Comparing of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the woman with preterm and term labors

Abstract

Background: Preterm birth is one of the most important issues in obstetrics medicine and yet, the leading cause of morbidity and long-term disabilities such as neuro developmental impairments. There have been many studies trying to recognize responsible factors and develop new methods to predict and cure the condition. One important factor in preterm birth is immune system and immune factors such as cytokines. In this regard, we aimed to measure different cytokines in sera of mothers experiencing preterm birth. Methods and Materials: In this case control study, we measured serum levels of IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8 (CXCL8), IL-10, IL-12(p70), IL-13, interferon gamma (IFN-g), granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GMC-SF) and TNF-alpha in women with preterm and term labors according to Enzyme-Linked Immune Sorbent Assay (ELISA). Results: Serum levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, IL-13 and TNF-α in preterm group were significantly higher than control group (P < 0.05, for all). Also, GMC-SF serum levels in the preterm group were significantly lower than control group (P < 0.0001). Conclusion: here in this study we indicated that immune system and pro-inflammatory cytokine have been change in preterm birth and further examinations on more patients may create new insights in developing methods to predict and prevent the disease.