An Update on Cytokines in Pregnancy: Implications on Mothers and Newborns

Obeagu Emmanuel Ifeanyi^1* & Obeagu Getrude Uzoma²

¹Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria
²Department of Nursing Science, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria

Obeagu Emmanuel Ifeanyi, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria.

Keywords: Cytokines; Pregnancy; Implications on Mothers and Newborns

Abstract

Cytokines are a broad and loose category of small proteins secreted by cells of the immune system that act as chemical messengers. Cytokines are produced by a broad range of cells; a given cytokine may be produced by more than one type of cell. Maternal and, thereby, fetal cytokine pattern can be modulated by exogenous or endogenous exposures during pregnancy. It is well established that pregnancy-related dysfunctions such as preeclampsia or maternal stress are able to modulate maternal cytokines. Pregnancy presents differently and causes so many changes in the mothers and the babies. Some of the cytokines are growth hormones that are needed in differentiations of many cells. This paper is written to update the world on cytokines in pregnancy.

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