Interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor-β 1 in cord blood: relationship with paternal allergy and cesarean section

• Published in: Acta pædiatrica (Oslo) 2009-05, Vol.98 (5), p.812-816
• Main Authors: BALOSSINI, V, MONZANI, A, RAPA, A, VIVENZA, D, CARISTO, E, ODERDA, G
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; General aspects; Medical sciences
• ISSN: 0803-5253; 1651-2227
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1651-2227.2008.01194.x

AbstractAim: To measure Interleukin-10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor- beta 1 (TGF- beta 1) in cord blood and assess their relationship with parental allergy and perinatal characteristics.Methods: In a neonatal care unit 212 consecutive full-term and appropriate for gestational age newborns were recruited. IL-10 and TGF- beta 1 levels were determined in cord blood by high sensitivity ELISA. Perinatal characteristics, mode of delivery and presence of allergy in parents were recorded.Results: Out of 212 newborns, 136 were of non-allergic parents and 76 (35.8%) of one or both allergic parents. In newborns of allergic fathers median IL-10 levels tended to be lower (0.67 vs. 1.06 pg-mL, p = 0.07) and TGF- beta 1 levels were significantly lower (40.9 vs. 45.3 ng-mL, p = 0.008) than in newborns of non-allergic parents. Multiple general regression analysis showed that presence of paternal allergy ( beta = -0.19, p = 0.003) to be born by cesarean section ( beta = -0.21, p = 0.03) and younger gestational age ( beta = 0.14, p = 0.04) independently contributed to decrease TGF- beta 1 levels (multiple R = 0.38, p < 0.0001).Conclusion: Paternal allergy and cesarean section are associated to decreased TGF- beta 1, which might be the mediator of the increased risk of atopy development. Cord blood IL-10 and TGF- beta 1 levels of our newborn series could be used as reference values for further studies on these relationships.