Biological functions of Hp with potential roles in protecting the fetus and neonate from inflammation-derived injury include: scavenging of toxic hemoglobin, [62] dampening of neutrophilic oxidative burst, [63] inhibition of endotoxin-induced inflammation, suppression of monocytic TNF-α and IL-12 production, [64] and inhibition of B and T lymphocyte proliferation [65] IL-6 is a known transcriptional activator of Hp [66] and may explain why histological chorioamnionitis was associated with increased CB Hp levels [67]. This evidence concerns the gene TNF and chorioamnionitis.