Role of maternal interleukin-8 (IL-8) in normal-term birth in the human

Abstract

Cytokines are the main factors involved in the normal functions of the placenta and delivery process. The aim of this project was to compare serum levels of interleukin-8 (IL-8), IL-6, tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) in term and prolonged-pregnancy mothers and their neonates. This study was performed on 240 participants including 60 term and prolonged-pregnancy neonates and their corresponding mothers. Serum levels of IL-8, IL-6, TNF-α and TGF-β were evaluated by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. The results revealed that IL-8 serum levels were significantly lower in the prolonged-pregnancy mothers and their neonates when compared with term mothers and their neonates. Data analysis also revealed a negative correlation between TGF-β and age of prolonged-pregnancy mothers. A poor positive correlation between IL-6 and head circumference of term neonates was also observed. IL-8 may play crucial roles in the process of on-time delivery and age may significantly affect TGF-β production in prolonged-pregnancy mothers. Pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6, can also be considered as main factors involved in fetal growth.

Cytokine Patterns in Maternal Serum From First Trimester to Term and Beyond

“…One reason may be the seemingly chaotic cytokine expression and immunological regulation in late term pregnancies. In contrast to our results of cytokine upregulation in late term pregnancies, decreased or unchanged levels of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α has been associated with prolonged pregnancy ( 88 ), including all pregnancies beyond 40 +0 weeks. However, IL-8 was related to the induction of labor, consistent with our findings ( 88 ).…”

“…In contrast to our results of cytokine upregulation in late term pregnancies, decreased or unchanged levels of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α has been associated with prolonged pregnancy ( 88 ), including all pregnancies beyond 40 +0 weeks. However, IL-8 was related to the induction of labor, consistent with our findings ( 88 ). Most of the cytokines of high importance to the prediction model have been related to preterm labor in earlier studies ( 89 ), indicating that this cytokine pattern is associated with labor regardless of when in pregnancy the labor takes place.…”

Differences in maternal and neonatal cardiometabolic markers and placenta status by foetal sex. The GESTAFIT project

“…In our study, we also observed a trend towards longer telomeres in placentas from women carrying a female. Moreover, we observed higher placental new-born weight ratio and fibroblast growth factor 2 in female’s placentas, which could indicate lower placenta ageing and a greater placental functional volume, with greater villous, angiogenesis and overall development, 37 , 38 as reported for placentas exposed to maternal exercise. 39 , 40 In agreement with our findings, Pac-Kożuchowska et al 8 also described greater placental-foetal weight ratio in females.…”

IL-6 and IL-8: An Overview of Their Roles in Healthy and Pathological Pregnancies

“…Further research on the specific inflammatory interactions associated with the onset and progression of parturition could lead to a better risk assessment and treatment of PTL. For instance, tracking IL-8 serum levels in pregnant women is suggested as a main marker to determine the time of parturition [ 104 ]. In addition, the maternal IL-6 and IL-8 serum levels are also considered as appropriate markers for monitoring the effects of tocolytics in PTL [ 105 ].…”