A review of the role of proinflammatory cytokines in labor and noninfectious preterm labor.
The prevention of preterm labor has the potential to reduce newborn morbidity and mortality by decreasing the incidence of preterm birth. Half of all preterm births occur in women with no known clinical risk factors. Labor onset and progress is multifactorial, and we are just beginning to understand the role of cytokines in uterine activity. The purpose of this article is to review the role of cytokines in labor and preterm labor not associated with infection and to provide implications for research and practice.
Farina
Lucinda
L
Cleveland State University, 2121 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115. USA. cmf9@po.cwru.edu
Winkelman
Chris
C
D016207:Cytokines / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007743:Labor, Obstetric / Q000276:immunology*; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000276:immunology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D011247:Pregnancy
D016207:Cytokines