Proinflammatory and Anti-inflammatory Cytokines in Preterm Neonates with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Abstract

Objective: to study a role of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the pathogenesis of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in preterm neonates. Subjects and methods. The examination program included the determination of production of IL-1/J, IL-4, IL-6, and TNF-a in various biological fluids of mothers and their preterm neonates. Blood cytokines were measured in 57 preterm neonates. The study comprised infants at 27 to 36 weeks postconception who had birth weights of 1040 to 2980 g. Results. The study has revealed the specific features of postnatal immune adaptation in premature neonates. The most changes are characteristic of proinflammatory IL-6. Expression of this cytokine in biological fluids is variable and it depends on the factors that influence the intrauterine fetal status: threats of pregnancy interruption, maternal somatic diseases, and development of severe gestosis. Conclusion. The findings support that premature neonates have a balance between proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory interleukins, and a rather mature immune system that prevents the development of an inflammatory process in the presence of ARDS during artificial ventilation. In ARDS, there was no suppressed function of the monocyte-macrophageal cells that produced proinflammatory cytokines. The changes in proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory interleukins promoted postnatal adaptation of the immune system in a premature neonate. The performed treatment ensured anti-infectious defense and the maintenance of homeostatis and vital functions in preterm newborn infants. Key words: preterm neonates, acute respiratory distress syndrome, proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines.