151
|
Description and characterization of a unique human immunoglobulin G1 kappa idiotype found in placental tissue. Placenta 2017; 50:84-93. [PMID: 28161067 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2016.12.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Revised: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Does maternal IgG found in placental tissue provide the fetus with more than just humoral immunity? To address this question, the IgGs from twelve placentas were studied and four of these samples were examined using mass spectrometry which revealed an IgG1k idiotype. A special dodecapeptide portion of the 3rd framework region of the VH chain sequence was identified as an idiotypic determinant in these placental- IgG1k (p-IgG1k) and referred to as peptideX2 and found to have biological activity. Antiserum to peptideX2 was made and then used with Western Immunoblotting to show that this unique H chain (containing peptideX2) appears to be present in all p-IgG tested and in all subjects tested. It appears that the placenta contains not only conventional polyclonal maternal IgGs but also an idiotypic population of maternal IgG1k which binds to TLR2>TLR4 via the epitope "peptideX2″ and promotes IL-6, TNFα, and IL-10 production and may play a role in maternal-fetal tolerance.
Collapse
|
152
|
Geer LA, Pycke BFG, Waxenbaum J, Sherer DM, Abulafia O, Halden RU. Association of birth outcomes with fetal exposure to parabens, triclosan and triclocarban in an immigrant population in Brooklyn, New York. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2017; 323:177-183. [PMID: 27156397 PMCID: PMC5018415 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2016.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Revised: 03/07/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prior studies suggest associations between fetal exposure to antimicrobial and paraben compounds with adverse reproductive outcomes, mainly in animal models. We have previously reported elevated levels of these compounds for a cohort of mothers and neonates. OBJECTIVE We examined the relationship between human exposure to parabens and antimicrobial compounds and birth outcomes including birth weight, body length and head size, and gestational age at birth. METHODS Maternal third trimester urinary and umbilical cord blood plasma concentrations of methylparaben (MePB), ethylparaben (EtPB), propylparaben (PrPB), butylparaben (BuPB), benzylparaben (BePB), triclosan (2,4,4'-trichloro-2'-hydroxydiphenyl ether or TCS) and triclocarban (1-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl) urea or TCC), were measured in 185 mothers and 34 paired singleton neonates in New York, 2007-2009. RESULTS In regression models adjusting for confounders, adverse exposure-outcome associations observed included increased odds of PTB (BuPB), decreased gestational age at birth (BuPB and TCC) and birth weight (BuPB), decreased body length (PrPB) and protective effects on PTB (BePB) and LBW (3'-Cl-TCC) (p<0.05). No associations were observed for MePB, EtPB, or TCS. CONCLUSIONS This study provides the first evidence of associations between antimicrobials and potential adverse birth outcomes in neonates. Findings are consistent with animal data suggesting endocrine-disrupting potential resulting in developmental and reproductive toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura A Geer
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, State University of New York, Downstate School of Public Health, BOX 43, 450 Clarkson Ave., Brooklyn, NY, USA.
| | - Benny F G Pycke
- Center for Environmental Security, The Biodesign Institute, Global Security Initiative, and School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, 781 East Terrace Mall, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | - Joshua Waxenbaum
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, State University of New York, Downstate School of Public Health, BOX 43, 450 Clarkson Ave., Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - David M Sherer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, 445 Lenox Road, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Ovadia Abulafia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, 445 Lenox Road, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Rolf U Halden
- Center for Environmental Security, The Biodesign Institute, Global Security Initiative, and School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, 781 East Terrace Mall, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| |
Collapse
|
153
|
Wang Y, Hu T, Wu L, Liu X, Xue S, Lei M. Identification of non-coding and coding RNAs in porcine endometrium. Genomics 2017; 109:43-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2016.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2016] [Revised: 11/16/2016] [Accepted: 11/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
|
154
|
Rutigliano HM, Wilhelm A, Hall J, Shi B, Meng Q, Stott R, Bunch TD, White KL, Davies CJ, Polejaeva IA. Cytokine gene expression at the maternal–fetal interface after somatic cell nuclear transfer pregnancies in small ruminants. Reprod Fertil Dev 2017; 29:646-657. [DOI: 10.1071/rd15103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2015] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The present retrospective study investigated pregnancy rates, the incidence of pregnancy loss and large offspring syndrome (LOS) and immune-related gene expression of sheep and goat somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) pregnancies. We hypothesised that significantly higher pregnancy losses observed in sheep compared with goat SCNT pregnancies are due to the increased amounts of T-helper 1 cytokines and proinflammatory mediators at the maternal–fetal interface. Sheep and goat SCNT pregnancies were generated using the same procedure. Control pregnancies were established by natural breeding. Although SCNT pregnancy rates at 45 days were similar in both species, pregnancy losses between 45 and 60 days of gestation and the incidence of LOS were significantly greater in sheep than in goats. At term, the expression of proinflammatory genes in sheep SCNT placentas was increased, whereas that in goats was similar to that in control animals. Genes with altered expression in sheep SCNT placentas included cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA4), interleukin 2 receptor alpha (IL2RA), cluster of differentiation 28 (CD28), interferon gamma (IFNG), interleukin 6 (IL6), interleukin 10 (IL10), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFB1), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1 alpha (IL1A) and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 8 (CXCL8). Major histocompatibility complex-I protein expression was greater in sheep and goat SCNT placentas at term than in control pregnancies. An unfavourable immune environment is present at the maternal–fetal interface in sheep SCNT pregnancies.
