Role of some biomarkers in placental malaria in women living in Yaoundé, Cameroon

Impact of placental Plasmodium falciparum malaria infection on the Cameroonian maternal and neonate’s plasma levels of some cytokines known to regulate T cells differentiation and function

“…Although the accumulation of P. falciparum -infected erythrocytes in placenta has been shown to cause the alteration of T cells cytokines expression profile in feto-maternal interface [8, 10], the impact of this infection on the plasma levels of some maternal and neonate cytokines known to regulate T cells differentiation and function and how this could affect birth weight remain undefined. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between placental P. falciparum infection and the plasma levels of IL-28, IL-27, IL-17E, and IL-6 in Cameroonian maternal and neonate plasma in relation with pregnancy outcomes (birth weight and Hb levels).…”

“…As observed previously during PM, CXCL-10 chemokine might attract monocytes and lymphocytes into the placenta where they produce cytokines (IL-10 and IL-17A) whose levels affect parasite clearance and modulate the disease [10]. In addition, high plasma levels of some inflammatory cytokines, such as Th1 cells-IFN-γ and Th-17 cells-IL-17A, have been shown to correlate with the absence of pregnancy-associated malaria in Cameroonian women [27], while over-expression of IL-10 may be associated with the persistence of malaria parasites in the placenta leading to low birth weight babies [8, 10].…”

“…The study site and population as well as the sample collection have been described elsewhere [10]. Peripheral, placental and cord blood samples were aseptically collected in EDTA tubes from 108 women aged 16–39 years immediately following delivery.…”

“…Indeed, a successful pregnancy is characterized by the predominance of anti-inflammatory cytokines at the feto-maternal interface that downregulates inflammatory response, which could be detrimental to the fetus [9]. Also, the accumulation of Plasmodium falciparum -infected erythrocytes and leucocytes in the placenta is associated with alteration in cytokine expression and some oxidative stress biomarkers profiles [10, 11]. The infiltrated leukocytes are the principal sources of inflammatory cytokines production [8, 12].…”

“…In addition, high plasma levels of some inflammatory cytokines, such as Th1 cells-IFN-γ and Th-17 cells-IL-17A, have been shown to correlate with the absence of pregnancy-associated malaria in Cameroonian women [27], while over-expression of IL-10 may be associated with the persistence of malaria parasites in the placenta leading to low birth weight babies [8, 10]. In addition, some studies have shown that IL-27-producing CD4+ T cells may play a role in the regulation of protective immune response against malaria [28].…”