PURPOSE: To investigate the serial relationship of cytokine production during normal pregnancy and in the puerperium.
METHODS: Plasma cytokine (TNF-alpha, INF-gamma, IL-2, TGF-beta, IL-4, and IL-6) levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 90 healthy gravidas during the second trimester and 6 weeks postpartum.
RESULTS: TNF-alpha, INF-gamma, and TGF-beta levels increased significantly after delivery (p<0.05). Although IL-2, IL-4, and IL-6 had a tendency to increase after delivery, the change was not significant.
CONCLUSION: There was a decrease in cytokine levels during pregnancy when compared to puerperium. In particular, TNF-alpha, INF-gamma, and TGF-beta were inversely related to the maintenance of normal pregnancy.
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