Abstract

Background: The immune system significantly participates in the development of the successful delivery process. The roles played by cytokine molecules in the induction of term delivery are yet to be clarified. The aim of this project was to explore the serum levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10), IL-17A, and IL-23 in the mothers with term and prolonged pregnancy and their infants. Materials and methods: In this study, 60 samples were collected from either mothers with term and prolonged pregnancy or their infants, collectively 240 samples. Serum levels of IL-10, IL-17A and IL-23 were explored using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Results: IL-10 serum levels significantly decreased in the neonates with prolonged pregnancy when compared to their mothers. Serum levels of IL-23 were increased either in term or prolonged pregnancy neonates when compared to their corresponded mothers. Serum levels of IL-10 and IL-23 significantly decreased and increased, respectively, in the female in comparison to male in the prolonged pregnancy neonates. IL-10 also significantly decreased in the term mothers who had higher gravidity. Conclusion: Although, IL-17A does not play a key role in the delivery mechanism, IL-10 and IL-23 may be considered as potential factors in the modulation of term delivery.