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Tumor necrosis factor in preterm and term labor.
R Romero1, M Mazor, W Sepulveda
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|May 1, 1992
Summary
Microbial invasion of amniotic fluid during preterm labor or term labor is linked to increased tumor necrosis factor (TNF). This cytokine marker indicates an activated inflammatory response during parturition with infection.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Immunology
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a key cytokine in inflammatory processes.
- The role of TNF in amniotic fluid during labor and infection is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between labor (term and preterm) and microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity with amniotic fluid TNF concentrations.
Main Methods:
- Amniotic fluid was collected from 269 women across different pregnancy stages and conditions.
- Fluid cultures identified aerobic, anaerobic bacteria, and Mycoplasma species.
- Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) levels were quantified using a validated enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Main Results:
- TNF was undetectable in amniotic fluid of non-laboring women.
- In preterm labor, 92.3% of women with positive amniotic fluid cultures showed detectable TNF.
- TNF was detected more frequently and at higher concentrations in preterm labor with microbial invasion compared to other groups.
Conclusions:
- Parturition associated with microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity activates the cytokine network.
- Detection of TNF in amniotic fluid signifies an inflammatory response during labor with infection.