The MICA deletion across different populations.

The MICA gene encodes a glycoprotein upregulated upon cellular stress, particularly in oxidative stress, intracellular infections, and tumorigenesis. This stress-signaling molecule interacts with the activating receptor NKG2D from Natural Killer (NK) and some T lymphocytes, stimulating their cytotoxic activity. MICA is encoded within the human Major Histocompatibility Complex next to the HLA-B locus and is highly polymorphic.

Silibinin induces in vitro M2-like phenotype polarization in monocytes from preeclamptic women.

Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-specific syndrome featuring intense activation of circulating monocytes and an imbalance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. The present study evaluated the immunomodulatory effect of silibinin (Sb) on the expression of surface markers and the nuclear transcription factor NF-κB signalling pathway of monocytes from preeclamptic women. Monocytes were cultured with or without Sb, and the mean fluorescence intensity of the surface molecules TLR4, CD64, and CD163 as well as the intracellular transcription factors IκB-α and NF-κBp65 was analysed by flow cytometry.

Increased TLR4 pathway activation and cytokine imbalance led to lipopolysaccharide tolerance in monocytes from preeclamptic women.

Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy syndrome characterized by a systemic inflammatory response, and endogenous activation of monocytes. This study aimed to determine whether the activation of monocytes from preeclamptic women might interfere with the response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-in vitro stimulation. Fifty-two preeclamptic women and 32 normotensive (NT) pregnant women were included.

Elevated circulatingadenosine deaminase activity in women with preeclampsia: association with pro-inflammatory cytokine production and uric acid levels.

Objective: Preeclampsia is a specific disorder of human pregnancy that is associated with hyperuricemia and higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Adenosine deaminase (ADA) is an enzyme present in all human tissues, and is considered an indicator of cellular inflammation. In the present study we assess whether adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity is altered in women with preeclampsia (PE) and contributes to elevated levels of uric acid and pro-inflammatory cytokine production.

Association between Placental Lesions, Cytokines and Angiogenic Factors in Pregnant Women with Preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia (PE) is considered the leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. The placenta seems to play an essential role in this disease, probably due to factors involved in its formation and development. The present study aimed to investigate the association between placental lesions, cytokines and angiogenic factors in pregnant women with preeclampsia (PE).

Monocytes from pregnant women with pre-eclampsia are polarized to a M1 phenotype.

Problem: This study evaluated whether the monocyte inflammatory state in pre-eclampsia (PE) might be associated with polarization to either M1 classically or M2 alternatively activated monocyte subsets.

Method Of Study: Eighty-five women with (PE) and 52 normotensive (NT) pregnant women matched for gestational age were included. Expression of surface receptors characteristic of M1, such as Toll-like receptor (TLR)2, TLR4, and CD64, or M2, such as CD163 and CD206 monocyte subsets were evaluated in peripheral blood monocytes by flow cytometry.

Silibinin modulates the NF-κb pathway and pro-inflammatory cytokine production by mononuclear cells from preeclamptic women.

Preeclampsia (PE) is a complication of human pregnancy associated with an intense inflammatory response involving leukocyte activation, as well as elevated production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The nuclear transcription factor-kappa B (NF-κB) is present in cells of the immune system and is responsible for transcription of genes coding for pro-inflammatory proteins. Silibinin is the main component of silymarin, a polyphenolic extract obtained from fruits and seeds of Silybum marianum with potent hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory activities.