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The application of multiple protein identification algorithms to an analysis of cervical-vaginal fluid (CVF) can provide a detailed map of biological markers to help researchers understand the course of human pregnancy and the problems that can arise. Preliminary tests suggest it could be used to determine the likelihood of a premature birth. To this end, Srinivasa Nagalla of the Oregon Health and Science University and colleagues there and at the University of Washington, Seattle and ProteoGenix Inc, of Portland, Oregon have performed a comprehensive survey of the CVF proteome in pregnancy. They used multidimensional liquid chromatography (2D-LC) coupled with mass spectrometry and gel-electrophoresis-based protein separation and identification to identify 150 unique proteins. Almost one third of these were linked to metabolism, more than a fifth were immune response-related and as such represent the major functional categories of the CVF proteome. CVF is a complex fluid. It consists mainly of water, electrolytes, and small molecules such as glucose, amino acids, and lipids). However, it also contains cells, including leukocytes, lymphocytes, and epithelial cells, and a vast array of proteins and proteolytic enzymes, as well as secretions from vaginal cells, mucins, defensins, complement factors, immunogloblins, lactoferrin, and collectins. A quantitative analysis of proteome overlap by Nagalla and colleagues revealed that there are 77 proteins unique to CVF as opposed to serum or amniotic fluid, which, the researchers say, provides a foundation for monitoring these proteins as potential CVF biomarkers for non-invasive diagnostics during pregnancy. For instance, differences in protein levels have been linked by other teams to premature rupture of membranes and cervical cancer. The researchers also suggest that an analysis of biomarkers could also be used to detect whether an expectant mother is likely to enter labour prematurely leading to a spontaneous pre-term birth before 37 weeks. Related links:
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Proteomics' helping hands in pregnancy research |
