Role of N-formyl-met-leu-phe (FPR1) Receptor in Immune System Response to Vaginal Infections Associated with Spontaneous Pregnancy Loss

Abstract

Background: The immune system’s ability to identify and react to microbial infections is crucial for sustaining pregnancy. The formyl peptide receptor (FPR1), which interacts with fMLP, is crucial for identifying bacterial presence and initiating immune responses. Aim: This study seeks to examine the relationship between the N-formyl-met-leu-phe receptor and bacterial infections in women experiencing spontaneous abortions. Materials and Methods: One hundred women aged 17 to 50 with a history of sexual assault participated. We employed two vaginal swabs. They were initially cultivated. The Vitek2 method was employed subsequent to the identification of isolates by biochemical assays. The second swab was utilised to assess for vaginosis employing Amsel criteria. Serum fMLP concentrations were quantified by ELISA. Results: Substantial correlations were identified between the frequency of abortion and variables including pregnancy-related and chronic illnesses, as well as educational attainment. fMLP receptor levels exhibited a strong correlation with Gram-positive bacteria and normal flora (P = 0.041), but not with Gram-negative bacteria or fungal diseases. No significant correlation was found between fMLP receptor levels and the presence of clue cells (P = 0.261) or the number of abortions (P = 0.629), indicating a minimal direct influence of receptor levels on pregnancy loss. More targeted results suggest that FPR1 plays a role in early pregnancy stability and term labour, with alterations in expression potentially leading to complications. Conclusion: The correlation between fMLP receptor levels and normal vaginal flora indicates a possible biomarker for vaginal health. FPR1 may have a role in early pregnancy stability and term labour, with alterations in expression potentially leading to problems.