Preeclamptic oocyte donation pregnancies show differences in peripheral T helper 1 and regulatory T cell cytokine profiles compared to uncomplicated oocyte donation pregnancies

Pregnancies resulting from oocyte donation (OD) have a higher risk for preeclampsia, possibly because the maternal immune system has to cope with greater immunogenetic dissimilarity. However, the underlying immunoregulatory mechanisms in OD pregnancies remain poorly understood. Aim: To investigate whether there are differences in immune-related components throughout uncomplicated versus preeclamptic OD pregnancies. Peripheral blood samples were collected from women conceiving through OD before pregnancy, during first, second and third trimester, and six weeks after delivery. Blood plasma was analyzed for cytokines associated with T helper 1 (Th1), Th2, Th17, and regulatory T cell (Treg) function, as well as for hormone levels using Luminex. Fifteen OD pregnancy cases with 49 blood samples in total were collected. Baseline characteristics of the uncomplicated and preeclamptic group were comparable, except for lower gravidity and gestational age in the latter. Analysis revealed a higher concentration of the latent form of Treg cytokine TGF-β2 in second trimester preeclamptic OD pregnancies compared to uncomplicated OD pregnancies (p=0.038). Furthermore, Th1 cytokine TNF-α was significantly increased in third trimester preeclamptic OD pregnancies compared to uncomplicated OD pregnancies (p=0.041). No differences were found between the groups in terms of other Th1 and Treg cytokines, or in Th2 and Th17 associated cytokines and pregnancy hormones. The findings suggest a different immunoregulatory response during preeclamptic OD pregnancies as shown by differences in the Th1 and Treg cytokine profile compared to uncomplicated OD pregnancies. This research provides more insight into immunoregulatory processes involved in healthy and complicated OD pregnancy.