Collapse
|
155
|
Amiri Jahromi R, Nasiri M, Jahromi AR. Interferon Regulatory Factor 5 Gene Polymorphisms in Iranian Women with Unexplained Recurrent Pregnancy Loss. Immunol Invest 2016; 46:97-107. [PMID: 27798840 DOI: 10.1080/08820139.2016.1225759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the association of three functional IRF5 rs10954213, rs3757385, and rs41298401 polymorphisms with susceptibility to unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) among Iranian women from south of Iran. METHODS 176 women with unexplained RPL and 173 healthy postmenopausal controls were enrolled in this case-control study. Genotyping of the polymorphisms rs10954213 and rs3757385 was carried out using touchdown tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (T-ARMS PCR), and polymorphism rs41298401 was typed using PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). RESULTS Genotype frequencies were significantly different between RPL cases and controls regarding AG heterozygote genotype of rs10954213, GT genotype of rs3757385, and GG genotype of rs41298401. In addition, allele variants (G for rs10954213, T for rs3757385, and G for rs41298401) showed protective role against RPL, while GG haplotype of two first variants was shown to be a susceptibility factor for the disease. CONCLUSION These data provide the first evidence, to our knowledge, of the protective role of the studied IRF5 gene polymorphisms against unexplained RPL among Iranian women from south of Iran.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mahboobeh Nasiri
- a Department of Biology , Islamic Azad University , Arsanjan Branch, Arsanjan , Iran.,b Young Researchers and Elite Club , Islamic Azad University , Arsanjan Branch, Arsanjan , Iran
| | - Athar Rasekh Jahromi
- c Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Jahrom University of Medical Sciences , Jahrom , Iran
| |
Collapse
|
156
|
Cornelius DC, Amaral LM, Wallace K, Campbell N, Thomas AJ, Scott J, Herse F, Wallukat G, Dechend R, LaMarca B. Reduced uterine perfusion pressure T-helper 17 cells cause pathophysiology associated with preeclampsia during pregnancy. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2016; 311:R1192-R1199. [PMID: 27784685 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00117.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2016] [Revised: 10/05/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Preeclampsia is associated with chronic inflammation and an imbalance among T-helper cell subtypes with an increase in T-helper 17 (TH17) cells. The objective of this study was to determine a role for TH17s, from the reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) rat model of preeclampsia, in the etiology of hypertension and chronic inflammation during pregnancy. CD4+/CD25- T cells were isolated from rat spleens, cultured in TH17 media, and were verified as TH17s via flow cytometry. On day 12 of gestation, 1×106 TH17 cells from RUPP rats were adoptively transferred into NP rats, carotid catheters were inserted on day 18, and on day 19, mean arterial pressure (MAP) was recorded, serum and plasma were collected, and oxidative stress and production of agonistic autoantibodies to the ANG II type I receptor (AT1-AA) were analyzed. MAP increased from 100.3 ± 1.7 mmHg in normal pregnant (NP; n = 17) to 124.8 ± 2.1 mmHg in RUPP (n = 22; P < 0.0001) and to 110.8 ± 2.8 mmHg in NP+RUPP TH17 (n = 11). Pup weights in NP+RUPP TH17s were decreased to 1.92 ± 0.09 g from 2.39 ± 0.14 in NP rats (P < 0.01). AT1-AA significantly increased from 0.1 ± 0.2 beats/min in NP to 15.6 ± 0.7 beats/min in NP+RUPP TH17s. IL-6 was 22.3 ± 5.7 pg/ml in NP and increased to 60.45 ± 13.8 pg/ml in RUPP (P < 0.05) and 75.9 ± 6.8 pg/ml in NP+RUPP TH17 rats (P < 0.01). Placental and renal oxidative stress were 238 ± 27.5 and 411 ± 129.9 relative light units·min-1·mg-1 in NP and 339 ± 104.6 and 833 ± 331.1 relative light units·min-1·mg-1 in NP+RUPP TH17, respectively. In conclusion, RUPP TH17 cells induced intrauterine growth restriction and increased blood pressure, AT1-AA, IL-6, and tissue oxidative stress when transferred to NP rats, indicating a role for autoimmune associated TH17 cells, to cause much of the pathophysiology associated with preeclampsia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Denise C Cornelius
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Lorena M Amaral
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Kedra Wallace
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Nathan Campbell
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Alexia J Thomas
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Jeremy Scott
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Florian Herse
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Max-Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association and the Charité Medical Faculty, Berlin, Germany; and
| | - Gerd Wallukat
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Max-Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association and the Charité Medical Faculty, Berlin, Germany; and
| | - Ralf Dechend
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Max-Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association and the Charité Medical Faculty, Berlin, Germany; and.,HELIOS-Klinikum, Berlin, Germany
| | - Babbette LaMarca
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi; .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| |
Collapse
|
157
|
