Interleukin-7, T helper 1, and regulatory T-cell activity-related cytokines are increased during the second trimester of healthy pregnancy compared to non-pregnant women

Abstract

Problem: Healthy pregnancy is associated with a physiologic increase in inflammatory responses. The objective of this study was to assess changes in plasma cytokines associated with uncomplicated pregnancy.

Method of study: To examine these changes, plasma levels of immune response mediators from healthy gravidas (N = 115, gestation weeks 23-30) were compared with those from healthy non-pregnant women (N = 42). Comparisons were performed using multiplex analysis for Th1 activity-related cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-2, sIL-2Rα, IL-12[P70], and IL-27), Th2 activity-related cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13), other immune response mediators (GM-CSF, IL-1β, sIL-1RI, IL-6, IL-8, IL-15, IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-21, IL-22, IL-23, TGFβ1, TGFβ2, TGFβ3, and TNFα), regulatory T cell-related cytokines (IL-10 and sTNFRII), adipokines (adiponectin, leptin, PAI-1, and resistin), chemokines (IP-10, MCP-1, and MIP-1β), and hematopoietic growth factor IL-7.

Results: Multivariate linear regression models showed increased levels of IL-7, Th1-, and Treg activity-related cytokines and decreased levels of adipokines and chemokines in healthy gravidas compared with healthy non-pregnant women. Additionally, season of the year, age, pre-pregnancy body mass index, and HLA-DR/DQ genotypes for type 1 diabetes risk showed different and sometimes reciprocal influence on cytokine levels.

Conclusion: Our study stresses the importance of profiling immune response mediators during pregnancy to better understand the effect of healthy pregnancy on cytokine levels.

Keywords: adipokines; chemokines; cytokines; healthy pregnancy; plasma.