The Predominant Th1 Cytokine Profile in Maternal Plasma of Preeclamptic Women Is Not Reflected in the Choriodecidual and Fetal Compartments

Abstract

The dominant Th1-type over Th2-type cytokine profile is evident in MPB, but not in the CD and FC blood compartments. This might reflect the complex cytokine networks in the fetal-placental interface and might involve trophoblasts or decidual and endothelial cells, which could account for the increased plasma IFNgamma concentration and T-helper cell number.

Interleukin-4 deficiency induces mild preeclampsia in mice

“…circulating levels of the soluble IL-4 receptor in women with preeclampsia compared with normotensive pregnant women [5,9,10]. However, numerous other cytokines are altered in women with preeclampsia; therefore, whether a decrease in IL-4 is sufficient to play a pathogenetic role in preeclampsia was unknown.…”

“…However, preeclampsia is characterized by excessive immune system activation and inflammation throughout pregnancy. Several clinical studies indicate that serum and placental levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interferon g (IFNg), tumor necrosis factor a (TNFa), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-8 are elevated in preeclampsia patients, whereas levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and IL-4 are decreased [7][8][9][10]. An inability to increase anti-inflammatory cytokine production in the last two trimesters may contribute to the development of mild preeclampsia; however, it is unclear how each individual anti-inflammatory cytokine contributes to blood pressure regulation during pregnancy.…”

Possible Association of IL-4 VNTR Polymorphism with Susceptibility to Preeclampsia

“…In this regard, some studies indicated that plasma concentration of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF- α , IL-6, and IL-1 β which are the main cytokines released by Th1 is higher in patients with PE in comparison to normotensive pregnant women [8–10]. Studies suggested that plasma levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-4 as a critical cytokine of Th2, have decreased in PE patients [11, 12]. Interleukin-4 is the main cytokine of T helper 2 lymphocytes, which has a key role in regulation of humoral immune responses [13].…”

Interleukin-18 and Interferon Gamma Levels in Preeclampsia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

“…As a pro-inflammatory cytokine produced by Th1 cells, IFN-c was found to be excessively expressed in PE patients' serum/plasma in the present study. 31,37,38 Meanwhile, we observed high heterogeneity (I 2 = 97.1%) in the overall comparison. Possible reasons for the high heterogeneity of overall analysis may be that the heterogeneous property of PE which presents a variety of clinical symptoms, and circulating cytokine values can be affected by factors in individuals unrelated to PE.…”