Sharkey DJ, Tremellen KP, Briggs NE, Dekker GA, Robertson SA. Seminal plasma transforming growth factor-β, activin A and follistatin fluctuate within men over time. Hum Reprod 2016; 31:2183-91. [PMID: 27609985 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dew185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2016] [Accepted: 06/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do seminal plasma transforming growth factor-β (TGFB) cytokines vary within individuals over time, and does this relate to sperm parameters, age or prior abstinence? SUMMARY ANSWER Activin A and follistatin, and to a lesser extent TGFB1, TGFB2 and TGFB3, vary within individuals over time, in association with duration of abstinence. WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN Seminal plasma TGFB cytokines can influence sperm function and reproductive success through interactions with the female reproductive tract after coitus. Over time, individual sperm parameters fluctuate considerably. Whether seminal fluid TGFB cytokines vary similarly, and the determinants of any variance, is unknown. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Between two and seven semen samples were collected from each of 14 fertile donors at 6-10 week intervals over the course of 12 months, then seminal plasma cytokines and sperm parameters were measured. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING AND METHOD The concentrations and total amounts per ejaculate of TGFB1, TGFB2, TGFB3, activin A and follistatin were determined using commercial assays. Sperm parameters were assessed according to WHO IV standards. Mixed model analysis was utilised to determine the relative contribution of between- and within-individual factors to the variance. Relationships between cytokines and sperm parameters, as well as effect of age and duration of abstinence, were investigated by correlation analysis. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Within-individual variability contributed to the total variance for all cytokines and sperm parameters, and was a stronger determinant than between-individual variability for activin A and follistatin as well as for total sperm concentration and sperm motility. Positive correlations between each of the three TGFB isoforms, and activin and follistatin, suggest co-regulation of synthesis. Duration of abstinence influenced total content of TGFB1, TGFB2, activin A and follistatin. TGFB1 correlated inversely with age. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION A limited number of donors from a single clinic were investigated. Clinical information on BMI, nutrition, smoking and other lifestyle factors was unavailable. Further studies are required to determine whether the findings can be generalised to larger populations and different ethnicities. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These data reveal substantial variation over time in seminal fluid cytokines and indicate that repeated analyses are required to gain precise representative data on an individual's status. Within-individual variation in seminal fluid components should be taken into account when investigating seminal fluid cytokines. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This study was supported by grants from the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia, ID453556 and APP1041332. The authors have no competing interests to disclose.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David J Sharkey
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Kelton P Tremellen
- Repromed Pty Ltd, 180 Fullarton Road, Dulwich, SA 5065, Australia School of Medicine, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
| | - Nancy E Briggs
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Gustaaf A Dekker
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia Lyell McEwin Hospital, University of Adelaide, Elizabeth Vale, Adelaide, SA 5112, Australia
| | - Sarah A Robertson
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
158
|
Yang Q, Wang W, Liu C, Wang Y, Sun K. Compartmentalized localization of 11β-HSD 1 and 2 at the feto-maternal interface in the first trimester of human pregnancy. Placenta 2016; 46:63-71. [PMID: 27697223 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2016.08.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2016] [Revised: 08/10/2016] [Accepted: 08/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids are engaged in a number of actions at the feto-maternal interface for the establishment of early pregnancy. However, excessive glucocorticoids can be deleterious to fetal development. Therefore, compartmentalized distribution of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 and 2 (11β-HSD1 and 2), which regenerates and inactivates cortisol respectively, would ensure an optimal cortisol concentration at the feto-maternal interface for the establishment of early gestation. However, the distribution pattern of 11β-HSD1 and 2 at the feto-maternal interface in early human pregnancy is not clearly defined. Here we showed that 11β-HSD1 distributed extensively on the maternal side including decidual stromal cells and epithelial cells but scarcely on the fetal side except for localization in the fetal blood vessels of the chorionic villi. In contrast, 11β-HSD2 was abundantly localized in syncytial layer of the chorionic villi and the decidual epithelium. In primary cultures, cortisol upregulated not only 11β-HSD1 expression in decidual stromal cells but also 11β-HSD2 expression in villous trophoblasts of early pregnancy. Further studies revealed that cortisol inhibited the expression of interleukin-1β and 6 in decidual stromal cells and villous trophoblasts, and stimulated expression of human chorionic gonadotropin in villous trophoblasts. Collectively, this study has revealed a compartmentalized distribution pattern of 11β-HSD 1 and 2 at the feto-maternal interface, both of which can be upregulated by glucocorticoids, suggesting that a coordinated interaction between 11β-HSD 1 and 2 may exist to ensure an optimal cortisol concentration at discrete locations at the feto-maternal interface for the establishment of early pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qianlan Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, PR China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, PR China
| | - Wangsheng Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Chao Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, PR China.
