The Role of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) on Interleukin 17A (IL-17A) in Normotensive and Preeclamptic Black South African Women

Abstract

Introduction. Interleukin 17A has been implicated in the pathophysiology of both human immune deficiency virus and preeclampsia. This study evaluated serum levels of IL-17A based on pregnancy type, gestational age, HIV status, and duration of HAART. Material and Methods. A sample size of 250 was analysed: normotensives (n=150; N) and preeclamptics (n=100; PE). Normotensives were further stratified into HIV negative (n=90), HAART-acute (n=30), and 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), HAART-acute (n=10), and HAART-chronic (n=10). Analysis of IL-17A was performed using a multiple Bio-Plex immunoassay method. Results. Pregnancy type: the levels of IL-17A were increased in PE compared to N (P=0.0014). Gestational age: the levels of IL-17A were increased in EOPE compared to N group (P=0.0113). A significant increase in the levels of IL-17A in LOPE compared to N was observed (P=0.0063). HIV status: the levels of IL-17A were increased in PE compared to N (P=0.0114) and in EOPE compared to N groups (P=0.0071). HAART duration: the concentration of IL-17A was increased in HAART-chronic PE compared to N groups (P=0.0062). There was also an increase in the levels of IL-17A in EOPE compared to N (P=0.0029). Conclusion. The study demonstrates that IL-17A is involved in the pathophysiology of PE and that in the presence of HIV infection, chronic HAART administration predisposes women to the development of EOPE.