The Role of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha (TNF-Α) in The Induction of Preterm Labor

Abstract

Abstract
Background: Microbial colonization and inflammation in the maternal genital tract has emerged as one of the major risk factors associated with spontaneous preterm birth.
Objectives: this study aimed to demonstrate the role of tumor necrosis alpha(TNF-α)in the induction of preterm labor.
Materials and methods: This study was conducted in Babylon Teaching Hospital of Gynecology and Pediatrics from November 2007 to May 2008. A total of 60 pregnant women with preterm labor admitted to Labor Room and 20 control women (10 of them were pregnant at term with bacterial infection, 5 were pregnant at term without bacterial infection, and 5 were normal females not pregnants and not infected) were included in this study. The ages of patients and controls ranged from (17-40) years. Blood samples were collected from both patients and controls to estimate tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α by EASIA (Enzyme Amplified Sensitivity Immunoassay) method.
Results: The results show there is significantly higher (p<0.05) in the level of TNF- α in patients with preterm labor compared to all control groups.
Conclusion: The results clearly indicate the possible role of TNF-α in the induction of preterm labor.
Keywords: preterm labor, TNF-α