Slit2 is decreased after spontaneous labour in myometrium and regulates pro-labour mediators

•Slit2 expression is decreased in labouring term myometrium.•Proven inducers of preterm labour – bacterial endotoxin LPS and the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β – decrease Slit2 expression in myometrium.•Knockdown of Slit2 using siRNA is associated with an increase in pro-inflammatory and pro-labour mediators in human myometrial cells.

Preterm birth, a global healthcare problem, is commonly associated with inflammation. As Slit2 plays an emerging role in inflammation, the purpose of this study was to determine the effect of Slit2 on labour mediators in human gestational tissues. Slit2 mRNA and protein expression were assessed using qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry in foetal membranes and myometrium obtained before and after labour. Slit2 silencing was achieved using siRNA in primary myometrial cells. Pro-inflammatory and pro-labour mediators were evaluated by qRT-PCR, ELISA and gelatin zymography. Slit2 mRNA and protein expression were found to be significantly lower in myometrium after labour onset. There was no effect of term or preterm labour on Slit2 expression in foetal membranes. Slit2 mRNA expression was decreased in myometrium treated with LPS and IL-1β. Slit2 siRNA in myometrial cells increased IL-1β-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expression and release (IL-6 and IL-8), COX-2 expression and prostaglandin PGE2 and PGF2α release, and MMP-9 gene expression and pro MMP-9 release. There was no effect of Slit2 siRNA on IL-1β-induced NF-κB transcriptional activity. Our results demonstrate that Slit2 is decreased in human myometrium after labour and our knock-down studies describe an anti-inflammatory effect of Slit2 in myometrial cells.