The presence of gestational diabetes is associated with an increased detection of anti-HLA-class II antibodies in the maternal circulation

Abstract

Introduction: Similar like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes (GD) is characterized by an abnormal inflammatory response in the maternal circulation. Therefore, GD may be associated with temporary reduced immune tolerance towards alloantigens for the time of pregnancy. The aim of this study was to assess anti-HLA-class-I and-II antibodies as markers for an aberrant immunostimulation in women with GD compared to women with normal term delivery and women in the presence of fetal distress. As these antibodies may cross the placental barrier and cause the activation and IL-6 release from fetal monocytes, we estimated the percentage of IL-6 positive monocytes in the fetal circulation of these patient groups (1,2).