Cytokines in Preterm Delivery

This study aimed to investigate the serum levels of interleukin-12 (IL-12), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in preterm neonates and their mothers and to compare them with those of full-term neonates and their mothers. One hundred cord blood specimens from full-term neonates and 60 from preterm neonates were collected. Likewise, 100 plasma samples from the mothers of the full-term neonates and 60 from the mothers of the preterm neonates were collected. Serum levels of IL-12, IL-10, and IL-6 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cord blood levels of IL-12 and serum levels of IL-6 were higher in preterm neonates and their mothers, respectively. Based on these findings, serum levels of IL-6 and IL-12 may be associated with preterm delivery. More studies must be completed to confirm the key role of these cytokines for the prognosis of preterm labor.