Understanding the link between the IL-6 cytokine family and pregnancy: implications for future therapeutics |
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Authors: | Markert Udo R Morales-Prieto Diana M Fitzgerald Justine S |
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Institution: | Department of Obstetrics, University Hospital of Jena, Bachstrasse 18, 07743 Jena, Germany. markert@med.uni-jena.de |
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Abstract: | Cytokines are involved in almost all processes during the menstrual cycle, the fertilization period and pregnancy. They are expressed in numerous reproduction-related body fluids and tissues. Disorders of cytokine expression patterns may cause pregnancy pathologies. Therefore, cytokines have the potential as new biomarkers in different body compartments for a variety of such pathologies. Furthermore, cytokines may also serve to treat fertility and pregnancy disorders. The IL-6-like family of cytokines is an intensively investigated group of cytokines with well-accepted functions in fertility and pregnancy. This article summarizes current knowledge on IL-6-like cytokines in regard of their role in reproduction and their potential for new strategies in the treatment of reproductive pathologies. |
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