Influence of Maternal Hyperglycemia on IL-10 and TNF-α Production: The Relationship with Perinatal Outcomes

Aims This study was conducted to evaluate maternal and placental concentrations of interleukin 10 (IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in pregnant women with glycemic mean (GM) < or >= 100 mg/dL, as well as correlate IL-10 and TNF-alpha placental concentrations with perinatal outcomes. Methods One hundred eighty-six pregnant women were distributed in groups determined by a GM < 100 mg/dL or a GM >= 100 mg/dL. The GM, HbA1c levels, maternal and placental concentrations of IL-10 and TNF-alpha, and the correlation of placental cytokines with perinatal outcomes were evaluated. Results In maternal blood, the lowest concentrations of IL-10 (p=00.0019) and TNF-alpha (p=0.0185) were observed in the GM >= 100-mg/dL group. The placentas from GM >= 100 mg/dL group exhibited higher TNF-alpha concentrations (p=0.0385). Placental IL-10 directly correlated with hemoglobin (r=0.63; p=0.02) and insulin (r=0.78; p=0.01) levels in the umbilical cord and with 1-min (r=0.53; p=0.0095) and 5-min (r=0.69; p=0.0003) Apgar scores. Placental TNF-alpha displayed a tendency to inversely correlate with fetal weight (r=-0.41; p=0.05). Conclusion Compared to GM<100 mg/dL, GM >= 100 mg/dL was associated with a reduction in maternal IL-10 and TNF-alpha concentrations and increased placental TNF-alpha production. Placental IL-10 production was similar in both groups studied and directly correlated with hemoglobin and umbilical cord insulin levels, as well as with the 1- and 5-min Apgar scores.