| | - Kang Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
159
|
Figueiredo AS, Schumacher A. The T helper type 17/regulatory T cell paradigm in pregnancy. Immunology 2016; 148:13-21. [PMID: 26855005 DOI: 10.1111/imm.12595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 197] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2015] [Revised: 01/15/2016] [Accepted: 02/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
T helper type 17 (Th17) and regulatory T (Treg) cells are active players in the establishment of tolerance and defence. These attributes of the immune system enmesh to guarantee the right level of protection. The healthy immune system, on the one hand, recognizes and eliminates dangerous non-self pathogens and, on the other hand, protects the healthy self. However, there are circumstances where this fine balance is disrupted. In fact, in situations such as in pregnancy, the foreign fetal antigens challenge the maternal immune system and Treg cells will dominate Th17 cells to guarantee fetal survival. In other situations such as autoimmunity, where the Th17 responses are often overwhelming, the immune system shifts towards an inflammatory profile and attacks the healthy tissue from the self. Interestingly, autoimmune patients have meliorating symptoms during pregnancy. This connects with the antagonist role of Th17 and Treg cells, and their specific profiles during these two immune challenging situations. In this review, we put into perspective the Th17/Treg ratio during pregnancy and autoimmunity, as well as in pregnant women with autoimmune conditions. We further review existing systems biology approaches that study specific mechanisms of these immune cells using mathematical modelling and we point out possible future directions of investigation. Understanding what maintains or disrupts the balance between these two opponent yet reciprocal cells in healthy physiological settings, sheds light into the development of innovative pharmacological approaches to fight pregnancy loss and autoimmunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Sofia Figueiredo
- Medical Faculty, Institute for Experimental Internal Medicine, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Anne Schumacher
- Medical Faculty, Institute for Experimental Obstetrics and Gynecology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
160
|
Effect of PFOS on glucocorticoid-induced changes in human decidual stromal cells in the first trimester of pregnancy. Reprod Toxicol 2016; 63:142-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2016.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2016] [Revised: 05/24/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|
161
|
Arenas-Hernandez M, Romero R, St Louis D, Hassan SS, Kaye EB, Gomez-Lopez N. An imbalance between innate and adaptive immune cells at the maternal-fetal interface occurs prior to endotoxin-induced preterm birth. Cell Mol Immunol 2016; 13:462-73. [PMID: 25849119 PMCID: PMC4947814 DOI: 10.1038/cmi.2015.22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2014] [Revised: 10/01/2014] [Accepted: 10/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Preterm birth (PTB) is the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. A transition from an anti-inflammatory state to a pro-inflammatory state in the mother and at the maternal-fetal interface has been implicated in the pathophysiology of microbial-induced preterm labor. However, it is unclear which immune cells mediate this transition. We hypothesized that an imbalance between innate and adaptive immune cells at the maternal-fetal interface will occur prior to microbial-induced preterm labor. Using an established murine model of endotoxin-induced PTB, our results demonstrate that prior to delivery there is a reduction of CD4+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the uterine tissues. This reduction is neither linked to a diminished number of Tregs in the spleen, nor to an impaired production of IL10, CCL17, or CCL22 by the uterine tissues. Endotoxin administration to pregnant mice does not alter effector CD4+ T cells at the maternal-fetal interface. However, it causes an imbalance between Tregs (CD4+ and CD8+), effector CD8+ T cells, and Th17 cells in the spleen. In addition, endotoxin administration to pregnant mice leads to an excessive production of CCL2, CCL3, CCL17, and CCL22 by the uterine tissues as well as abundant neutrophils. This imbalance in the uterine microenvironment is accompanied by scarce APC-like cells such as macrophages and MHC II+ neutrophils. Collectively, these results demonstrate that endotoxin administration to pregnant mice causes an imbalance between innate and adaptive immune cells at the maternal-fetal interface.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcia Arenas-Hernandez
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
- Department of Molecular Obstetrics and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Derek St Louis
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Sonia S Hassan
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Emily B Kaye
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Nardhy Gomez-Lopez
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| |
Collapse
|
162
|
