T-helper (1) cytokines increase during early pregnancy in women with a history of recurrent spontaneous abortion.
BACKGROUND
The measurement of various cytokines may provide different tools for evaluation of the immune system. The objective of this study was to assess the role of the Th1 cytokines (IL-2, IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, TNF-beta in this phenomenon, and detection of Th1 cytokines in women with RSA.


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-alpha, TNF-beta, 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-g, concentration in sera from patients and control group (P<0.182). Tissue culture supernatant from women with RSA also produced higher concentration of TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, TNF-beta 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.
Rezaei
Abbas
A
Department of Immunology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Isfahan, Iran. rezaei@mui.ac.ir
Dabbagh
Ali
A
D000026:Abortion, Habitual / Q000276:immunology*; D000328:Adult; D016207:Cytokines / Q000097:blood* / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D018417:Th1 Cells / Q000276:immunology*
D016207:Cytokines