Decreased vascular reactivity associated with increased IL-8 in 6-month-old infants of mothers with pre-eclampsia

Abstract

Background: Offspring born to mothers with pre-eclampsia (Pre-E) suffer higher risks of adult cardiovascular diseases, suggesting that exposure to an antiangiogenic environment in-utero has a lasting impact on the development of endothelial function. The goal of this study is to test the hypothesis that in-utero exposure to Pre-E results in alterations of angiogenic factors/cytokines that negatively impact vascular development during infancy.

Methods: Infants born from mothers with and without Pre-E were recruited and followed up at 6 months. Plasma cytokines, blood pressure, microvessel density, and vascular reactivity were assessed.

Results: 6-month-old infants born to mothers with Pre-E had unchanged blood pressure (p = 0.86) and microvessel density (p = 0.57). Vascular reactivity was decreased in infants born to mothers with Pre-E compared to infants born to healthy mothers (p = 0.0345). Interleukin 8 (IL-8) (p = 0.03) and Angiopoeitin-2 (Ang-2) (p = 0.04) were increased in infants born to mothers with Pre-E. We observed that higher IL-8 was associated with lower vascular reactivity (rho = -0.14, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion: At 6 months of age, infants born to mothers with Pre-E had impaired vascular reactivity and higher IL-8 and Ang-2, but similar blood pressure and microvessel density compared to infants born to non-Pre-E mothers.

Impact statement: Changes in cord blood antiangiogenic factors are documented in infants of mothers with pre-eclampsia and may contribute to offspring risks of adult cardiovascular disease. How these factors evolve during early infancy and their correlation with offspring vascular development have not been studied. This study found that 6-month-old infants born to mothers with pre-eclampsia had decreased vascular reactivity, which was correlated with higher IL-8. These findings underscore the lasting impact of maternal pre-eclampsia on offspring vascular development and highlight the need for long-term follow-up in children born to mothers with pre-eclampsia.