Increased circulating interleukin-17 levels in preeclampsia

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Immunology
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Pathophysiology of Preeclampsia

Background:

• Preeclampsia pathogenesis may involve exaggerated maternal inflammation and angiogenic imbalance.
• Interleukin-17 (IL-17) is a key inflammatory cytokine.
• Angiogenic factors, such as soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and placental growth factor (PlGF), are crucial for normal pregnancy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine circulating IL-17 levels in healthy nonpregnant women, healthy pregnant women, and preeclamptic patients.
• To examine the relationship between serum IL-17 levels and clinical features in preeclampsia.
• To investigate the association between serum IL-17 concentrations and angiogenic factors (sFlt-1, PlGF) in preeclampsia.

Main Methods:

• Case-control study involving 59 preeclamptic patients, 60 healthy pregnant women, and 56 healthy nonpregnant women.
• Serum IL-17A levels measured using high-sensitivity ELISA.
• Serum sFlt-1 and PlGF levels quantified by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay; nonparametric statistical methods applied.

Main Results:

• Serum IL-17 levels were significantly higher in preeclamptic patients compared to both healthy nonpregnant and pregnant women.
• No significant relationship was found between serum IL-17 levels and clinical features, or sFlt-1/PlGF ratios in preeclamptic patients.
• Elevated serum IL-17 and sFlt-1/PlGF ratio demonstrated an additive effect on preeclampsia risk.

Conclusions:

• Serum IL-17 levels are increased in preeclampsia, potentially contributing to the excessive systemic inflammatory response.
• The combination of elevated serum IL-17 and an increased sFlt-1/PlGF ratio synergistically increases the risk of preeclampsia.
• These findings highlight the potential role of IL-17 and angiogenic factors in preeclampsia development.