The immunosuppressive cytokines influence the fetal survival in patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension

Abstract

Problem: The present study examines the hypothesis that the elevated levels of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 and interleukin (IL)-10 would be protective for the fetus survival during pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). Moreover, we evaluate the IL-12 and IL-15 serum concentrations and their relationships with PIH.

Method of study: Serum samples were obtained before the onset of labor from control and PIH groups. Cytokine concentrations were determined by Enzyme-Linked Immunoadsorbent Assay.

Results: Our data show that PIH women have significantly higher TGF-beta1 and IL-10 concentrations with respect to control groups (P = 0.0001). Similarly, macrophages from the PIH placentas produce in vitro more elevated TGF-beta1 and IL-10 levels compared to normal pregnant ones (P = 0.02), also in the absence of LPS stimulation. IL-12 and IL-15 serum concentrations were not detectable in all pregnant groups.

Conclusion: We have found that PIH women have elevated concentrations of anti-inflammatory/immunosuppressive cytokines, suggesting their important role in fetal allograft protection during the normal and pathological pregnancy.