Th1 and Th2 cytokine profiles in recurrent aborters with successful pregnancy and with subsequent abortions

This study compared Th1-Th2 cytokine profiles in a subgroup of recurrent aborters who had an abortion with those in a subgroup of recurrent aborters who had a successful pregnancy. METHODS: Fifty-four women with a history of at least three normal pregnancies, 24 women with a history of recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) followed by abortion (RSA -->A) and 39 women with a history of RSA followed by normal pregnancy (RSA -->N) were studied. Blood samples and placentas were obtained at the time of delivery or abortion; peripheral blood mononuclear cells were stimulated separately with phytohaemagglutinin and with autologous placental cells, and the secreted cytokines estimated. RESULTS: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from the RSA -->N subgroup secreted higher concentrations of Th1-type cytokines as compared with normal pregnant women, indicating a higher Th1 bias in these women. However, women in the RSA -->N subgroup had significantly higher concentrations of Th2 cytokines as compared with women in the RSA -->A subgroup. A comparison of Th1:Th2 cytokine ratios indicated a higher Th2 bias in RSA -->N women as compared with RSA -->A women. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that abortion-prone women who proceed to have successful pregnancy are more Th2-biased than abortion-prone women who abort, and that recurrent aborters who undergo spontaneous abortion have a stronger Th1 bias than aborters who have normal pregnancy.