Stokkeland LMT, Giskeødegård GF, Ryssdal M, et al. - A more activated immune status during pregnancy in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) was indicated by the finding of a strong early mobilization of inflammatory and other serum cytokines, which persisted throughout pregnancy, in these women.

• A post hoc analysis was conducted with pregnant women with PCOS (n = 358) and without PCOS (n = 258, controls).

• A total of 1752 serum samples were obtained during pregnancy (weeks 10, 19, 32, 36) to analyze maternal serum levels of 22 cytokines and C-reactive protein (CRP) in pregnancy.

• Marked immunological alterations in serum cytokines throughout pregnancy were evident in women with PCOS.

• Higher levels of 17 cytokines and CRP at week 10 of pregnancy as well as a distinct cytokine development throughout pregnancy were observed in women with PCOS vs controls.

• Maternal BMI, smoking and fetal sex significantly impacted the immunological dynamics in women with PCOS.