Do the levels of tumor makers or proinflammatory cytokines in mid-trimester cervical fluid predict early-stage cervical shortening?

AIM: In the present study, we aimed to assess the biomarkers in mid-trimester cervical fluid that can predict early stage cervical shortening.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

We obtained cervical swab specimens from 96 gravidas, after which the cervical length was measured, at approximately 20 weeks of gestation. Cervical length was measured again at 4 weeks after the initial examination. Cervical shortening was noted in 20 women between 20 and 24 weeks of gestation (group A), whereas no cervical shortening was noted in 76 women (group B). We evaluated the use of the levels of tumor markers, proinflammatory cytokines, and matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) as candidate biomarkers. CA-125 and carcinoembryonic antigen levels were determined by using an automatic immunoassay system in both groups. Furthermore, IL-1β, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor-α, and MMP-8 levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

The levels of inflammatory cytokines and MMP-8 did not differ between the two groups, and were not correlated with cervical length or the change in cervical length. Although CA-125 and carcinoembryonic antigen levels were higher in group A, they were not statistically significant (P = 0.304 and 0.092, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Early stage cervical shortening in mid-trimester was not associated with an increase in the levels of tumor markers or proinflammatory cytokines in cervical fluid.