Monastra G, De Grazia S, Cilaker Micili S, Goker A, Unfer V. Immunomodulatory activities of alpha lipoic acid with a special focus on its efficacy in preventing miscarriage. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2016; 13:1695-1708. [DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2016.1200556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Monastra
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University la Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara De Grazia
- Department of Research and Development, LO.LI. Pharma, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Asli Goker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Celal Bayar University, Manisa, Turkey
| | - Vittorio Unfer
- Department of Medical Sciences, UNIIPUS – Private Swiss University Institute, Chiasso, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
163
|
The human fetoembryonic defense system hypothesis: Twenty years on. Mol Aspects Med 2016; 51:71-88. [PMID: 27349751 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2016.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Revised: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
164
|
Beneventi F, Locatelli E, De Amici M, Simonetta M, Cavagnoli C, Bellingeri C, Scancarello C, Ierullo A, Martinetti M, Spinillo A. Soluble HLA-G concentrations in maternal blood and cervical vaginal fluid of pregnant women with preterm premature rupture of membranes. J Reprod Immunol 2016; 116:76-80. [PMID: 27232355 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2016.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2016] [Revised: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G) concentrations in maternal blood serum and cervical vaginal fluid in pregnancies complicated by preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) compared to controls. STUDY DESIGN Case-control study of 24 women with PPROM and 40 controls. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Vaginal and serum sHLA-G and IL-6 concentrations. FINDINGS Women with PPROM had significantly higher serum and vaginal sHLA-G concentrations compared to controls (respectively median 31.48U\ml versus 13.9U\ml p<0.001 and 1.7U\ml versus 0.1U\ml p<0.001). Vaginal expression of IL-6 was higher in PPROM cases compared to controls (respectively, median 31.19pg\ml versus 6.67pg\ml; p<0.001). Higher serum and vaginal sHLA-G were associated with both a shorter length of pregnancy and histological chorioamnionitis in the PPROM group. CONCLUSIONS Higher vaginal and serum sHLA-G in PPROM cases may be a sign of local and systemic inflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fausta Beneventi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS Foundation Policlinico San Matteo and University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Elena Locatelli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS Foundation Policlinico San Matteo and University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Mara De Amici
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pavia, IRCCS Foundation Policlinico San Matteo and University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Margherita Simonetta
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS Foundation Policlinico San Matteo and University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Chiara Cavagnoli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS Foundation Policlinico San Matteo and University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Camilla Bellingeri
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS Foundation Policlinico San Matteo and University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Chiara Scancarello
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS Foundation Policlinico San Matteo and University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - AntonioMaria Ierullo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS Foundation Policlinico San Matteo and University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Miryam Martinetti
- Immunogenetics Laboratory, Immunohematology and Transfusion Center, IRCCS Foundation Policlinico San Matteo and University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Arsenio Spinillo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS Foundation Policlinico San Matteo and University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
165
|
Spratte J, Bornkessel F, Schütz F, Zygmunt M, Fluhr H. The presence of heparins during decidualization modulates the response of human endometrial stromal cells to IL-1β in vitro. J Assist Reprod Genet 2016; 33:949-57. [PMID: 27011369 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-016-0703-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this paper is to study the impact of heparin on the response of human endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) to interleukin (IL)-1β during decidualization in vitro. METHODS ESCs were isolated from hysterectomy specimens of premenopausal women undergoing hysterectomy for benign reasons; decidualized in vitro and incubated in parallel with unfractionated heparin or tinzaparin; and stimulated with IL-1β at days 0, 3, 6, and 9 during decidualization. IL-6, IL-11, and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) were analyzed using ELISAs and real-time RT-PCR. Cell viability was determined by a fluorometric assay. RESULTS IL-1β dose-dependently stimulated IL-6, IL-11, and LIF in distinct patterns in ESCs during decidualization. Unfractionated heparin as well as tinzaparin attenuated the IL-1β-mediated induction of IL-6, IL-11, and LIF on protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) levels. The relative effects of heparin and tinzaparin were getting more pronounced during the time course of decidualization. CONCLUSIONS Unfractionated heparin and the low molecular weight heparin tinzaparin have modulating effects on IL-1β-induced endometrial cytokines of the IL-6 family during decidualization. These effects of heparins beyond their classical anti-coagulatory properties might have implications on the regulation of endometrial receptivity and early implantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Spratte
