T-Helper (1) Cytokines Increase During Early Pregnancy in Women With a History of Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion Pubmed



Rezaei A¹ ; Dabbagh A¹
Source: Medical Science Monitor Published:2002

Abstract

Background: The measurement of various cytokines may provide different tools for evaluation of the immune system. The objective of this study was to access the role of the Th1 cytokines (IL-2, IFN-γ, TNF-α, TNF-β in this phenomenon, and detection of Th1 cytokines in women with RSA. Material/Methods: The control group consisted of 40 women with no history of pregnancy loss. The abortion group comprised of 92 women having at least 3 pregnancy losses. Blood samples from the control group and women with RSA were taken at the end of first trimester of gestational age and at the time of abortion, respectively. Sera were separated and lymphocytes were challenged with PHA. All samples were tested for concentration of Th1 cytokines using ELISA methods. Results: It was found that sera from women with RSA produce higher concentration of TNF-α, TNF-β, and IL-2 in comparison with sera from normal pregnant women (NPW) (P<0.001). We were not able to detect IL-2 in (NPW) whereas in 31% sera from RSA group, IL-2 was detectable (P<0.001). However, there was no significant differences between IFN-γ, concentration in sera from patients and control group (P<0.182). Tissue culture supernatant from women with RSA also produced higher concentration of TNF-α, IFN-γ, TNF-β and IL2, than control group. Conclusions: These data may explain the increase NK-cells cytolytic activity during early pregnancy in RSA group. It may also provide a diagnostic tool to predict the outcome of pregnancy.