Altered expression of immune-associated genes in first-trimester human decidua of pregnancies later complicated with hypertension or foetal growth restriction

Placenta. 2012 May;33(5):453-5. doi: 10.1016/j.placenta.2012.02.010. Epub 2012 Mar 3.

Abstract

During pregnancy the maternal immune system has to coordinate uterine spiral-artery remodelling, trophoblast invasion, and acceptance of the semi-allogenic fetus simultaneously. As dysregulation of the immune system is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, we analysed first-trimester deciduas of pregnancies for immune parameters in later complicated pregnancies. Higher IL6 and macrophage mRNA expression, and lower ratios of regulatory macrophages were found in first-trimester deciduas of pregnancies later complicated with pregnancy-induced hypertension. Lower Gata3 (Th2) mRNA expression was found in deciduas of pregnancies with later foetal growth restriction. Our results suggest that adverse pregnancy outcomes are associated with immunological disturbances in first-trimester deciduas.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Chorionic Villi / immunology*
  • Chorionic Villi / metabolism
  • Chorionic Villi Sampling
  • Female
  • Fetal Growth Retardation / immunology*
  • Fetal Growth Retardation / metabolism
  • GATA3 Transcription Factor / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced / immunology*
  • Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced / metabolism
  • Interleukin-6 / genetics
  • Interleukin-6 / metabolism
  • Macrophages / metabolism
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Trimester, First / immunology
  • Pregnancy Trimester, First / metabolism
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Th2 Cells / metabolism

Substances

  • GATA3 Transcription Factor
  • GATA3 protein, human
  • IL6 protein, human
  • Interleukin-6
  • RNA, Messenger