Assistant Professor Universidad De Santiago De Compostela Santiago De Compostela, Galicia, Spain
Abstract: Preterm delivery is the leading cause of hospitalization during pregnancy, affected by a complex interplay of immunological, microbiological, and endocrine factors. Despite its significant clinical and socioeconomic impacts, reliable biomarkers for identifying at-risk pregnancies are lacking. This observational study investigates the role of inflammatory cytokines in preterm labor by analyzing their concentrations in urine samples from pregnant women who have experienced both term and preterm labor. Using a Luminex® multiplexing device, we measured the concentrations of 34 cytokines and focused on identifying perturbed correlations between them, highlighting differences between term and preterm deliveries. Network analysis was utilized to construct a cytokine interaction network, assessing each cytokine based on the number of significant perturbed correlations and the average absolute difference in correlations between groups. Our analysis pinpointed three cytokines—MIP-1α, MIP-1β and IL-15—as pivotal in preterm labor, due to their significant network connections and altered correlation patterns. The use of urine samples for cytokine analysis offers a less invasive method for monitoring biological changes, facilitating earlier and non-invasive detection of preterm labor risks. This approach not only advances our understanding of the immunological mechanisms involved in preterm labor but also aids in developing innovative diagnostic tools. By delineating cytokine profiles associated with preterm and term labor, this study underscores the potential of cytokine analysis in urine as a predictive tool for preterm labor risk, paving the way for preventive strategies and improved management of pregnancies at risk, ultimately reducing the clinical and socioeconomic burdens of preterm births.
