Different levels of IL-1α, IL-6, TNF-α, NF-κB and PPAR-γ in monocyte cultures exposed by plasma preeclampsia and normotensive pregnancy

• We examined the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in monocyte cultures.
• Plasma from preeclamptic and normotensive pregnancy was used to stimulate monocyte cultures.
• Preeclamptic plasma significantly increased the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in monocyte cultures.

ObjectiveTo determine different levels of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1α, IL-6, TNF-α, nuclear NF-κB p50 and PPAR-γ in monocyte cultures exposed to normotensive pregnancy plasma compared with those exposed to preeclamptic plasma.Study designThe study involved primigravidae with preeclampsia (12) and normotensive pregnancy (12) in which their blood plasma was given to monocyte cultures from isolated PBMC of healthy and non-pregnant women. They were divided into 2 groups, the first group was incubated for 24 h and the second one was incubated for 48 h (step 1). The levels of IL-1α, IL-6, TNF-α, and nuclear NF-κB p50 as well as PPAR-γ of both groups were subsequently measured and compared (step 2). Data were analyzed to determine the differences and interaction between both treatment groups using one-way ANOVA.ResultsThere was a significantly different level (p-value <0.05) of IL-1α in monocyte cultures incubated for 24 h compared with those incubated for 48 h, as shown in step 1 of the study. Meanwhile, step 2 of the study found significantly different levels of IL-1α, IL-6, TNF-α, and NF-κB p50 in monocyte cultures exposed to preeclamptic plasma compared with those exposed to normotensive pregnancy, in which the latter showed higher levels. Both groups also showed decreased levels of PPARγ, in which monocyte culture exposed to severe preeclamptic plasma (p value <0.05).ConclusionPreeclamptic plasma significantly increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1a, IL-6, and TNF-a in monocyte cultures. This condition was consistent with the increasing of NF-κB p50 and decreasing of PPARγ.