Human β-defensin-2 as a biochemical indicator of vaginal environment in pregnant women

Abstract

Aim: Vaginal environment is an important factor in predicting threatened abortion and premature rupture of membranes (PROM) in early pregnancy. Vaginal human beta-defensin-2 (HBD-2), a main antimicrobial peptide associated with innate immunity, plays multiple roles to protect the lower genital tract from microbes. This study aimed to assess the usefulness of vaginal HBD-2 as a biochemical marker for monitoring the vaginal environment in pregnant women. Methods: Twenty-eight pregnant women were enrolled in this study. Vaginal secretion samples were collected to determine Nugent scores, and vaginal washing fluid (4 ml saline) was used to measure HBD-2 levels by ELISA. Results: In the first trimester, vaginal HBD-2 levels were significantly lower in patients with bacterial vaginosis (BV) (42.1 +/- 19.8 pg/ml) compared to those without BV (350.1 +/- 68.7 pg/ml, P < 0.05), and in patients with PROM (57.2 +/- 31.9 pg/ml) compared to those without PROM (375.9 +/- 69.4 pg/ml, P < 0.05). Conclusions: Low vaginal HBD-2 levels during early pregnancy suggest a poor vaginal environment and the possibility of developing PROM.