The Role of IL-37 and IL-38 in Obstetrics Abnormalities

Abstract

There are two fairly common complications during pregnancy, i.e., gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and pre-eclampsia, which are independent, but are also closely linked in prevalence in pregnant women, with potential serious adverse consequences. IL-37 and IL-38, which belong to the IL-1 superfamily, participate in anti-inflammatory responses. Dysregulation of IL-37 and IL-38 has been observed in many auto-immune diseases. IL-37 is substantially reduced in the umbilical cords and placentas of GDM subjects, but IL-37 is significantly induced in the placentas of pre-eclampsia patients, suggesting there are differential regulatory roles of IL-37 in obstetrics, despite IL-37 being an anti-inflammatory mediator. Furthermore, IL-38 is substantially increased in the umbilical cords and placentas of GDM subjects, but minimal difference is observed in the placentas from pre-eclampsia patients. These data imply that IL-38 is also regulated independently within the diseased placentas. This review provides some insight for both basic scientists and medical practitioners to manage these patients effectively.

MicroRNAs: key regulators of the trophoblast function in pregnancy disorders

“…COVID-19 patients are characterized by increased expression of proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL-2, IL6, IL-17, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) [ 198 , 199 ]. During the development of pregnancy disorders, pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17, and TNFα, are also significantly increased [ 200 , 201 ]. Moreover, there is an increased incidence of preterm birth and low birth weight in COVID-19-positive pregnant women [ 202 ].…”

Immunobiological Properties and Clinical Applications of Interleukin-38 for Immune-Mediated Disorders: A Systematic Review Study

“…As reviewed in this study, alterations in serum levels of IL-38 played a major role in the immunopathogenesis of many diseases, in which patients had been previously faced with a wide array of problems due to the lack of prognosis or accurate diagnosis and improper treatment [213][214][215][216][217][218][219][220][221]. At the time of the literature review for this systematic review study, as there is a global pandemic of Coronavirus, it has been demonstrated that anti-inflammatory properties of IL-38 can be considered as recently-emerged pharmacotherapies for alleviation of the inflammatory symptoms of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection [186,222].…”

Interleukin‐39 is a novel cytokine associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus and positively correlated with body mass index

“…IL‐37, a member of the IL‐1 cytokine family identified in 2000, is an anti‐inflammatory cytokine known for its ability to reduce innate inflammation and suppress adaptive immune responses. Many types of immune and non‐immune cells produce IL‐37, including monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, B cells, plasma cells, natural killer cells and epithelial cells, in response to pro‐inflammatory stimuli 7 . Dysregulated production of IL‐37 has been associated with several human inflammatory conditions, such as enterocolitis, Behçet's disease, periodontitis, asthma, SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and liver inflammation 8 .…”

“…Many types of immune and non‐immune cells produce IL‐37, including monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, B cells, plasma cells, natural killer cells and epithelial cells, in response to pro‐inflammatory stimuli. 7 Dysregulated production of IL‐37 has been associated with several human inflammatory conditions, such as enterocolitis, Behçet's disease, periodontitis, asthma, SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and liver inflammation. 8 Regarding T2DM, there is some evidence to suggest that IL‐37 may have a role in the pathogenesis.…”