The Role of Interleukin-17, Interleukin-23, and Transforming Growth Factor-β in Pregnancy Complicated by Placental Insufficiency

Abstract

Aim. The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of Interleukin-17 (IL-17), Interleukin-23 (IL-23), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in pregnancy complicated by placental insufficiency and in normal pregnancy. Material and Methods. The study comprised 34 patients with pregnancy complicated by fetal growth restriction (FGR) associated with preeclampsia (PE), as well as 35 healthy pregnant women. The concentrations of IL-17, IL-23, and TGF-β in sera from maternal peripheral blood were determined by an immunoenzymatic assay. Results. There were higher concentrations of IL-17 in the study group when compared to the controls. In the group of patients with placental insufficiency, the levels of IL-17 positively correlated with systolic blood pressure (R=0.42, p<0.01). The study obtained comparable concentrations of IL-23 in both studied groups. The concentrations of TGF-β were significantly lower in pregnancy complicated by the insufficiency of placenta when compared to the controls. Conclusions. It seems possible that the increased concentrations of IL-17 and the deficiency of TGF-β in pregnancy complicated by FGR and PE can be responsible for the activation of inflammatory response observed in PE cases.