Human fetal membrane expression of IL-19 and IL-20 and its differential effect on inflammatory cytokine production.

Abstract

Objective. The objectives of this study were to document the expression of IL-19 and IL-20, localize their expression in human fetal membranes and to examine their influence on the production of other inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-alpha) from placental membranes.Methods. Human fetal membranes collected at term from normal pregnancies were stimulated with either recombinant human IL-19, IL-20, bacterial endotoxin (LPS) alone or the cytokine + LPS. The expression of IL-19 and IL-20 was studied by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and localized using immunohistochemistry. Concentrations of IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-alpha were measured with multiplex sandwich immunoassay using microsphere technology.Results. RT-PCR documented IL-19 and IL-20 gene expression in fetal membranes. Immunohistochemistry localized both peptides to amnion and chorion layers. LPS stimulated the production of all four cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-alpha) from fetal membranes compared to unstimulated controls. No change in IL-1 and IL-8 concentration was seen after IL-19 or IL-20 stimulation, whereas IL-6 concentration was three- and two-fold higher after IL-19 and IL-20 treatment, respectively. TNF levels were unchanged after IL-19 and IL-20 treatment; however, TNF levels were significantly decreased in membranes treated with IL-19 or IL-20 + LPS compared to LPS alone.Conclusion. Fetal membranes are a source of IL-19 and IL-20. These cytokines act as an inhibitory agent to LPS-induced TNF production whereas they stimulate IL-6 production and have no effect on IL-1 and IL-8 production from human fetal membranes. The effect of IL-19 and IL-20 in pregnancy will be dependent on their concentrations and other environmental factors such as infection.

• Authors: Ramkumar Menon, Lana Ismail, Deema Ismail, Mario Merialdi, Salvatore J Lombardi, Stephen J Fortunato
• Journal: The journal of maternal-fetal & neonatal medicine : the official journal of the European Association of Perinatal Medicine, the Federation of Asia and Oceania Perinatal Societies, the International Society of Perinatal Obstetricians (J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med) Vol. 19 Issue 4 Pg. 209-14 (Apr 2006) ISSN: 1476-7058 [Print] England
• PMID: 16854693 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Cytokines
• IL19 protein, human
• Interleukin-1
• Interleukin-6
• Interleukin-8
• Interleukins
• Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
• interleukin 20

Topics

• Cytokines (metabolism)
• Extraembryonic Membranes (metabolism)
• Female
• Humans
• Interleukin-1 (metabolism)
• Interleukin-6 (metabolism)
• Interleukin-8 (metabolism)
• Interleukins (metabolism, physiology)
• Placenta (metabolism)
• Pregnancy
• Term Birth (metabolism)
• Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (metabolism)