Changes in the Th1:Th2 cytokine bias in pregnancy and the effects of the anti-inflammatory cyclopentenone prostaglandin 15-deoxy-Δ(12,14)-prostaglandin J2

Mediators Inflamm. 2012:2012:416739. doi: 10.1155/2012/416739. Epub 2012 May 29.

Abstract

Pregnancy is a complex immunological state in which a bias towards T helper 2 (Th2) protects the fetus. Evidence suggests that proinflammatory cytokines increase the risk of poor neonatal outcome, independently of the direct effect of preterm labour. The anti-inflammatory prostaglandin 15-deoxy-Δ(12,14)-Prostaglandin J(2) (15dPGJ(2)) inhibits nuclear factor Kappa B (NF-κB) in amniocytes and myocytes in vitro and is a ligand for the chemoattractant receptor-homologous molecule expressed on Th2 cells (CRTH2) receptor. Here we examine the Th1:Th2 cytokine bias in pregnancy and whether 15dPGJ(2) could be used to inhibit the production of the proinflammatory cytokines through inhibition of NF-κB while simultaneously promoting Th2 interleukin 4 (IL-4) synthesis via CRTH2 in T helper cells. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from women at 28 weeks, term pre-labour, term labour as well as non-pregnant female controls were cultured with 15dPGJ(2) or vehicle control and stimulated with phorbol myristyl acetate (PMA)/ionomycin. The percentage of CD4(+) cells producing interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in response to PMA/ionomycin was significantly reduced in pregnancy. 15dPGJ(2) reduced IFN-γ and TNF-α production in stimulated T helper cells, but did not alter IL-4 production in CRTH2(+ve) cells. 15dPGJ(2) also reduced phospho-p65 in stimulated PBMCs. In summary, 15dPGJ(2) suppresses the Th1 response of PBMCs during pregnancy and active labour whilst maintaining the Th2 response suggesting a therapeutic benefit in reducing neonatal morbidity in inflammation-induced PTL.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / pharmacology*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Cytokines / metabolism*
  • Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel
  • Female
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-4 / metabolism
  • NF-kappa B / metabolism
  • Pregnancy
  • Prostaglandin D2 / analogs & derivatives*
  • Prostaglandin D2 / pharmacology
  • Receptors, Immunologic / metabolism
  • Receptors, Prostaglandin / metabolism
  • Th1 Cells / drug effects
  • Th1 Cells / metabolism
  • Th2 Cells / drug effects
  • Th2 Cells / metabolism

Substances

  • 15-deoxy-delta(12,14)-prostaglandin J2
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Cytokines
  • NF-kappa B
  • Receptors, Immunologic
  • Receptors, Prostaglandin
  • Interleukin-4
  • Prostaglandin D2
  • prostaglandin D2 receptor