The mRNA expression of forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3), IL-35 [including Epstein-Barr virus-induced gene 3 (EBI3) and P35 subunits] and IL-17 in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with DPE (n=30), GDM (n=33), PE (n=33) and normal pregnancy (n=33) were determined by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction.