Plasmodium falciparum infection significantly impairs placental cytokine profile in HIV infected Cameroonian women.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Placental cytokines play crucial roles in the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy as well as protecting the foetus from infections. Previous studies have suggested the implication of infections such as P. falciparum and HIV in the stimulation of placental cytokines. This study assessed the impact of P. falciparum on placental cytokine profiles between HIV-1 positive and negative women.

Materials and methods

P. falciparum infection was checked in peripheral and placental blood of HIV-1 negative and positive women by the thick blood smear test. Cytokines proteins and messenger RNAs were quantified by ELISA and real time PCR, respectively. Non-parametric tests were used for statistical analyses.

Results

Placental and peripheral P. falciparum infections

SUBMITTER: Kfutwah A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2780732 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature