Abstract # 1820 Stimulated cytokine production is heightened among pregnant women carrying female versus male fetuses

• Published in: Brain, behavior, and immunity behavior, and immunity, 2016-10, Vol.57, p.e32-e32
• Main Authors: Mitchell, A.M, Palettas, M, Christian, L.M
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Allergy and Immunology; Psychiatry
• ISSN: 0889-1591; 1090-2139
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2016.07.106

Fetal sex plays a role in regulating maternal adaptation across pregnancy including glycemic control, blood pressure, and cortisol. However, data examining effects of fetal sex on maternal immune parameters is lacking, despite observed differences in maternal health responses and pregnancy outcomes in relation to fetal sex. In the current study, serum levels of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-alpha as well as LPS-stimulated production of IL-6, IL-8, TNF-alpha, and IL-1 beta by PBMCs incubated for 24 h were assessed during each trimester of pregnancy in 80 women (46 with male and 34 with female fetuses). Linear mixed models showed that women carrying females versus males exhibited heightened stimulated production of IL-6 during each trimester (ps < 0.033), TNF-alpha at 1st trimester ( p = 0.037), and IL-1 beta at 2nd and 3rd trimesters (ps < 0.055). Despite changes in serum cytokine levels of IL-8 ( p = 0.002) and TNF-alpha ( p < 0.0001) across pregnancy, no differences emerged by fetal sex in maternal levels of any serum cytokine (ps > 0.85). In conclusion, in pregnant women, those carrying female versus male fetuses exhibit greater stimulated cytokine production. Heightened inflammation could affect maternal health and fetal development. Fetal sex should be considered as a factor in studies of maternal inflammation. Future investigations focused on women with health conditions (e.g., preeclampsia) and adverse pregnancy outcomes (e.g., preterm birth) would be informative.