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Granulocyte and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factors in cord and maternal serum at delivery
K E Bailie1, A E Irvine, J M Bridges
1Department of Haematology, Queen's University of Belfast, Royal Victoria Hospital, Northern Ireland.
Insights
This study investigated levels of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in mothers and newborns. Findings reveal associations between gestational age and these crucial immune factors in both maternal and neonatal serum.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal immunology
- Maternal-fetal medicine
- Hematology
Background:
- Neonates exhibit impaired neutrophil function, increasing infection susceptibility.
- Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) are critical for immune cell development and function.
- Endogenous levels of G-CSF and GM-CSF in neonates and their relationship with gestational age are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure endogenous maternal and cord serum levels of G-CSF and GM-CSF.
- To investigate the relationship between these cytokine levels and gestational age at delivery.
- To explore potential associations between maternal and neonatal cytokine levels.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to quantify G-CSF and GM-CSF.
- Maternal and cord blood serum samples were collected at delivery (25-42 weeks gestational age).
- Statistical analyses were performed to determine relationships between cytokine levels, gestational age, and other clinical factors.
Main Results:
- Maternal GM-CSF levels showed an inverse linear relationship with gestational age.
- Neonatal GM-CSF levels exhibited a quadratic association with gestational age.
- Neonatal G-CSF levels demonstrated an inverse linear association with gestational age.
- A significant association was found between maternal and cord GM-CSF levels in paired samples.
Conclusions:
- Gestational age significantly influences endogenous G-CSF and GM-CSF levels in both mothers and neonates.
- Maternal GM-CSF levels may impact neonatal GM-CSF levels.
- These findings contribute to understanding neonatal immune system development and susceptibility to infection.
Abstract:
Impaired neutrophil responses contribute to the neonate's increased susceptibility to infection. Because granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) enhance granulocyte and macrophage number and function, their use in the management of neonatal sepsis may be beneficial. Little is known about the endogenous levels of G-CSF and GM-CSF. In adults, raised values for G-CSF, but not GM-CSF, have been demonstrated in patients with infection, and conflicting data has emerged regarding CSF levels in neonates. We have used an ELISA to measure maternal and cord serum G-CSF and GM-CSF at the time of delivery, with gestational age between 25 and 42 wk. In mothers, an inverse linear relationship between gestational age and GM-CSF levels (p = 0.049) was found, but no association with G-CSF levels was observed. In neonates, a quadratic association was found between GM-CSF levels and gestational age (p = 0.019), whereas G-CSF levels showed an inverse linear association (p = 0.015). In addition, an association was found between maternal and cord GM-CSF (p = 0.007) but not G-CSF levels in paired samples. The effect of gestational age on the cytokine levels could not be explained by the white cell count, the absolute neutrophil count, pregnancy-induced hypertension, or the presence of infection.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)