"Discussion: ... [O]ur results revealed that in placental cells, SARS-CoV-2 S-protein induces release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, which likely contributes to the 'cytokine storm' in pregnant women and potential cause of placental dysfunction as well as elevated F3 [tissue factor] levels that may trigger the vascular thrombosis seen in the placentas of women infected with COVID-19. These findings also support the concept that SARS-CoV-2 infection in the presence of enhanced IFNγ [human recombinant interferon gamma] levels amplifies pro-inflammatory cytokine release from placenta to cause utero-placental and/or feto-placental endothelial dysfunction, contributing to SARS-CoV-2-associated adverse pregnancy outcomes such as PTB [preterm birth], abruption, still birth, fetal growth restriction, and/or preeclampsia."
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