M. J. Willi, M. Winkler, D.-C. Fischer, T. Reineke, H. Maul, W. Rath
Chorioamnionitis: Elevated interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 concentrations in the lower uterine segment
Aims: To determine interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 concentrations
in the lower uterine segment in patients with
chorioamnionitis compared to those without.
Methods: Biopsy specimens from the lower uterine segment
of 33 patients with chorioamnionitis were matched
to specimens of 33 patients without. The biopsies had
been taken during cesarean section. The concentrations
of IL-6 and IL-8 in protein extracts of these specimens
were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assays.
Results: Compared to the controls patients with
chorioamnionitis showed significantly lower gestational
age and higher parity, and were more likely to receive
fenoterol or betamethasone. In the chorioamnionitis
group the median IL-6 concentrations were higher than
in the controls (61.5 and 19.4 pg/mg protein, respectively
[p < 0.01]). The same applies to the median IL-8 concentrations
(162.3 and 13.4 pg/mg protein, respectively
[p < 0.001]).
Conclusions: To our knowledge this is the first study
which could clearly demonstrate significantly increased
IL-6 and IL-8 levels in the lower uterine segment of patients
with chorioamnionitis. Increased concentrations of
pro-inflammatory cytokines may play a pivotal role in
cervical softening and dilatation during chorioamniotic
infection.
Journal of Perinatal Medicine, Walter de Gruyter
Print ISSN: 1619-3997
Volume: 30, 07/2002
Pages: 292 - 296
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