates in the three different stages showed that the p53 rate was significantly higher in the saccular stage compared to pseudogladular stage and canalicular stage, respectively (p-value: 0.05). The comparison analysis of LIF rates in the three different stages showed that the LIF rate was significantly higher in pseudogladular stage compared to the canalicular stage and saccular stage, respectively. No significant association between p53 and LIF was detected during the study duration period (p-value: 0.082). CONCLUSION: The relationship between the two cytokines p53 and LIF interferes with the inflammation process. The result of their relation affects differently each stage of lung development as the cells maintain a different potential for differentiation and survival. Consequently, the extent of inflammation has a different importance at each stage.