Preeclampsia: Impaired inflammatory response mediated by Toll-like receptors

Monocytes may be activated in preeclampsia (PE). Toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 and TLR-2 are involved in inflammatory responses of monocytes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), an inflammatory cytokine, and interleukin (IL)-10, an immunoregulatory cytokine, by monocytes from PE patients stimulated with TLR ligands. TLR-4 and TLR-2 responses were similar in normal pregnancy and non-pregnant women. The production of TNF by monocytes stimulated with TLR ligands was significantly impaired in PE, whereas IL-10 production was not affected. The imbalance between an inflammatory and anti-inflammatory pattern of monocytes may play a role in PE pathophysiology.