17-α Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate Immunology, a Special Focus on Preterm Labor, Preeclampsia, and COVID-19

• Published in: Reproductive medicine (Basel, Switzerland) Vol. 3; no. 3; pp. 246 - 252
• Main Author: Al-Lami, Rasha A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel MDPI AG 01-09-2022
• Subjects: 17-OHPC; Adrenal glands; Amniotic fluid; Autoimmune diseases; Coronaviruses; COVID-19; Cytokines; Drug dosages; Gene expression; Gestational diabetes; Hypertension; Infections; Inflammation; Ischemia; Preeclampsia; Pregnancy; Premature birth; preterm labor; Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2; Vagina; Womens health; United States > US
• ISSN: 2673-3897; 2673-3897
• DOI: 10.3390/reprodmed3030019

17-α hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17-OHPC) could alter the immune response and inflammation, specifically affecting the risk of preterm labor and preeclampsia. However, the exact immune and inflammatory effects of 17-OHPC remain hard to be identified. The current literature on 17-OHPC immune effects is limited and more research is needed to identify these mechanistic pathways. Further, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection in pregnancy involves heightened immune response, widespread inflammation and high rates of preterm labor and preeclampsia. Since the pathogenesis of preterm labor, preeclampsia and COVID-19 involves inflammation and altered immune response, it is important to explore the possible immune effects of 17-OHPC in pregnant women with COVID-19. This commentary article will explain the immune effects of 17-OHPC and their implications in preterm labor, preeclampsia and COVID-19.