Are There Any Differences Between the Distribution of Placental Bed Leukocyte Subtypes and Plasma Cytokine Levels of Preeclamptic and Healthy Pregnants?

Abstract

Objectives: Preeclampsia (PE) is associated with impaired decidual leukocyte and plasma cytokine balance compared with normal pregnancy. We aimed to investigate maternal plasma levels of Interferon-gamma (IFN-g), Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-a), Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-b), Interleukin-4 (IL4), IL6, IL10, IL17, IL35, suppressor of Cytokine Signalling-3 (SOCS3) and placental bed leukocytes in preeclamptic and healthy pregnants.Materials & Methods: This study was conducted with 40 preeclamptic and 40 normotensive pregnants. Cytokine levels were studied with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. CD8, CD56 and CD163 antigens were analysed by immunohistochemical study on placental bed biopsies. Results: In preeclamptic women; IFN-g and TGF-b levels were significantly higher and IL-35 levels were significantly lower than those of controls. CD8, CD56 and CD163 positivity of preeclamptic group were not significantly higher than those of controls. CD8 staining showed negative correlation with plasma IL17 levels. CD163 staining showed negative correlation with TNF-a/IL4 ratio. TNF-a/IL4 ratio showed minimal influence on placental bed CD163 staining.Conclusion: Slightly increased placental bed CD8, CD56 and CD163 positive leukocytes and increased plasma IFN-g, TGF-b and decreased plasma IL35 levels of preeclamptic pregnants indicate an aberrant cell mediated immunity in PE. We could not say yet that this condition is whether result or reason. New studies are needed to discuss our results.