Investigation on the role of Tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 in preterm labor

Objective To investigate the role of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and: Interleukin-6 (IL-6) in preterm labor. Methods We collected 58 cases maternal serum and partial placental tissues of preterm labor (32 cases of infectious group with chorioamnionitis, 26 cases of noninfectious group without chorioamnionitis), and 28 cases maternal serum of term labor in corresponding period were collected. In 86 cases serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were measured by enzyme -linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results The levels of maternal serum TNF-α and IL-6 in preterm labor with chorioamnionitis were significantly higher than those of preterm labor without chorioamnionitis and term labor( P < 0.05 ). Conclusion The increase of TNF-α and IL-6 level is closely related to preterm labor with chorioamnionitis, and the detecting of TNF-α and IL-6 level is valuable in predicting premature delivery. Key words: Tumor necrosis factor-α;  Interleukin- 6;  Preterm labor;  Intrauterine infection