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 440, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Frauke Bornkessel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Greifswald, Sauerbruchstr, 17475, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Florian Schütz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 440, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marek Zygmunt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Greifswald, Sauerbruchstr, 17475, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Herbert Fluhr
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 440, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
166
|
Rasti Z, Nasiri M, Kohan L. The IL-6 -634C/G polymorphism: a candidate genetic marker for the prediction of idiopathic recurrent pregnancy loss. Int J Reprod Biomed 2016. [DOI: 10.29252/ijrm.14.2.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
|
167
|
Biberoglu E, Kirbas A, Daglar K, Kara O, Karabulut E, Yakut HI, Danisman N. Role of inflammation in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2016; 42:252-7. [DOI: 10.1111/jog.12902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2015] [Accepted: 10/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ebru Biberoglu
- Department of Perinatology; Zekai Tahir Burak Women's Health Education and Research Hospital; Ankara Turkey
| | - Ayse Kirbas
- Department of Perinatology; Zekai Tahir Burak Women's Health Education and Research Hospital; Ankara Turkey
| | - Korkut Daglar
- Department of Perinatology; Zekai Tahir Burak Women's Health Education and Research Hospital; Ankara Turkey
| | - Ozgur Kara
- Department of Perinatology; Zekai Tahir Burak Women's Health Education and Research Hospital; Ankara Turkey
| | - Erdem Karabulut
- Department of Biostatistics; Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine; Ankara Turkey
| | - Halil Ibrahim Yakut
- Department of Perinatology; Zekai Tahir Burak Women's Health Education and Research Hospital; Ankara Turkey
| | - Nuri Danisman
- Department of Perinatology; Zekai Tahir Burak Women's Health Education and Research Hospital; Ankara Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
168
|
Role of Epithelial-Mesenchyme Transition in Chlamydia Pathogenesis. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0145198. [PMID: 26681200 PMCID: PMC4683008 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0145198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2015] [Accepted: 12/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis genital infection in women causes serious adverse reproductive complications, and is a strong co-factor for human papilloma virus (HPV)-associated cervical epithelial carcinoma. We tested the hypothesis that Chlamydia induces epithelial-mesenchyme transition (EMT) involving T cell-derived TNF-alpha signaling, caspase activation, cleavage inactivation of dicer and dysregulation of micro-RNA (miRNA) in the reproductive epithelium; the pathologic process of EMT causes fibrosis and fertility-related epithelial dysfunction, and also provides the co-factor function for HPV-related cervical epithelial carcinoma. Using a combination of microarrays, immunohistochemistry and proteomics, we showed that chlamydia altered the expression of crucial miRNAs that control EMT, fibrosis and tumorigenesis; specifically, miR-15a, miR-29b, miR-382 and MiR-429 that maintain epithelial integrity were down-regulated, while miR-9, mi-R-19a, miR-22 and miR-205 that promote EMT, fibrosis and tumorigenesis were up-regulated. Chlamydia induced EMT in vitro and in vivo, marked by the suppression of normal epithelial cell markers especially E-cadherin but up-regulation of mesenchymal markers of pathological EMT, including T-cadherin, MMP9, and fibronectin. Also, Chlamydia upregulated pro-EMT regulators, including the zinc finger E-box binding homeobox protein, ZEB1, Snail1/2, and thrombospondin1 (Thbs1), but down-regulated anti-EMT and fertility promoting proteins (i.e., the major gap junction protein connexin 43 (Cx43), Mets1, Add1Scarb1 and MARCKSL1). T cell-derived TNF-alpha signaling was required for chlamydial-induced infertility and caspase inhibitors prevented both infertility and EMT. Thus, chlamydial-induced T cell-derived TNF-alpha activated caspases that inactivated dicer, causing alteration in the expression of reproductive epithelial miRNAs and induction of EMT. EMT causes epithelial malfunction, fibrosis, infertility, and the enhancement of tumorigenesis of HPV oncogene-transformed epithelial cells. These findings provide a novel understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of chlamydia-associated diseases, which may guide a rational prevention strategy.
