PROBLEM: HLA-G antigen maintains a tolerogenic condition at the foeto-maternal interface, counteracts inflammation in autoimmune diseases and soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G) levels decrease in allergic-asthmatics. Taking into consideration these findings, we analyzed if sHLA-G and interleukin-10 (IL-10) could be influenced by pregnancy and labour in allergic and non-allergic women. METHOD OF STUDY: sHLA-G isoforms and IL-10 levels were determined in the plasma samples of 43 women (15 non-allergic, 28 allergic) during third trimester, at delivery and 2 years after pregnancy by immunoenzymatic assays. RESULTS: A significant increase in sHLA-G and IL-10 levels was documented at delivery in both allergic and non-allergic women. Allergic women showed lower sHLA-G concentrations. sHLA-G1 was evidenced as the predominant plasma isoform. CONCLUSION: The data showed increased sHLA-G and IL-10 concentrations at delivery, regardless of the allergic status. The sHLA-G1 isoform is mainly responsible for the increased sHLA-G levels at delivery.
