Inflammation as a cause of placental dysfunction in high-risk pregnancies

Abstract

Event Abstract Back to Event Inflammation as a cause of placental dysfunction in high-risk pregnancies Sylvie Girard1, 2*, Alexander E. Heazell1, Hayley Derricott1, Colin P. Sibley1, Stuart M. Allan2 and Rebecca L. Jones1 1 University of Manchester, Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, United Kingdom 2 University of Manchester, Faculty of Life Sciences, United Kingdom Inflammation during pregnancy is associated with stillbirth and life-long diseases in surviving newborns. The mechanism underlying this association is mostly unknown. We hypothesize that cytokines induce placental dysfunction, resulting in fetal nutrient/oxygen deprivation. To test this hypothesis we determined the inflammatory profile in human placentas from high-risk pregnancy associated with reduced fetal movements (RFM) and investigated the effects of identified cytokines on placental function. Methods: Term placentas were collected from women experiencing RFM and compared with uncomplicated pregnancies. ELISA and immunohistochemistry were used to determine cytokine levels in placental lysates and assess their localization respectively. Placental explants from normal pregnancies were treated with interleukin (IL)-1β and the effects on inflammation, hormone production and cell turnover were determined. Results: Levels of IL-1β and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) were increased in RFM pregnancies, while levels of IL-6 and TNF-α remained unchanged. Placentas from pregnancies with RFM also showed a decreased expression of IL-10, suggesting a pro-inflammatory imbalance within the tissue. RFM placentas also had elevated numbers of CD45+ cells within placental parenchyma, which were highly positive for IL-1Ra. Treatment of placental explants with IL-1β led to decreased secretion of hormone (hCG) and immune activation. Conclusion: This study identifies a pro-inflammatory profile in high-risk pregnancies associated with RFM, characterized by a predominant involvement of the IL-1 system and decreased anti-inflammatory IL-10. IL-1β-treated placental explants showed altered function. These results emphasize the importance of inflammation-induced placental dysfunction in human high-risk pregnancies and subsequent fetal mortality and morbidity. Acknowledgements The authors would like to acknowledge funding from Tommy's the baby charity and the Canadian Institute of Health Research. Keywords: Placenta, prenatal inflammation, IL-1beta, Placental dysfunction, IL-1 receptor antagonist, High risk pregnancy Conference: 15th International Congress of Immunology (ICI), Milan, Italy, 22 Aug - 27 Aug, 2013. Presentation Type: Abstract Topic: Translational immunology and immune intervention Citation: Girard S, Heazell AE, Derricott H, Sibley CP, Allan SM and Jones RL (2013). Inflammation as a cause of placental dysfunction in high-risk pregnancies. Front. Immunol. Conference Abstract: 15th International Congress of Immunology (ICI). doi: 10.3389/conf.fimmu.2013.02.00066 Copyright: The abstracts in this collection have not been subject to any Frontiers peer review or checks, and are not endorsed by Frontiers. They are made available through the Frontiers publishing platform as a service to conference organizers and presenters. The copyright in the individual abstracts is owned by the author of each abstract or his/her employer unless otherwise stated. Each abstract, as well as the collection of abstracts, are published under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 (attribution) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) and may thus be reproduced, translated, adapted and be the subject of derivative works provided the authors and Frontiers are attributed. For Frontiers’ terms and conditions please see https://www.frontiersin.org/legal/terms-and-conditions. Received: 08 Mar 2013; Published Online: 22 Aug 2013. * Correspondence: Dr. Sylvie Girard, University of Manchester, Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom, sylvie.girard@recherche-ste-justine.qc.ca Login Required This action requires you to be registered with Frontiers and logged in. To register or login click here. Abstract Info Abstract The Authors in Frontiers Sylvie Girard Alexander E Heazell Hayley Derricott Colin P Sibley Stuart M Allan Rebecca L Jones Google Sylvie Girard Alexander E Heazell Hayley Derricott Colin P Sibley Stuart M Allan Rebecca L Jones Google Scholar Sylvie Girard Alexander E Heazell Hayley Derricott Colin P Sibley Stuart M Allan Rebecca L Jones PubMed Sylvie Girard Alexander E Heazell Hayley Derricott Colin P Sibley Stuart M Allan Rebecca L Jones Related Article in Frontiers Google Scholar PubMed Abstract Close Back to top Javascript is disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings in order to see all the content on this page.