Collapse
|
169
|
Larson SP, Kovilam O, Agrawal DK. Immunological basis in the pathogenesis of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2015; 12:39-48. [PMID: 26469633 DOI: 10.1586/1744666x.2016.1101344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy poses a great risk to both maternal and fetal health. Despite extensive research, much of the pathogenesis of this disorder is unknown. The increase in bile acids observed in patients with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy has been noted to cause a change in the immune system from the normally mediated TH2 response to one that is more oriented towards TH1. In this literature review, we have critically reviewed the current literature regarding the changes in the immune system and the potential effects of immunological changes in the management of the patient. The current treatment, ursodeoxycholic acid, is also discussed along with potential combination therapies and future directions for research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Spencer P Larson
- a Center for Clinical & Translational Science , Creighton University School of Medicine , Omaha , NE , USA.,b Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Creighton University School of Medicine , Omaha , NE , USA
| | - Oormila Kovilam
- b Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Creighton University School of Medicine , Omaha , NE , USA
| | - Devendra K Agrawal
- a Center for Clinical & Translational Science , Creighton University School of Medicine , Omaha , NE , USA
| |
Collapse
|
170
|
Sierra-Mondragón E, Gómez-Chávez F, Murrieta-Coxca M, Vázquez-Sánchez EA, Martínez-Torres I, Cancino-Díaz ME, Rojas-Espinosa O, Cancino-Díaz JC, Reyes-Sánchez JL, Rodríguez-Muñóz R, Rodríguez-Martínez S. Low expression of IL-6 and TNF-α correlates with the presence of the nuclear regulators of NF-κB, IκBNS and BCL-3, in the uterus of mice. Mol Immunol 2015; 68:333-40. [PMID: 26442662 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2015.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2015] [Revised: 09/18/2015] [Accepted: 09/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The dynamic regulation of NF-κB activity in the uterus maintains a favorable environment of cytokines necessary to prepare for pregnancy throughout the estrous cycle. Recently, the mechanisms that directly regulate the NF-κB transcriptional activity in different tissues are of growing interest. IκBNS and BCL-3 are negative nuclear regulators of NF-κB activity that regulate IL-6 and TNF-α transcription, respectively. Both cytokines have been described as important factors in the remodeling of uterus for blastocyst implantation. In this work we analyzed in ICR mice the mRNA expression and protein production profile of IL-6, TNF-α, and their correspondent negative transcription regulators IκBNS or BCL-3 using real-time PCR, western blot and immunochemistry. We found that the expression of TNF-α and IL-6 was oscillatory along the estrous cycle, and its low expression coincided with the presence of BCL-3 and IκBNS, and vice versa, when the presence of the regulators was subtle, the expression of TNF-α and IL-6 was exacerbated. When we compared the production of TNF-α and IL-6 in the different estrous stages relating with diestrus we found that at estrus there is an important increase of the cytokines (p<0.05) decreasing at metestrus to reach the basal expression at diestrus. In the immunochemistry analysis we found that at diestrus BCL-3 is distributed all over the tissue with a barely detected TNF-α, but on the contrary, at estrus the expression of BCL-3 is not detected with TNF-α clearly observable along the tissue; the same phenomenon occur in the analysis of IκBNS and IL-6. With that evidence we suggest that the expression of TNF-α and IL-6 might be regulated through NF-κB nuclear regulators BCL-3 and IκBNS in the uterus of mice as has been demonstrated in other systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edith Sierra-Mondragón
- Department of Immunology, National School of Biological Sciences of the National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Fernando Gómez-Chávez
- Department of Immunology, National School of Biological Sciences of the National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Martín Murrieta-Coxca
- Department of Immunology, National School of Biological Sciences of the National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Ernesto A Vázquez-Sánchez
- Department of Immunology, National School of Biological Sciences of the National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Isaí Martínez-Torres
- Department of Immunology, National School of Biological Sciences of the National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Mario E Cancino-Díaz
- Department of Immunology, National School of Biological Sciences of the National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Oscar Rojas-Espinosa
- Department of Immunology, National School of Biological Sciences of the National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Juan Carlos Cancino-Díaz
- Department of Microbiology, National School of Biological Sciences of the National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - José Luis Reyes-Sánchez
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics, and Neuroscience, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Rafael Rodríguez-Muñóz
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics, and Neuroscience, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Sandra Rodríguez-Martínez
- Department of Immunology, National School of Biological Sciences of the National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico City, Mexico.
