Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is known to increase the risk for feto-maternal complications during pregnancy. A state of low-grade
inflammation, with elevated levels of proinflammatory molecules, similar to patients with
obesity or
diabetes mellitus type 2 has also been partly described in GDM. The placenta, as unique interface between mother and fetus, is not only passively affected by changes in one of these organisms, but also acts as a modulator by expressing
hormones and
cytokines. This study aimed to investigate the expression of the proinflammatory
cytokines Interleukin (IL) 7, 8 and 15 in GDM in placental tissue. A total number of 80 placentas were included (40 GDM/40 control group). The expression of
IL-7, 8 and 15 was investigated in extravillous trophoblast (EVT) and syncytiotrophoblast (SCT) by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence double staining. The immunohistochemical staining was evaluated with the semiquanitfied immunoreactive score (IRS). While the expression
IL-15 was significantly upregulated in EVTs of women with GDM. The expression of
IL-8 was significantly decreased in EVT of the GDM group. Furthermore, significant fetal sex specific differences were detectable in all three
cytokines. Our findings suggest an involvement of the investigated
cytokines in the maintenance of a state of chronic low-grade
inflammation on placental level in patients suffering from GDM.