Spring peaks and autumn troughs identified in peripheral inflammatory markers during the peripartum period

Sci Rep. 2019 Oct 25;9(1):15328. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-51527-9.

Abstract

Seasonal variations have recently been described in biomarkers, cell types, and gene expression associated with the immune system, but so far no studies have been conducted among women in the peripartum period. It is of note that pregnancy complications and outcomes, as well as autoimmune diseases, have also been reported to exhibit seasonal fluctuations. We report here a clear-cut seasonal pattern of 23 inflammatory markers, analysed using proximity-extension assay technology, in pregnant women. The inflammatory markers generally peaked in the spring and had a trough in the autumn. During the postpartum period we found seasonality in one inflammatory marker, namely monocyte chemotactic protein 4 (MCP-4). Our findings suggest that seasonal variations in peripheral inflammatory markers are only observed during pregnancy. The results of this study could be valuable to professionals working within the field of immunology-related areas, and provide insight for the understanding of obstetric complications.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biomarkers / blood*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Inflammation Mediators / blood*
  • Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor / blood
  • Peripartum Period / blood*
  • Pregnancy
  • Seasons*
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / blood

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • CSF1 protein, human
  • Inflammation Mediators
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor