PP127. CMV infection and TLR2 expression in HELLP syndrome

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Immunology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• HELLP syndrome, a severe pregnancy complication, involves hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets.
• It occurs in 10-20% of severe preeclampsia cases and is linked to later metabolic disorders.
• Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling are implicated in severe preeclampsia and metabolic conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the seroprevalence of CMV.
• To assess TLR signaling activation in women with HELLP syndrome.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study compared 6 women with HELLP syndrome to 20 healthy pregnant controls.
• Maternal serum CMV serology and cytokine responses were measured using ELISA.
• TLR2 and TLR4 expression on neutrophils was analyzed via real-time PCR.

Main Results:

• CMV IgG seropositivity was significantly higher in HELLP patients (85%) versus controls (40%).
• HELLP patients exhibited elevated TLR2 expression and IL-1β mRNA levels.
• Increased TNF-α:IL-10 and IL-6:IL-10 ratios were observed in HELLP patients.

Conclusions:

• Pregnancy CMV infection, mediated by TLR2 signaling, influences innate immune responses in HELLP syndrome.
• This association may link HELLP syndrome to an increased risk of metabolic disorders later in life.