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Production of IL-6 (BSF-2/IFN beta 2) by mononuclear cells in premature and term infants
Insights
Interleukin 6 (IL-6) production is lower in premature infants without premature rupture of the membrane (PROM). Premature infants with PROM show normal IL-6 levels, correlating with cord serum IgM.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neonatal Research
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is a key cytokine involved in immune responses.
- Neonatal immune system development and function differ significantly between premature and full-term infants.
- Premature rupture of the membranes (PROM) can impact fetal development and immune status.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare interleukin 6 (IL-6) production in premature and full-term neonates.
- To assess the influence of premature rupture of the membranes (PROM) on IL-6 production in premature infants.
- To explore the relationship between IL-6 production and IgM levels in cord serum.
Main Methods:
- Mononuclear cells from premature (n=48) and full-term (n=20) neonates were isolated.
- Cells were stimulated with Staphylococcus aureus Cowan Strain I (SAC), phytohemagglutinin (PHA), or lipopolysaccharide (LPS).
- Interleukin 6 (IL-6) production was quantified via immunoassay.
Main Results:
- Full-term neonates exhibited IL-6 production levels comparable to healthy adults.
- Premature neonates without PROM showed significantly reduced IL-6 production.
- Premature infants with PROM demonstrated normal IL-6 production across all stimulation methods.
- A positive correlation was observed between cord serum IgM concentration and IL-6 production stimulated by LPS.
Conclusions:
- Premature rupture of the membranes (PROM) appears to normalize or enhance the interleukin 6 (IL-6) production capacity of neonatal mononuclear cells.
- IL-6 production in premature neonates is influenced by gestational maturity and the presence of PROM.
- Cord serum IgM levels may serve as a biomarker for immune system activation in neonates, particularly in the context of LPS stimulation and PROM.
Abstract:
The production of interleukin 6 (IL-6) was examined in premature neonates (48 cases, including 3 miscarried fetuses) and fullterm neonates (20 cases). The IL-6 production by mononuclear cells was measured after stimulation with Staphylococcus aureus Cowan Strain I (SAC), phytohemagglutinin (PHA) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The production in full-term neonates was similar to that in healthy adults, whereas it was significantly lower in premature neonates without premature rupture of the membrane (PROM). However, in premature infants with PROM a normal level of IL-6 production was observed in mononuclear cells stimulated with SAC, PHA and LPS. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between the IgM concentration in the cord serum and IL-6 production by LPS-stimulated mononuclear cells.