[Interleukin-6 levels changes in cervicovaginal exudates in labor evolution]

Area of Science:

• Reproductive biology
• Immunology
• Obstetrics

Background:

• Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is a proinflammatory cytokine.
• Cervicovaginal fluid composition changes during pregnancy and labor.
• Accurate prediction of labor onset remains a clinical challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the dynamic changes in IL-6 secretion in cervicovaginal fluid.
• To correlate IL-6 levels with stages of labor progression.
• To assess IL-6 as a potential biomarker for normal and preterm labor.

Main Methods:

• Collection of cervicovaginal fluid samples from 173 patients (20-40 weeks gestation).
• Classification of samples into five strata representing labor development.
• Quantification of IL-6 concentrations using the Multiplex system.
• Exclusion of samples from patients with infection data.

Main Results:

• A basal level of IL-6 was detected in cervicovaginal fluid throughout gestation.
• IL-6 levels did not change significantly until the onset of active labor.
• A significant increase in IL-6 concentration was observed with the initiation of regular, effective uterine activity.

Conclusions:

• IL-6 secretion increases specifically with the onset of effective uterine activity.
• IL-6 is a promising candidate biomarker for predicting normal and preterm labor.
• Monitoring IL-6 in cervicovaginal fluid may aid in labor prediction.