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Chen X, Zhang M, Zhou N, Zhou W, Qi H. Associations between genetically predicted concentrations of circulating inflammatory cytokines and the risk of ten pregnancy-related adverse outcomes: A two-sample Mendelian randomization study. Cytokine 2024; 180:156661. [PMID: 38795606 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2024.156661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence from increasing observational studies indicates that systemic inflammation plays a role in pregnancy-related adverse events. However, the causal associations between them are largely unclear. To investigate the potential causal effects of genetically regulated concentrations of inflammatory cytokines on the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, we performed a Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. METHODS The cis-protein quantitative trait loci for the 47 inflammatory cytokines derived from the latest genome-wide association studies (GWASs) consisting of 31,112 European individuals were used as the instrumental variables. The latest GWAS summary data for the ten adverse pregnancy events were obtained from the FinnGen project (samples ranging from 141,014 to 190,879). The inverse-variance weighted regression or Ward ratio was used as the primary MR analysis method. Sensitivity analyses based on the other five methods were performed to verify MR results. A replication MR analysis was conducted to further clarify the significant associations using data from the UK Biobank. RESULTS Twenty-three of the 220 associations were nominally significant (P < 0.05). Among them, seven robust associations survived the Bonferroni correction and passed sensitivity analyses, including positive associations of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM-1) with the risk of excessive vomiting in pregnancy, preeclampsia (PE), and pregnancy hypertension (PH), vascular endothelial growth factor with the risk of medical abortion, macrophage colony-stimulating factor (MCSF) with the risk of spontaneous abortion (SA), and an inverse association of macrophage inflammatory protein-1α with the risk of medical abortion. The associations of MCSF with SA, and sICAM-1 with both PE and PH were further confirmed in the replication analysis. CONCLUSIONS This study provides further evidence of the role of systemic inflammation, especially endothelial dysfunction in the pathology of adverse pregnancy events, and the identified cytokines warrant in-depth research to explore their underlying mechanisms of action and to evaluate their potential as targets for disease screening, prevention, and treatment in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinzhen Chen
- Clinical Research Centre and Chongqing Research Centre for Prevention & Control of Maternal and Child Diseases and Public Health, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 401147, China.
| | - Min Zhang
- Clinical Research Centre and Chongqing Research Centre for Prevention & Control of Maternal and Child Diseases and Public Health, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 401147, China
| | - Niya Zhou
- Clinical Research Centre and Chongqing Research Centre for Prevention & Control of Maternal and Child Diseases and Public Health, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 401147, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 401147, China
| | - Hongbo Qi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 401147, China.
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Alahakoon TI, Medbury H, Williams H, Fewings N, Wang XM, Lee VW. Distribution of monocyte subsets and polarization in preeclampsia and intrauterine fetal growth restriction. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2018; 44:2135-2148. [PMID: 30058176 DOI: 10.1111/jog.13770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
AIM Monocytes are likely to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia (PE) and intrauterine fetal growth restriction (IUGR), given their role in homeostasis and tissue repair. Our aim was to study the gestational changes in monocytes in normal pregnancy and to determine whether monocyte subsets and phenotype are altered in pregnancy complications, such as PE and IUGR. METHODS A prospective cross-sectional case-control study was conducted. Pregnant women between 24 and 40 weeks of gestation (n = 54) were recruited and classified into four clinical groups of normal pregnancy, PE, IUGR and PE + IUGR. The maternal monocyte subsets classical, intermediate and nonclassical were compared for each clinical group. Monocyte polarization towards M1 (inflammatory) and M2 (repair) phenotypes was assessed by surface expression of CD86 and CD163 ratio, using flow cytometry. RESULTS The classical monocytes were reduced and intermediate monocyte elevated compared to normal pregnancy in PE, IUGR and PE + IUGR in gestations <37 weeks and IUGR in 26-40 weeks. CD163 expression was increased and CD86/CD163 ratio decreased in IUGR compared to normal pregnancy for all subsets. Nonclassical monocyte counts and CD163 expression increased with advancing gestation in normal pregnancy. CONCLUSION These results show for the first time, a shift towards increased intermediate maternal monocyte subtype in IUGR and in preterm PE as well as skewing of maternal peripheral monocytes (all subsets) towards M2 phenotype in pregnancies complicated by IUGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thushari I Alahakoon
- Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Westmead Institute for Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Heather Medbury
- Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Surgery, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Helen Williams
- Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Surgery, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nicole Fewings
- Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Immunology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Xin M Wang
- Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Flow Cytometry Core Facility, Westmead Research Hub, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Vincent W Lee
- Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Renal Medicine, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
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Moroni G, Ponticelli C. Pregnancy in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Eur J Intern Med 2016; 32:7-12. [PMID: 27142327 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2016.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2015] [Revised: 01/18/2016] [Accepted: 04/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
For many years pregnancy has been contraindicated in patients with SLE, particularly when kidney involvement was present. Today, pregnancy is no longer considered impossible in women with lupus. Yet, lupus pregnancies are still considered high-risk. The prognosis has considerably improved for pregnant women but the fetal risk, although progressively reduced, is still higher in pregnancies of patients with SLE than in pregnancies of healthy women. Miscarriage, premature delivery, and preeclampsia, as well as heart problems in the baby are the major complications that can occur. In this paper we will review the outcome of pregnant women with SLE, the influence of lupus on fetal outcome, the effects of pregnancy on lupus, and the management of pregnant lupus patients based on our personal experience and the revision of the most recent and significant papers on the subject.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Moroni
- Nephrology Unit Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Milano, Italy.
| | - Claudio Ponticelli
- Nephrology Unit, Clinical and Research Center Humanitas, Rozzano, Milano, Italy
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Abstract
Preclinical lupus encompasses a spectrum from enhanced SLE risk without clinical symptoms to individuals with autoantibodies and some SLE clinical features without meeting ACR classification. Studies have identified antibody and serological biomarkers years before disease onset. Incomplete lupus and undifferentiated connective tissue disease may occur during preclinical disease periods, but only 10-20% of these individuals transition to SLE and many have a mild disease course. Further studies are warranted to characterize biomarkers of early disease, identify individuals in need of close monitoring or preventive interventions, and elucidate mechanisms of disease pathogenesis without confounding factors of immunosuppressive medications or organ damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie M Robertson
- Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, 825 Northeast 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Judith A James
- Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, 825 Northeast 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 1200 N. Phillips Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 1200 N. Phillips Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; Oklahoma Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 1000 N. Lincoln Boulevard, Suite 2100, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.
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Svensson-Arvelund J, Ernerudh J, Buse E, Cline JM, Haeger JD, Dixon D, Markert UR, Pfarrer C, Vos PD, Faas MM. The Placenta in Toxicology. Part II. Toxicol Pathol 2013; 42:327-38. [PMID: 23531796 DOI: 10.1177/0192623313482205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
During pregnancy, the maternal immune system is challenged by the semiallogeneic fetus, which must be tolerated without compromising fetal or maternal health. This review updates the systemic and local immune changes taking place during human pregnancy, including some examples in rodents. Systemic changes are induced by contact of maternal blood with placental factors and include enhanced innate immunity with increased activation of granulocytes and nonclassical monocytes. Although a bias toward T helper (Th2) and regulatory T cell (Treg) immunity has been associated with healthy pregnancy, the relationship between different circulating Th cell subsets is not straightforward. Instead, these adaptations appear most evidently at the fetal–maternal interface, where for instance Tregs are enriched and promote fetal tolerance. Also innate immune cells, that is, natural killer cells and macrophages, are enriched, constituting the majority of decidual leukocytes. These cells not only contribute to immune regulation but also aid in establishing the placenta by promoting trophoblast recruitment and angiogenesis. Thus, proper interaction between leukocytes and placental trophoblasts is necessary for normal placentation and immune adaptation. Consequently, spontaneous maladaptation or interference of the immune system with toxic substances may be important contributing factors for the development of pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, preterm labor, and recurrent miscarriages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judit Svensson-Arvelund
- Clinical Immunology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, Sweden
| | - Jan Ernerudh
- Clinical Immunology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, Sweden
| | | | - J. Mark Cline
- Department of Pathology/Section on Comparative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jan-Dirk Haeger
- Department of Anatomy, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany
| | - Darlene Dixon
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Toxicology Program (NTP), Molecular Pathogenesis, NTP Laboratory, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Udo R. Markert
- Placenta-Labor, Department of Obstetrics, University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Christiane Pfarrer
- Department of Anatomy, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany
| | - Paul De Vos
- Immunoendocrinology, Division of Medical Biology, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Centre Groningen and University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marijke M. Faas
- Immunoendocrinology, Division of Medical Biology, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Centre Groningen and University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Mackenzie RM, Sandrim VC, Carty DM, McClure JD, Freeman DJ, Dominiczak AF, McBride MW, Delles C. Endothelial FOS expression and pre-eclampsia. BJOG 2012; 119:1564-71. [PMID: 23121125 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.12016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study gene expression profiles in human endothelial cells incubated with plasma from women who developed pre-eclampsia and women with normotensive pregnancies. DESIGN A case-control study. SETTING A longitudinal nested case-control study within three maternity units. POPULATION A mixed obstetric population attending maternity hospitals in Glasgow. METHODS Plasma was obtained at both 16 and 28 weeks of gestation from 12 women: six women subsequently developed pre-eclampsia (cases) and six women, matched for age, body mass index (BMI) and parity, remained normotensive (controls). Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were incubated with plasma for 24 hour before RNA isolation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Gene expression profiles were compared between the two gestational time points using Illumina(®) HumanHT-12 v4 Expression BeadChips. Differential mRNA expression observed in microarray experiments were validated using quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and gene networks were analysed using Ingenuity(®) pathway analysis. RESULTS There was a significant difference in the expression of 25 genes following incubation with plasma from controls, and an increase in the expression of 11 genes following incubation with plasma from cases, with no overlap between the two groups (false discovery rate, FDR < 0.05). There was a 3.74-fold (FDR < 0.001) increase in the expression of the c-Fos gene (FOS) when HUVECs were incubated with control plasma from 16 and 28 weeks of gestation, with no significant difference between the two time points with plasma from cases. Similar findings for FOS were obtained by qRT-PCR. CONCLUSIONS Plasma from women who subsequently develop pre-eclampsia appears to contain factors that lead to the dysregulation of FOS in endothelial cells during pregnancy. Reduced expression of c-Fos may lead to impaired vasculogenesis, and thereby contribute to the development of pre-eclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M Mackenzie
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK
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Pregnancy and preeclampsia affect monocyte subsets in humans and rats. PLoS One 2012; 7:e45229. [PMID: 23028864 PMCID: PMC3441708 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0045229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2012] [Accepted: 08/20/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Both nonclassical and intermediate monocytes have been implicated in different inflammatory conditions. We hypothesized that these monocytes would increase during pregnancy, a condition associated with generalized activation of inflammatory responses and that they would increase even more during preeclampsia, in which inflammatory responses are further stimulated. In the present study we investigated changes in monocyte subsets during healthy pregnancy and preeclampsia in humans and rats. METHODS Blood monocyte subsets of nonpregnant, preeclamptic and healthy pregnant women were identified with CD14 and CD16. In nonpregnant and pregnant rats, blood monocytes were identified with CD172a and CD43, as well as in rats infused with adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a pro-inflammatory stimulus known to induce preeclampsia-like symptoms. Total and CD206-positive macrophages were quantified in placentas of these animals. RESULTS Lower percentages of classical monocytes were found in pregnant women (91%-[83-98%]) compared to nonpregnant women (94%-[90-98%]) and even less in preeclamptic patients (90%-[61-92%]). In contrast, the percentage of combined nonclassical/intermediate monocytes was higher in pregnant women (8.5%-[2.3-16.6%] vs. 5.6%-[1.9-9.5%]) and even higher in preeclamptic patients (9.9%-[7.8-38.7%]), which was caused by a selective increase of intermediate monocytes. In rats, we also found lower percentages of classical monocytes and higher percentages of nonclassical monocytes in pregnant versus nonpregnant rats. ATP infusion increased the percentage of nonclassical monocytes in pregnant rats even further but not in nonpregnant rats. These nonclassical monocytes showed a more activated phenotype in pregnant ATP-infused rats only. Mesometrial triangles of ATP-infused rats had less CD206-positive macrophages as compared to those of saline-infused rats. CONCLUSION The higher percentage of nonclassical/intermediate monocytes found in pregnancy and preeclampsia confirms their association with inflammatory responses. The observation that ATP stimulated numbers/activation of nonclassical monocytes in pregnant rats only, suggests that nonclassical monocytes are specifically altered in pregnancy and may play a role in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia.
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Al-ofi E, Coffelt SB, Anumba DO. Monocyte subpopulations from pre-eclamptic patients are abnormally skewed and exhibit exaggerated responses to Toll-like receptor ligands. PLoS One 2012; 7:e42217. [PMID: 22848746 PMCID: PMC3407122 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0042217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2012] [Accepted: 07/03/2012] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The leading cause of pregnancy-associated mortality and morbidity is pre-eclampsia (PE). Although information regarding the etiology of this disease is scant, its pathophysiology is characterized by abnormal placentation, endothelial dysfunction as well as an exaggerated inflammatory response. Clinical evidence also indicates that the abundance of many immune cells at the feto-maternal interface and in the circulation of PE patients is abnormal, when compared with normal pregnant (NP) controls. In addition, the phenotype and function of some of these cells is altered. To further characterize the systemic effects of PE on circulating cells, we analyzed monocytic subpopulations in NP and PE patients by flow cytometry. We found that non-classical CD14lowCD16+ monocytes are significantly increased in women with PE and they display irregular expression of several chemokine receptors and antigen presentation molecules. The most striking phenotypic difference among the cell surface molecules was the marked upregulation of TLR4 expression, where both CD14highCD16+ and CD14lowCD16+ monocytes demonstrated higher levels than their NP counterparts. Stimulation of PE monocytes with TLR ligands resulted in profound secretion of various cytokines in comparison with NP controls. These data suggest that PE monocytes are hyper-responsive to TLR ligands and this may contribute to exacerbation of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebtisam Al-ofi
- Academic Units of Reproductive & Developmental Medicine, University of Sheffield Medical School, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Seth B. Coffelt
