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Research Article: Dynamic chemokine profiles in cervical mucus during healthy pregnancy: IP-10 and MIP-1? as potential biomarkers of gestational immune adaptation

Date Published: 2026-05-15

Abstract:
The cervicovaginal microenvironment, influenced by factors such as pH and cytokine profiles, plays a critical role in cervical remodeling, membrane rupture, and uterine contractions, key processes in maintaining pregnancy and triggering labor. Studies of key cytokines in cervical mucus during normal pregnancy may provide non-invasive indicators of pregnancy health. We conducted a prospective cohort study analyzing cervical mucus samples from 133 pregnant women across three gestational periods. pH was measured using colorimetric strips, and a panel of 14 cytokines and growth factors was quantified using multiplex immunoassay. Statistical analyses included Kruskal-Wallis tests for group comparisons and Pearson correlation coefficients to assess relationships between variables. Significant changes were observed in cervical mucus pH and specific cytokines throughout pregnancy. IP-10 (CXCL10) and MIP-1? (CCL4) levels were markedly elevated in the first trimester and showed significant positive correlations with pH (r = 0.199, p = 0.022 for IP-10; r = 0.419, p < 0.0001 for MIP-1?). These associations persisted after adjustment for BMI in multivariable regression models (? = 110.99, p = 0.004 for IP-10; ? = 55.97, p = 0.002 for MIP-1?), with medium-to-large effect sizes (Cohen’s d = 0.75–1.15), indicating that early-pregnancy levels were approximately double those of late pregnancy. These chemokines demonstrated dynamic changes that correlated with gestational age, while other cytokines remained relatively stable. The findings identify IP-10 and MIP-1? as candidate markers of gestational immune adaptation, with their correlation to pH suggesting a coordinated immunological response in the cervicovaginal environment during the transition from early to late pregnancy. These dynamic changes may offer new avenues for non-invasive assessment of pregnancy health and future investigation of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Introduction:
Cervical mucus plays a vital role in regulating fertility and reproductive health. Beyond its well-established use in fertility awareness methods (FAM) and assisted reproductive technology (ART), cervical mucus provides insight into the local immune environment of the reproductive tract ( 1 – 3 ). Its composition is influenced by hormonal regulation (e.g., estrogen levels), immune signaling, and infections, making it a candidate medium for assessing reproductive health and complications. Importantly, the cervical…

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