Anti-inflammatory effects of interleukin-4 interleukin-10, and transforming growth factor-beta on human placental cells in vitro

PROBLEM: To determine the effects of anti-inflammatory cytokines on the pro duction of inflammatory mediators by placental cells. METHOD OF STUDY: Cells from term human placentas were isolated and cultured in vitro in the presence of anti-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-4 , IL-10, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta. Their effects on the pr oduction of IL-8 and prostaglandin E-2 (PGE(2)) were investigated under bas al conditions and after stimulation with IL-1 beta and tumor necrosis facto r (TNF)-alpha. RESULTS: Both IL-10 and IL-4 inhibited IL-1 beta- and TNF-alpha-induced PGE (2) production but had no significant effects on the production of PGE(2) u nder basal conditions. TGF-beta(1) was without effect in stimulated cells, whereas under basal conditions TGF-beta(1) stimulated PGE(2) production. Si milar trends were seen for IL-8 production, with the exceptions that TGF-be ta(1) decreased the TNF-alpha-induced production and IL-4 decreased basal I L-8 production. CONCLUSIONS: The anti-inflammatory effects shown by IL-4, IL-10, and (to le sser extent) TGF-beta may play a role in ameliorating the potentially harmf ul effects of pro-inflammatory mediators in the feto-placental unit.