A recent study reveals that pregnant individuals diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) exhibit elevated levels of pro-inflammatory immune molecules in their vaginal mucosa compared to healthy pregnant individuals. Conducted by Ana Maldonado-Contreras and colleagues at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, the research highlights a significant aspect of maternal health that may impact pregnancy outcomes.
The findings, published in PLOS One, indicate that these heightened levels of cytokines—specifically IL-6, IL-8, and IL-17—are prevalent even in patients who are in remission. This inflammatory environment could contribute to the increased risk of complications, such as preterm birth, faced by pregnant individuals with IBD.
Inflammation and Dietary Factors
The study also examined dietary influences on inflammation. It found that participants who adhered to a higher-quality diet, rich in vegetables and low in added sugars, had lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, irrespective of their IBD status. This correlation suggests that nutrition may play a role in managing inflammation during pregnancy.
The research involved a cohort of 48 pregnant individuals in their third trimester, comprising 23 with diagnosed IBD—18 with Crohn’s disease and 5 with ulcerative colitis—and 25 healthy individuals. More than half of those with IBD were in remission at the time of recruitment. Participants provided vaginal swabs and completed three nutrition assessments to evaluate their dietary intake.
Despite having similar bacterial profiles in the vaginal mucosa as their healthy counterparts, those with IBD exhibited a marked imbalance in immune responses. The study noted lower levels of the immune-regulating cytokine IFN-γ and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-4 in the IBD group.
Limitations and Future Research
While the study sheds light on the inflammatory status of pregnant individuals with IBD, it is constrained by a modest sample size and the collection of samples only during the third trimester. This limitation hinders the assessment of changes throughout pregnancy and the establishment of causative relationships.
Despite these constraints, the authors assert that the pro-inflammatory vaginal environment in IBD patients, even when in remission, could elucidate their heightened risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
As researchers continue to explore the implications of these findings, the potential for dietary interventions to mitigate inflammation presents a promising avenue for improving maternal and fetal health.
The study, titled “Association of vaginal IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17, IFN-γ, and dietary intake with IBD status and vaginal microbiota in pregnant individuals,” emphasizes the importance of understanding the intricate interactions between diet, inflammation, and pregnancy, particularly for those navigating the challenges of IBD.
For further details, consult the original publication in PLOS One.
