Polymorphism of the interleukin-18 gene in pregnant women with preterm birth

Objective: to study the effect of the polymorphic variants -137G> C (rs187238), -607G> T(rs1946518), -656A> C (rs5744228) of the IL18 gene promoter in the development of the premature rupture of the fetal membranes at the gestational age of 22-27.6 weeks. Materials and methods. The study included 45 pregnant women who were examined and treated at the Perinatal Center. Two groups were formed: the 1st group included 31 patients with premature rupture of membranes, the 2nd (control) group consisted of 14 women with clinically normal pregnancy. The groups were comparable by obstetric history. The study excluded cases of multiple pregnancies, chromosomal pathology, congenital malformations in the fetus, as well as pregnancy after assisted reproductive technologies. Genotyping was carried out on allele variants of the interleukin-18 gene: IL18 -137G-C, -607G-T, -656A-C, as well as the determination of the concentration of interleukin-18 in peripheral blood. Results. It was found that among patients with premature rupture of the membranes, the frequency of individuals with il18 gene polymorphism-656A>C (rs5744228) was increased, which was associated with an increase in serum interleukin-18 levels. Conclusion. There is a probable Association between IL18 gene polymorphism-656A>C and the development of premature rupture of membranes. The identification of carriage of the indicated polymorphic variant of the gene among women can serve as a predictive marker of the risk for the development of premature rupture of membranes, which will allow timely identification of pregnancy management tactics and development of preventive measures.