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Research Article
Pregnancy, cytokines, and disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus
Article first published online: 8 DEC 2004
DOI: 10.1002/art.20837
Copyright © 2004 by the American College of Rheumatology
1529-0131a/asset/cover.gif?v=1&s=4b71f39689e424fbb0e6725b1c033cc646a4272b "Arthritis Care & Research")
Additional Information
How to Cite
Doria, A., Ghirardello, A., Iaccarino, L., Zampieri, S., Punzi, L., Tarricone, E., Ruffatti, A., Sulli, A., Sarzi-Puttini, P. C., Gambari, P. F. and Cutolo, M. (2004), Pregnancy, cytokines, and disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus. Arthritis & Rheumatism, 51: 989–995. doi: 10.1002/art.20837
Publication History
- Issue published online: 8 DEC 2004
- Article first published online: 8 DEC 2004
- Manuscript Accepted: 10 MAY 2004
- Manuscript Received: 12 DEC 2003
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- Pregnancy;
- Systemic lupus erythematosus;
- Cytokines;
- Hormones
Abstract
Objective
To evaluate levels of selected cytokines and soluble receptors involved in the humoral immune response during pregnancy in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients.
Methods
Seventeen consecutive SLE patients and 8 matched healthy controls were prospectively studied during pregnancy. Sera were obtained within the last 3 months prior to pregnancy; at 9, 17, and 29 weeks of pregnancy; and at 1 month after delivery. Serum levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors p55 (sTNFR I) and p75 (sTNFR II) were evaluated. SLE activity was measured by the European Consensus Lupus Activity Measurement score modified for pregnancy.
Results
IL-10 serum levels were found to be higher (P < 0.0001) in patients than in controls before conception, and still higher (P < 0.0001) in SLE patients during gestation, without intertrimester changes. In SLE patients, IL-6 serum levels did not increase in the third trimester of pregnancy, as was observed in controls (P = 0.011). No significant differences between SLE patients and controls were found in either sTNFR I or II levels or profiles before and during pregnancy. IL-10 and sTNFR I levels were significantly higher during pregnancy and postpartum in SLE patients with active disease (P = 0.03 and P = 0.01, respectively).
Conclusion
The levels of some cytokines involved in the humoral immune response seem to be modified in the peripheral circulation of pregnant SLE patients. The most relevant modifications are the lower than expected increase of IL-6 in the third trimester of gestation and persistently high levels of IL-10 during pregnancy.