Effect of Serum IL-10, IFN-γ and Nitric Oxide Levels in Miscarriages of IVF-ET Pregnancies in Sri Lanka

author.DisplayName 1 author.DisplayName 1 author.DisplayName 2 author.DisplayName 2 author.DisplayName 1
1Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka
2Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka

Analytes Concentrations of Different Test Groups

Background: The implantation process of the allo-antigenic fetus, is the most critical step in achieving a successful pregnancy.While a bidirectional TH1 and TH2/TREG interaction is reported in pregnancy, nitric oxide (by proxy of nitrite/nitrate concentration [NOx]) acts as a potent vasodilator to maintain fetal circulation efficiently. Currently, a high frequency of miscarriages remains a major problem in women pregnant via in-vitro fertilization –embryo transfer (IVF-ET) and the causes of miscarriages are not well understood among Sri Lankan women.

Objective: This study attempted to establish association of serum TH1(IFN-γ) and TH2/TREG(IL-10) cytokines and NOx levels with pregnancy outcomes of Sri Lankan women pregnant by means of IVF-ET.

Methods: Women in their first trimester of pregnancy via in vitro fertilization – embryo transfer (IVF-ET; n=44) and naturally conceived women with no history of miscarriages (T1,n=24) were recruited as test groups for the study. Non pregnant, fertile women served as controls (n=20). The women who were pregnant through IVF-ET were categorized into two groups according to their pregnancy outcome; successful (IVF-S,n=22) and miscarried (IVF-M,n=22). Serum cytokine (IL-10, IFN-γ) and NOx levels were assayed using sandwich ELISA kits and the Griess test, respectively.

Results: All pregnant groups manifested significantly higher levels of IL-10 than the non-pregnant control group (P<0.05). T1 and IVF-S groups did not differ in IL-10 levels (P>0.05); Conversely, IVF-M manifested significantly lower IL-10 levels than both these groups (P<0.05). IVF-M group manifested the highest IFN-γ level while T1 showed the lowest. NOx levels were significantly higher in T1 than those of IVF-S and IVF-M (P<0.05), with no deviation evidenced in the two IVF groups (Figure1).

Conclusion: High IL-10 and NOx levels were compatible with positive pregnancy outcomes, while high IFN-γ levels were associated with miscarriage in IVF-ET pregnant women.









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