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Variations in cytokine mRNA expression during normal human pregnancy
N Kruse1, M Greif, N F Moriabadi
1Department of Neurology, Julius-Maximilians University of Würzburg, Germany.
Clinical and Experimental Immunology
|January 13, 2000
Summary
Pregnancy modulates the immune system by reducing key pro-inflammatory cytokine mRNA, including interleukin-18 (IL-18) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). These changes may explain the reduced activity of autoimmune diseases during gestation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Reproductive Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- T cell-mediated autoimmune diseases often show reduced activity during pregnancy.
- Human immune responses to pregnancy are not fully understood, unlike in animal models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively analyze cytokine mRNA expression and serum hormone levels in pregnant women.
- To investigate the immunomodulatory effects of pregnancy on cytokine profiles in humans.
Main Methods:
- Prospective analysis of cytokine mRNA expression in whole blood using on-line RT-PCR.
- Measurement of serum hormone levels (hCG, 17beta-estradiol) in pregnant and non-pregnant women.
Main Results:
- Significantly reduced IL-18, IFN-gamma, and IL-2 mRNA levels were observed in the first and second trimesters.
- Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) mRNA showed no significant difference.
- IL-4 and IL-10 mRNA levels were reduced in later trimesters compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Pregnancy induces significant immunomodulatory effects at the cytokine mRNA level.
- Observed cytokine changes correlate with hormonal variations (hCG, 17beta-estradiol).
- These findings may explain the clinical course variations in autoimmune diseases during pregnancy.