Molecular phenotype of monocytes at the maternal–fetal interface

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to gain insight into the pathways that are associated with inflammation at the maternal-fetal interface. This study examined the molecular characteristics of monocytes that were derived from the maternal circulation and the placenta of obese women. Mononuclear cells were isolated from placenta, venous maternal, and umbilical cord blood at term delivery; activated monocytes were separated with CD14 immunoselection. The genotype and expression pattern of the monocytes were analyzed by microarray and real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. The transcriptome of the maternal blood and placental CD14 monocytes exhibited 73% homology, with 10% (1800 common genes) differentially expressed. Genes for immune sensing and regulation, matrix remodeling, and lipid metabolism were enhanced 2-2006 fold in placenta, compared with maternal monocytes. The CD14 placental monocytes exhibited a maternal genotype (9% DYS14 expression) as opposed to the fetal genotype (90% DYS14 expression) of the trophoblast cells. CD14 monocytes from the maternal blood and the placenta share strong phenotypic and genotypic similarities with an enhanced inflammatory pattern in the placenta. The functional traits of the CD14 blood and placental monocytes suggest that they both contribute to propagation of inflammation at the maternal-fetal interface.