Increased vascular endothelial cell production of interleukin-6 in severe preeclampsia.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to determine whether plasma from women with severe preeclampsia stimulates the production of endothelial cell interleukin-6 production and whether vitamin E could inhibit this process.


METHODS
Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were cultured in the presence of 5% plasma from women with severe preeclampsia (n = 12) or healthy pregnant women at term (n = 12), with or without 50 micromol/L vitamin E. Levels of interleukin-6 in plasma and human umbilical vein endothelial cell-conditioned media were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.


RESULTS
Interleukin-6 levels were elevated 5-fold in preeclamptic plasma compared with normal pregnant plasma (P <.05). Human umbilical vein endothelial cell interleukin-6 production was increased 25% by preeclamptic plasma compared with normal pregnant plasma (P <.005), and increased interleukin-6 production by preeclamptic plasma was inhibited by vitamin E.


CONCLUSIONS
Endothelial cell activation by preeclamptic plasma stimulates interleukin-6 production, which is inhibited by vitamin E. These findings provide a potential cellular mechanism for the beneficial effects of antioxidant therapy in preeclampsia.
Takacs
Peter
P
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University/Medical College of Virginia Campus, Richmond 23298, USA.
Green
Kermic L
KL
Nikaeo
Athip
A
Kauma
Scott W
SW
D000328:Adult; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000378:metabolism*; D008315:Malondialdehyde / Q000097:blood; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000494:pharmacology; D000093242:Interleukin-6 Inhibitors
D000975:Antioxidants; D015850:Interleukin-6; D008315:Malondialdehyde; D014810:Vitamin E; D000093242:Interleukin-6 Inhibitors