Proinflammatory TH17 cytokine activation, disease severity and outcomes in peripartum cardiomyopathy

Immune dysregulation is implicated in the development and clinical outcomes of peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM).98 women with PPCM were enrolled and followed for 1 year postpartum (PP). LVEF was assessed at entry, 6-, and 12-months PP by echocardiography. Serum levels of soluble interleukin (IL)-2 receptor (sIL2R), IL-2, IL-4, IL-17, IL-22, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interferon (IFN)-γ were measured by ELISA at entry. Cytokine levels...