IL-10, TNF-α & IFN-γ: Potential early biomarkers for preeclampsia

•Levels of IL-10, TNF-α & IFN-γ at recruitment lower in preeclamptic group.•After delivery, levels of cytokines were comparable between two groups.•Levels of IL-4, IL-10, TNF-α & IFN-γ after delivery comparable in vaginal delivery.•Absolute change in levels of IL-4, IL-10, TNF-α and IFN-γ comparable.•In preeclampsia IL-4 & TNF-α levels higher after delivery than at recruitment.

The present study was designed to evaluate levels of IL4, IL10, TNF-α & IFN-γ at early second trimester and 24 h from delivery to assess potential correlation of cytokine variation with preeclampsia. A total of 176 consecutive healthy, normotensive primigravidas with uncomplicated singleton pregnancies were recruited at 14–18 weeks of gestation. Serum cytokine levels were estimated at recruitment and 24 h from delivery. In present study, 14(7.95%) women developed preeclampsia. Levels of IL-10, TNF-α and IFN-γ (Mean ± SE) at recruitment were statistically significantly lower in preeclamptic group (39.21 ± 9.46 pg/mL, 73.57 ± 13.37 pg/mL and 0.70 ± 0.20 pg/mL, respectively) than non-preeclamptic group (86.02 ± 4.55 pg/mL, 601.37 ± 63.54 pg/mL and 1.67 ± 0.08 pg/mL, respectively) (p < 0.05). In preeclamptic group, IL-4 and TNF-α levels (Mean ± SE) were significantly higher 24 h from delivery (5.35 ± 0.95 pg/mL and 381.21 ± 43.28 pg/mL, respectively) than at recruitment (2.39 ± 0.71 pg/mL and 73.57 ± 13.37 pg/mL) (p = 0.019 and 0.0001, respectively) while IL-10 and IFN-γ levels decreased after delivery but the change was not statistically significant. Therefore, the levels of IL-10, TNF-α and IFN-γ between 14 and 18 weeks of gestation may act as potential early biomarkers in the diagnosis of preeclampsia.