Soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors and interleukin-6 levels in patients with severe preeclampsia

Abstract

The increased levels of soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors found in patients with severe preeclampsia may represent a protective response to increased tumor necrosis factor activity and be a marker for immune activation. Increased interleukin-6 concentrations in maternal plasma before labor suggest the involvement of this cytokine as well in the altered immune response and its contribution to endothelial cell dysfunction.