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CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · AJP Rep 2018; 08(02): e113-e120
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1656534
Original Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Comparison of Serum and Cervical Cytokine Levels throughout Pregnancy between Preterm and Term Births

Kristin Ashford
1   Perinatal Research and Wellness Center, University of Kentucky College of Nursing, Lexington, Kentucky
,
Niraj R. Chavan
2   Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky
,
Amanda T. Wiggins
1   Perinatal Research and Wellness Center, University of Kentucky College of Nursing, Lexington, Kentucky
,
Molly Malany Sayre
3   Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work, University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio
,
Andrea McCubbin
1   Perinatal Research and Wellness Center, University of Kentucky College of Nursing, Lexington, Kentucky
,
Agatha S. Critchfield
4   Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky
,
John O'Brien
4   Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

12 June 2017

24 March 2018

Publication Date:
31 May 2018 (online)

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Abstract

Objective To assess differences in cytokine levels in cervicovaginal fluid (CVF) and serum across trimesters between women with preterm births (PTBs) and full-term births.

Study Design This multicenter study enrolled 302 women with a singleton gestation. CVF and serum cytokines, interleukin 1α (IL-1α), IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8, were measured. Women with at least one cytokine assessment and noted PTB status in their medical record were retained in the study (N = 272). Data were analyzed using mixed modeling (main effects of PTBs and time/trimester).

Results For the CVF values of IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α, and CRP, and serum MMP-8, those who delivered preterm had significantly higher values than the full-term group regardless of trimester. For the serum values of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, those delivering preterm had significantly lower values than those delivering full-term regardless of trimester. For IL-1β in CVF, the cytokine was significantly higher in the PTB group for second and third trimesters only, relative to the full-term group.

Conclusion For each CVF cytokine that differed by birth status, values were higher for PTB than term, averaged over trimester. Numerous cytokine profiles varied across trimesters in women delivering term versus preterm in both CVF and serum.

Keywords

cytokines - preterm birth - serum - cervicovaginal fluid
 

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