The Role of IL-6, IL-10 and IFN- γ mRNA in Women with Recurrent Abortion

Abstract

Human pregnancy appears to be an immunological paradox, in that the fetus represents a semi-allograft developing in the potentially hostile environment of the maternal immune system. One important mechanism involves the down-regulation of the cellular immune response, which has been shown to be dependent upon the suppression of T-helper (Th)1 and T-cytotoxic (Tc)1 cells,which produce interleukin -2, interferon -γ, and tumor necrosis factor -β, and the up- regulation of Th2 and Tc2 cells, which produce IL-4, IL-6, IL- 10 and IL-13The aim of this study to investigate the possible immunological basis of recurrent abortion by studying the expression of IL-6, IL-10, IFN- γ in trophoblasts by using in situ hybridization (ISH) technique. Methods: using IL-6, IL-10 and IFN as biomarkers of Th1 and Th2 cytokines. Paraffin embedded blocks from trophoblasts tissue of each patient for determination available cytokines. Results: IL-6 increased in recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) and IL-10 was higher in control group than in recurrent spontaneous abortion while RSA showed a high percentage of IFN-γ in comparison with control. The expression of IFN-γ decreases whereas IL-6 and IL-10 increase with increasing gestational age. Conclusions: IFN-γ, IL-6 and IL- 10 may be biomarkers of Th1/Th2 immune status during pregnancy. Defective IL-10 expression in women with RSA and non-RSA might be the possible defect in Th2 cytokines production in these patients.