The role of T helper subsets in the pregnancy outcomes of a pregnant pristane-induced lupus mouse model

This research aimed to identify the role of T helper (Th) subsets in the pregnancy outcomes of a pregnant pristane-induced lupus mouse model. Thirty Balb/c mice were separated into healthy pregnant and lupus pregnant groups. For lupus induction, 0.5 cc of pristane was administered; the mice were mated 12 weeks later, and gestational day 0 (GD0) was determined by the presence of a vaginal plug. Blood pressure and urine albumin were measured at GD17. At GD18, the mice were euthanised, and serum samples, spleens and foetuses were collected. The foetal weights and lengths, number of viable foetuses and resorption were measured. The lupus group had higher systolic (p = 0.017), diastolic (p = 0.011), urine albumin (p = 0.004) and serum anti double stranded DNA levels (p = 0.000) and higher foetal resorption (p = 0.000). In contrast, it had a lower foetal weight (p = 0.004), length (p = 0.046) and number of viable foetuses (p = 0.005). Absolute numbers and percentages of Th1 (p = 0.001), Th2 (p = 0.000) and Th17 cells (p = 0.000) were also significantly higher in the lupus group. The Th1/Th2 (p = 0.012) and Th1/Th17 (p = 0.031) ratios in the lupus group were significantly higher compared with those of the healthy group. Correlation analyses revealed that Th1, Th2 and Th17 had significant correlations with foetal and maternal pregnancy outcomes. Th1/Th2/Th17 cells were elevated in the pregnant pristane-induced lupus mouse model and correlated with poor pregnancy outcomes.