Objective　To explore the roles of serum TLR-4, TNF-α and IL-6 in neonates with preterm birth. Methods A total of 120 neonates from neonatology department in the Xingtai People's Hospital were selected and divided into full-term group (n=40), premature rupture of fetal membranes (n=40) and idiopathic preterm group (n=40) based on the gestational age. The peripheral venous blood was collected within 30 minutes when the infants were born, and the supernatant was reserved after centrifuged. The levels of serum TLR-4, TNF-α and IL-6 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results The levels of TLR-4, TNF-α and IL-6 in idiopathic preterm and premature rupture of fetal membranes were significantly higher than that in full-term group and showed positive correlation. Conclusion Cytokines TLR-4, TNF-α and IL-6 maybe closely related to the preterm birth.