Effect of Serum IL-10, IFN-γ and Nitric Oxide Levels in Miscarriages of IVF-ET Pregnancies in Sri Lanka - WCRPL2017 – 2nd World Congress on Recurrent Pregnancy Loss, 19-22, January 2017, Cannes, France

Background: The implantation process of the allo-antigenic fetus, is the most critical step in achieving a successful pregnancy.While a bidirectional T_H1 and T_H2/T_REG 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 viain-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 T_H1 (IFN-γ) and T_H2/T_REG(IL-10) cytokines and NO_x levels with pregnancy outcomesof 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 twogroups according to their pregnancy outcome; successful (IVF-S, n=22) and miscarried (IVF-M, n=22). Serum cytokine (IL-10, IFN-γ) and NO_xlevels were assayed using commercially availablesandwich 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 groupmanifested 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 (Figure 1.0).

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.