Abnormal cytokine levels in non-pregnant women with a history of recurrent miscarriage

Wilson, R., Jenkins, C., Miller, H., McInnes, I. B. , Moore, J., McLean, M.A. and Walker, J.J. (2004) Abnormal cytokine levels in non-pregnant women with a history of recurrent miscarriage. European Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, 115(1), pp. 51-54. (doi: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2003.11.029) (PMID:15223165)

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To compare cytokine levels in serum from non-pregnant women with a history of recurrent miscarriage with those found in non-pregnant women with no such history. <br/><br/> STUDY DESIGN: Two patient groups were enrolled into the study. Group 1 comprised 25 non-pregnant women with no history of recurrent miscarriage. Group 2 comprised 50 non-pregnant women who had a history of at least three previous miscarriages. Fifteen of these women have since become pregnant again-10 had a successful pregnancy and five miscarried. Serum levels of IL-4, IFN gamma, IL-12 and IL-18 were measured. <br/><br/> RESULTS: Results showed IFN gamma ( 0.68 ± 0.72 versus 0.45 ± 0.29 P < 0.05) and IL-12 levels (66 ± 25 versus 51 ± 24 P < 0.05) were significantly higher in Group 2 compared to Group 1. Levels of IL-18 were significantly lower in Group 2 patients (318 ± 140 versus 246 ± 219 P < 0.05). Of the 15 women who became pregnant, those who miscarried again had significantly higher IL-18 levels when not pregnant than those women whose next pregnancies went successfully to term (547 ± 20 versus 274 ± 129 P < 0.05). <br/><br/> CONCLUSION: These results suggest that women with a history of recurrent miscarriage can have abnormal cytokine expression even when not pregnant. This may influence the potential for future successful immune modulatory therapy.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: McInnes, Professor Iain and Wilson, Dr Richard
• Authors: Wilson, R., Jenkins, C., Miller, H., McInnes, I. B., Moore, J., McLean, M.A., and Walker, J.J.
• Subjects: R Medicine > RG Gynecology and obstetrics; Q Science > QP Physiology
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
• Journal Name: European Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Biology
• ISSN: 0301-2115