Inflammatory cytokines patterns in the placenta of pregnancies complicated by HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzyme, and low platelet) syndrome.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the expression pattern and the role of inflammatory cytokines and their receptors in the placentas of pregnancy with HELLP syndrome.

STUDY

DESIGN

Placentas were collected after cesarean section, 10 from normal pregnancy and 10 from HELLP. The array was performed with GEArray Q Series Human Inflammatory Cytokines & Receptors Gene Array HS-015. The data were confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR. The Student's t test was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Macroarray analysis identified 14 cytokines differentially expressed. PCR confirmed that only IL-10, IL-6-receptor, and TGF-beta3 were increased, whilst CCL18, CXCL5, and IL-16 were significantly decreased, in HELLP.

CONCLUSION

The regulation of cytokines involved in angiogenesis and adaptive immune responses may be critical for the placental vascular dysfunction. Our data support the hypothesis that HELLP syndrome could be a placental inflammatory response which leads to a systemic and endothelial dysfunction.