Interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor-beta1 in cord blood: relationship with paternal allergy and cesarean section

Aim: To measure Interleukin-10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) 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-β1 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-β1 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 (β = -0.19, p = 0.003) to be born by cesarean section (β = -0.21, p = 0.03) and younger gestational age (β = 0.14, p = 0.04) independently contributed to decrease TGF-β1 levels (multiple R = 0.38, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Paternal allergy and cesarean section are associated to decreased TGF-β1, which might be the mediator of the increased risk of atopy development. Cord blood IL-10 and TGF-β1 levels of our newborn series could be used as reference values for further studies on these relationships.