Association of Some Pro-and Anti-Inflammatory Cytokines Response Pattern against Toxoplasmosis in Newly Married Couples

Sarwin Sultan  Muhamad Mizuri; Wijdan Mohammed  Salih Mero; Haval Mohammed  Khalid

doi:10.18502/ijpa.v20i4.20457

Sarwin Sultan Muhamad Mizuri Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Zakho, Duhok, Iraq
Wijdan Mohammed Salih Mero Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Zakho, Duhok, Iraq
Haval Mohammed Khalid Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Zakho, Duhok, Iraq

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijpa.v20i4.20457

Keywords: Toxoplasmosis; Interleukin-12; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Interleukin-10; Transforming Growth Factor-beta1

Abstract

Background: The study aimed to investigate the association between cytokine profiles and toxoplasmosis in newly married couples, with identifying the immunological markers to minimizing fertility complications through early detection and intervention.

Methods: From May 2024 to February 2025, blood samples of 480 newlywed couples in Zakho City, Iraq, were evaluated for Anti-Toxoplasma G (IgG) and M (IgM) antibodies, as well as serum cytokines like Interleukin 12 (IL-12), Tumer Necrosis Factor α (TNF-α), Interleukin10 (IL-10), and Transforming Growth Factor ß1 (TGFß1), using ELISA. Additionally, C Reactive protein (CRP) and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) were also estimated.

Results: The overall seroprevalence of Anti-Toxoplasma antibodies were 25.8% (124/480), constituting 18.2% (88/480) for IgG, and 7.5% (36/480) for IgM, with highly significant difference (P< 0.001). Rates were higher in males, with age-related differences observed for both IgG and IgM. While statistically significant differences were reported for IgM alone relates to gender. Regarding cytokines, seropositive individuals showed significantly higher IL-10 and IL-12 levels than controls: IL-10 (IgG: 85.88±9.67 vs 37.88±5.06; IgM: 80.95±13.19 vs 51.72±6.19 pg/mL) and IL-12 (IgG: 22.43±3.05 vs 10.08±1.03; IgM: 29.25±5.46 vs 11.83±1.06 pg/mL). Besides, TNF-α elevated in the IgM+ group only.

Conclusion: Elevated IL-10 and IL-12 levels in seropositive individuals suggest active immune modulation, while TNF-α dynamics point to stage-specific responses, higher in acute (IgM) infections. These immune patterns may influence reproductive health, underscoring the importance of early diagnosis and immune monitoring to reduce potential fertility complications, particularly in early marriage.