Characterization of the Pro-Inflammatory, Regulatory and Anti-Inflammatory Cytokines of Distress Placenta in Different Gestation Times

Pregnancy represents a delicate immunological balance, with cytokines playing pivotal roles in regulating maternal-fetal interactions. Distress acuta is associated with persistent inflammation that may impact placental function and pregnancy outcomes. Thus, this study aims to analyze the expression and distribution of key cytokines – IL-1α, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, and IL-10 – in distressed placental tissues across three gestational periods: 28th, 31st, and 40th weeks. Placental samples from 15 participants were examined using immunohistochemistry, semi-quantitative evaluation, and non-parametric statistical methods. The findings revealed persistent high activity of IL-1α across all gestational periods, signifying its role in sustaining inflammation. IL-2 activity declined with advancing gestation, indicating adaptive immune modulation, while IL-7 and IL-8 showed sustained activity irrespective of placental aging, underscoring their roles in inflammation and immune response. Anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-10 were minimally expressed, suggesting limited anti-inflammatory regulation in distress conditions. Conversely, IL-6 demonstrated consistent expression, highlighting its regulatory function in maintaining placental integrity. Correlation analysis revealed intricate interactions among cytokines, reflecting a complex regulatory network essential for placental homeostasis during distress acuta.