Significance of Serum TNF-α and sTNFRIILevel in Preterm Labor

Objective:To investigate the role of Tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and souble Tumor necrosis factor receptor Ⅱ(sTNFRⅡ) in preterm labor.Methods:We collected 46 cases maternal serum and partial placental tissues of preterm labor(21 cases of infectious group with chorioamnionitis,25 cases of noninfectious group without chorioamnionitis),and 20 cases maternal serum of term labor in corresponding period.In 66 cases serum levels of TNF-α and sTNFRⅡ were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Results:The levels of maternal serum TNF-α and sTNFRⅡ in preterm labor with chorioamnionitis were significantly higher than those of preterm labor without chorioamnionitis and term labor(P0.05).There were no significant difference between term labor and preterm labor without chorioamnionitis(P0.05).Conclusion:It suggested that TNF-α,sTNFRⅡ could be a useful marker for preterm labor with chorioamnionitis,and might hopeful index indicating early prediction and diagnosis of preterm labor,intrauterine infection,and poor prognosis.