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-β3 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.