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Interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and granulocyte elastase in newborns with fetal distress
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shimane Medical University, Izumo, Japan.
Insights
Fetal distress in utero elevates immune factors. This study found increased interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and granulocyte elastase (GEL) in newborns experiencing fetal distress.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal Medicine
- Immunology
- Neonatology
Background:
- Fetal distress is a critical condition during pregnancy.
- The role of immune system activation in fetal distress requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the involvement of specific cytokines and neutrophils in the pathophysiology of fetal distress.
- To assess the correlation between fetal distress and elevated immune markers in newborns.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of umbilical cord serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8), and plasma granulocyte elastase (GEL).
- Comparison of these markers in newborns with and without fetal distress, including growth-retarded and normally grown infants.
- Assessment of umbilical arterial blood pH and PO2 levels.
Main Results:
- Newborns with fetal distress (Groups C and D) exhibited significantly lower umbilical arterial blood pH and PO2 compared to controls (Groups A and B).
- Elevated levels of IL-6 were observed in growth-retarded newborns with fetal distress (Group D) compared to all other groups.
- Significantly higher concentrations of IL-8 and GEL were found in newborns with fetal distress (Groups C and D) compared to those without fetal distress (Groups A and B).
Conclusions:
- Fetal distress occurring in utero is associated with a notable elevation of key immune factors.
- Increased levels of IL-6, IL-8, and GEL serve as indicators of fetal distress and potential immune system activation during pregnancy.
Objective:
Our purpose was to investigate the participation of cytokines and neutrophils in fetal distress.
Study Design:
Umbilical cord serum interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and plasma granulocyte elastase (GEL) were measured in 30 normally grown newborns without fetal distress (Group A), 10 growth-retarded newborns without acute fetal distress (Group B), 5 normally grown newborns with fetal distress (Group C), and 5 growth-retarded newborns with fetal distress (Group D). Umbilical arterial blood pH and PO2 were also measured.
Results:
Umbilical arterial blood pH and PO2 in either Group C or Group D were significantly lower than those in either Group A or Group B. The concentration of IL-6 in Group D was significantly higher than that in either Group A, B, or C. The level of IL-8 in either Group C or Group D was significantly higher than that in either Group A or Group B. The concentrations of GEL in Group D was significantly higher than that in either Group A or Group B.
Conclusion:
This study suggests that fetal distress in utero causes an elevation of immune factors such as IL-6, IL-8 and GEL.