The link between cord blood IL-1β, TLR4, PGE2 and TAC values with neonatal diseases

Abstract

Premature birth is an important cause of neonatal mortality and neonatal morbidity. Most premature births are known to be induced by cytokines released for different reasons. Inadequate congenital immune response in premature infants may contribute to increased susceptibility to infection. The aim of the study is to determine the IL-1β, TLR4, PGE2, and TAC profiles in cord blood with characteristics specific to pregnancy and the correlation with neonatal complications caused by premature birth. The study included 26 neonates, 11 girls and 15 boys, born from 24-42 weeks of gestation. Of these, 13 were term and 13 were preterm . For IL-β, PG-E2, TLR4 and TAC levels, 1 mL of cord blood sample was taken from preterm and term neonates. Data related to demographic data, clinical status of patients and outcomes were obtained from electronic medical records and files. Cytokine values obtained from premature neonates were statistically high in terms of TLR4, IL1 and PGE2 compared to term infants. The TRL4 and IL1 values for premature infants with necrotizing enterocolitis and retinopathy of prematurity were lower compared to those without NEC and ROP. In spite of negative correlations between TAC and the other three cytokines, a statistically significant correlation was not identified. TLR4, IL1 and PGE2 were negatively correlated with weight and gestational week, contrarily TAC measurements were positively correlated with weight and gestational week. Measurements of cytokine concentrations in cord blood are among important biomarkers showing degree of inflammation and may assist in predicting neonatal complications and play an effective role in development of specific treatments.