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AssigneeUniversity of Hawaii
InventorsGillian Bryant-Greenwood, Lily Tashima, Simona Ognjanovic, Elizabeta Nemeth, Lynnae Millar
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In accordance with the present invention, recombinant human PBEF has been produced in order to study its ability to stimulate the transcription of the key cytokine mediators of labor induction, using the amnion-like epithelial (WISH) cell line and fetal membrane explants. As a result of these studies, it has been determined that PBEF is a good indicator of initiation of labor. This makes PBEF a useful marker, especially for the identification of subjects who have initiated preterm labor. Accordingly, methods for the identification of subjects who have commenced labor are provided. In addition, methods are also provided for blocking labor, as well as compositions useful therefor. This is accomplished by blocking the production of PBEF or by blocking the action of PBEF.
A method for determining whether a subject has commenced labor, said method comprising assaying for the level of pre-B cell colony-enhancing factor (PBEF) in one or more of the serum, cervical fluid, vaginal fluid and amniotic fluid of said subject, and identifying a subject whose level of PBEF is elevated above baseline as having commenced labor.
A method of blocking labor in a subject in need thereof, said method comprising blocking the action of pre-B cell colony-enhancing factor (PBEF) in said subject.
A method for determining whether a test compound blocks pre-B cell colony-enhancing factor (PBEF) production, said method comprising assaying test cells for PBEF production when said cells are contacted with test compound, wherein test cells comprise human amniotic epithelial cells treated with lipopolysaccharide, TNF-α and/or IL-1β.
A method for determining whether a test compound blocks the action of pre-B cell colony-enhancing factor (PBEF), said method comprising assaying test cells for cytokine production when said cells are contacted with test compound, wherein test cells comprise amnion-like epithelial cell lines or fetal membrane explants.
A method for stimulating cytokine production in fetal membranes, said method comprising contacting said membrane with an effective amount of pre-B cell colony-enhancing factor (PBEF).
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.