Interleukin 8 concentrations in amniotic fluid and peripheral venous plasma during human pregnancy and parturition

Abstract

Laham N, Rice GE, Bishop GJ, Ransome C. Brennecke SP. Interleukin 8 concentrations in amniotic fluid and peripheral venous plasma during human pregnancy and parturition. Acta Endocrinol 1993;129:220-4. ISSN 0001-5598 To establish the gestational and labour-associated changes in interleukin 8 (IL-8) release, we have determined the concentration of this cytokine in maternal peripheral plasma and amniotic fluid from 1 5 weeks of gestation to term and in association with spontaneous-onset labour at term and preterm. No statistically significant changes in peripheral plasma IL-8 concentration were observed during pregnancy or in association with labour onset (mean concentration 56.5 \m=+-\14.5 ng/l, N = 64). The IL-8 concentrations in amniotic fluid were up to 50-fold greater than those observed in peripheral plasma (p<0.05) and increased significantly (p<0.05) during pregnancy. At term, but before the onset of labour, amniotic fluid concentrations of IL-8 averaged 969.2 \ m=+-\ 553.5 ng/l (N= 12). In association with labour at term, IL-8 concentrations increased to 3895.8\m=+-\1414.4 ng/l (N=6, p<0.03). The concentration of IL-8 in amniotic fluid obtained from women in preterm labour averaged 1854.7\m=+-\1352.6 ng/l (N=6) but was not statistically different from the concentration of IL-8 in amniotic fluid obtained from gestational aged-matched non-labouring controls. Although the precise role of intrauterine IL-8 at the time of parturition awaits elucidation, these data support the concept that this cytokine may be involved in the biochemical events associated with the onset and/or propagation of normal labour in the human.

Elevated Interleukin-8 Concentrations in Cervical Secretions Are Associated with Preterm Labour

“…However, they found no significant correlation of IL-6 levels with cervical findings (on clinical exam- (4,698) ination), presence of vaginal pathogens, alkaline vaginal pH, chorioamnionitis or endometritis. IL-8 concentrations have been determined in amniotic fluid [13], maternal plasma [14] and cervical explants [15] but not previously in cervical secretions. Laham et al [14] found stable levels of IL-8 in maternal plasma throughout pregnancy and during normal labour at term.…”

“…IL-8 concentrations have been determined in amniotic fluid [13], maternal plasma [14] and cervical explants [15] but not previously in cervical secretions. Laham et al [14] found stable levels of IL-8 in maternal plasma throughout pregnancy and during normal labour at term. However, amniotic fluid levels were 50 times greater than those in plasma and rose during both pregnancy and term labour (although not preterm labour).…”

Myometrial cytokines and their role in the onset of labour

“…With the onset of TL, there are increased concentrations of IL-1β and TNF-α in AF (Romero et al 1990, Laham et al 1993). IL-6 has been noted to be raised in AF in women with spontaneous labour (Andrews et al 1995) and particularly raised in PTL associated with intraamniotic infection; and even considered a predictor for PTL before 34 weeks gestation (Chaemsaithong et al 2015).…”

Chorioamnionitis: A Risk Factor for Fetal and Neonatal Morbidity

“…Multivariate analysis has demonstrated that high IL-6 is a major risk factor for subsequent development of severe neonatal morbidity [38]. In CA, IL-8 has also been demonstrated to be present at high levels in amniotic fluid and cord blood [41][42][43]. The high level of secretion of IL-8 in CA seems to be due to activation of placenta cells by lipopolysaccharide [44].…”