Abstract:
Introduction: Interleukin 17-A (IL-17A) has been implicated in the pathophysiology of both human immune deficiency virus (HIV) and preeclampsia (PE). This study evaluated serum levels of IL-17A in HIV-negative and HIV-positive normotensive and preeclamptic women receiving highly active anti -retroviral therapy (HAART). Material and Methods: A sample size of 250 was analysed. Normotensives (n=150; N), pre-eclamptics (n=100; PE). Normotensives were further stratified into HIV negative (n=90), HIV positive (HAART: acute) (n=30) and HIV positive (HAART: chronic) (n=30). The PE group was divided into early onset (n=50; EOPE) and late-onset (n=50; LOPE). The EOPE and LOPE groups were subdivided into HIV negative (n=30), HIV positive (HAART: acute) (n=10), and HIV positive (HAART: chronic) (n=10). Analysis of IL-17A was performed using multiple Bio-Plex immunoassay method. Results: With regards:- Pregnancy type; The levels of IL-17A were significantly increased in N compared to PE (P= 0.0012). Gestational age; The levels of IL-17A were significantly different between (N vs EOPE vs LOPE) (P=0.0044). The levels of IL-17A were significantly increased in N compared to the EOPE (P=0.0113) and between N compared to the LOPE (P= 0.0063). HIV status; The levels of IL-17A were significantly increased in HIV negative N compared to LOPE (P= 0.0429). HAART duration; HAART-chronic: The levels of IL-17A were significantly increased in (N vs PE) (P=0.0086), (N vs EOPE vs LOPE) (P= 0.0179) and N vs EOPE (P=0.0042). Conclusion: The study demonstrates that IL-17A is involved in maintaining normal pregnancy and that reduction in IL-17A is involved in the pathophysiology of PE.