- Inflammation & Tumour Targeting, University of Sheffield Medical School, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Dilly O. Anumba
- Academic Units of Reproductive & Developmental Medicine, University of Sheffield Medical School, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Lok CAR, Snijder KS, Nieuwland R, Van Der Post JAM, de Vos P, Faas MM. Microparticles of pregnant women and preeclamptic patients activate endothelial cells in the presence of monocytes. Am J Reprod Immunol 2011; 67:206-15. [PMID: 22011169 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2011.01079.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific disorder that may result from an adverse maternal response to circulating placenta-derived factors, causing a systemic inflammation including endothelial activation. Plasma from preeclamptic patients was shown to induce endothelial activation in the presence of monocytes. We investigated whether microparticles (MP) are the plasma factors causing this activation of endothelial cells. METHOD OF STUDY Monocultures and co-cultures of monocytes and endothelial cells were incubated with plasma, MP-poor plasma or isolated MP from non-pregnant and pregnant women and preeclamptic patients (each n = 8). ICAM-1 expression was analyzed with flow cytometry. RESULTS The expression of ICAM-1 was significantly increased in monocytes and endothelial cells in co-cultures after the addition of isolated MP from preeclamptic patients (P = 0.017) and to a lesser extent in pregnant women (P = 0.012) compared to non-pregnant controls. CONCLUSIONS Microparticles from preeclamptic patients activate endothelial cells in the presence of monocytes. Whether all MP have the same effect on monocytes and endothelial cells or only a specific subgroup is the focus of future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine A R Lok
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Herberts C, Melgert B, van der Laan JW, Faas M. New adjuvanted vaccines in pregnancy: what is known about their safety? Expert Rev Vaccines 2011; 9:1411-22. [PMID: 21105777 DOI: 10.1586/erv.10.133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The recent introduction of oil-in-water emulsions as adjuvants in several pandemic vaccines, such as the H1N1 vaccine, has challenged regulatory authorities to establish their safety in the general population, as well as in specific populations. Pregnant women were advised to be a target group for H1N1 vaccination owing to the risk of this group developing serious complications with this infection. However, the addition of adjuvants to the H1N1 vaccine has initiated a discussion on the safety of adjuvanted vaccines in this special population. Changes in the maternal immune system are essential for acceptance of the fetus and for development of the placenta. The potential effects on pregnancy of interfering with this uniquely adapted immune balance through the induction of proinflammatory reactions such as those induced by adjuvanted vaccines have only been studied rarely. Here, we review the available information and discuss how vaccination may interfere with pregnancy, fetal development and pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Herberts
- Centre for Biological Medicines and Medical Technology, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, PO Box 1, 3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
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Faas MM, van Pampus MG, Anninga ZA, Salomons J, Westra IM, Donker RB, Aarnoudse JG, de Vos P. Plasma from preeclamptic women activates endothelial cells via monocyte activation in vitro. J Reprod Immunol 2010; 87:28-38. [PMID: 20970197 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2010.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2009] [Revised: 07/12/2010] [Accepted: 07/22/2010] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
In this study we tested whether plasma from preeclamptic women contains factors that can activate endothelial cells in the presence of monocytes in vitro. Plasma from preeclamptic women (n=6), healthy pregnant women (n=6) and nonpregnant women (n=6) was incubated with mono-cultures and co-cultures of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and monomac-6 monocytes. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and ICAM-1 expression were measured using flow cytometry. Whether scavenging of ROS by superoxide dismutase and catalase inhibited HUVEC ICAM-1 expression was also investigated. We found that in HUVEC co-cultured with monomac-6 cells but not in HUVEC cultured alone, ICAM-1 was upregulated after incubation with plasma from preeclamptic women but not plasma from non-pregnant women. Also in co-cultures, monomac-6 ICAM-1 was upregulated by plasma from preeclamptic women, while in both mono- and co-cultures monomac-6 ROS production was upregulated by plasma from pregnant and preeclamptic women, compared with plasma from non-pregnant women. Scavenging of ROS by superoxide dismutase and catalase resulted in a further upregulation of HUVEC ICAM-1 after incubation with plasma from preeclamptic women, compared with incubation without superoxide dismutase and catalase. These results show that endothelial cells in vitro are activated by plasma of preeclamptic women only if they are co-cultured with monocytes. This upregulation appeared not to be due to extracellular ROS production by monocytes or HUVEC, pointing to involvement of other mechanisms. Our data suggest that plasma of preeclamptic women activates monocytes, and that these monocytes subsequently activate endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marijke M Faas
- Immunoendocrinology, Division of Medical Biology, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Centre Groningen and University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands.
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