Relationship between iron status and pro-inflammatory markers in late pregnancy: an exploratory analysis from Cartagena, Colombia

Abstract

Introduction. In a previous study, we identified an inverse relationship between adverse perinatal outcomes and iron status during late pregnancy among women recruited from a maternal hospital in Cartagena, Colombia. Some of these outcomes have also been linked to maternal inflammatory states. However, there is currently no clarity regarding the relationship between iron levels and proinflammatory markers during this period.
Objective. To estimate the relationship between inflammatory markers and serum ferritin (SF) in third trimester pregnancy.
Materials and methods. SF, hemoglobin and proinflammatory cytokine levels were determined in women from Cartagena in the third trimester of pregnancy. The relationship between ferritin levels and proinflammatory cytokines, was analyzed as well as the relationship between SF, hemoglobin, and inflammatory cytokine levels with adverse perinatal outcomes.
Results. The levels of IL-6 were associated with SF, but not with maternal age. IL-6 levels were mildly associated with the number of white blood cells (WBC). Maternal SF was associated with the absolute number of lymphocytes and monocytes. Hemoglobin and maternal SF were inversely associated with birth weight. SF, but not IL-6 or IL-8, was associated with the presentation of preterm birth (PB).
Conclusions. Associations of serum iron markers to WBC populations and inflammation markers in late pregnancy were mild and positive. Women with elevated WBC counts and SF levels tended to have infants with lower birth weights. This suggests a potential involvement of iron in inflammatory processes during pregnancy, and conditions associated with inflammation in the final trimester may have adverse effects on perinatal outcomes.