| |
Collapse
|
171
|
|
172
|
Lee CL, Guo Y, So KH, Vijayan M, Guo Y, Wong VHH, Yao Y, Lee KF, Chiu PCN, Yeung WSB. Soluble human leukocyte antigen G5 polarizes differentiation of macrophages toward a decidual macrophage-like phenotype. Hum Reprod 2015; 30:2263-74. [PMID: 26307092 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dev196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2015] [Accepted: 07/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What are the actions of soluble human leukocyte antigen G5 (sHLAG5) on macrophage differentiation? SUMMARY ANSWER sHLAG5 polarizes the differentiation of macrophages toward a decidual macrophage-like phenotype, which could regulate fetomaternal tolerance and placental development. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY sHLAG5 is a full-length soluble isoform of human leukocyte antigen implicated in immune tolerance during pregnancy. Low or undetectable circulating level of sHLAG5 in first trimester of pregnancy is associated with pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia and spontaneous abortion. Decidual macrophages are located in close proximity to invasive trophoblasts, and are involved in regulating fetomaternal tolerance and placental development. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Human peripheral blood monocytes were differentiated into macrophages by treatment with granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor in the presence or absence of recombinant sHLAG5 during the differentiation process. The phenotypes and the biological activities of the resulting macrophages were compared. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Recombinant sHLAG5 was produced in Escherichia coli BL21 and the protein identity was verified by tandem mass spectrometry. The expression of macrophage markers were analyzed by flow cytometry and quantitative PCR. Phagocytosis was determined by flow cytometry. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 expression and activity were measured by western blot analysis and kynurenine assay, respectively. Cell proliferation and cell cycling were determined by fluorometric cell proliferation assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Cytokine secretion was determined by cytokine array and ELISA kits. Intracellular cytokine expression was measured by flow cytometry. Cell invasion and migration were determined by trans-well invasion and migration assay, respectively. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE sHLAG5 drove the differentiation of macrophages with 'immuno-modulatory' characteristics, including reduced expression of M1 macrophage marker CD86 and increased expression of M2 macrophage marker CD163. sHLAG5-polarized macrophages showed enhanced phagocytic activity. They also had higher expression and activity of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1, a phenotypic marker of decidual macrophages, which inhibited proliferation of autologous T-cells via induction of G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. In addition, sHLAG5-polarized macrophages had an increased secretion of interleukin-6 and C-X-C motif ligand 1, which inhibited interferon-γ production in T-cells and induction of trophoblast invasion, respectively. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Most information on the phenotypes and biological activities of human decidual macrophages are based on past literatures. A direct comparison between sHLAG5-polarized macrophages and primary decidual macrophages is required to verify the present observations. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This is the first study on the role of sHLAG5 in macrophage differentiation. Further study on the mechanism that regulates the differentiation process of macrophages would enhance our understanding on the physiology of early pregnancy. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This work was supported in part by the Hong Kong Research Grant Council Grant HKU774212 and the University of Hong Kong Grant 201309176126. The authors have no competing interests to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Nil.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheuk-Lun Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China Centre for Reproduction, Development and Growth, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - YiFan Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 28 Fuxing Road, Beijing, China
| | - Kam-Hei So
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Madhavi Vijayan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yue Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Vera H H Wong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - YuanQing Yao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 28 Fuxing Road, Beijing, China
| | - Kai-Fai Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China Centre for Reproduction, Development and Growth, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Philip C N Chiu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China Centre for Reproduction, Development and Growth, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - William S B Yeung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China Centre for Reproduction, Development and Growth, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| |
Collapse
|
173
|
Cui H, Li QL, Chen J, Na Q, Liu CX. Hepatitis B virus X protein modifies invasion, proliferation and the inflammatory response in an HTR-8/SVneo cell model. Oncol Rep 2015; 34:2090-8. [PMID: 26251950 DOI: 10.3892/or.2015.4172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Accepted: 07/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Mother-to-infant transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) can occur as an intrauterine, intrapartum or postpartum infection. In the present study, we induced a multifunctional viral regulator of HBV gene products, HBx, and its different fragments to overexpress in a tropho-blast cell line, HTR-8/SVneo. We then identified the biological effects of HBx on HTR-8/SVneo cells. Our results indicated that HBx inhibited apoptosis and induced invasion as detected using Annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) double staining and Transwell assay, respectively. Furthermore, we carried out western blot analysis to analyze the possible related signaling pathway. We confirmed that HBx and its different fragments can activate the Smad signaling pathway, accompanied by downregulation of E-cadherin, and upregulation of vimentin and N-cadherin. TGF‑β1 was used as a control to activate the Smad signaling pathway in HTR-8/SVneo cells. HBx activated the Smad signaling pathway in the HTR-8/SVneo cells. After the signaling pathway was activated, reduced apoptosis, higher invasive ability and enhanced inflammatory response were observed in the HTR-8/SVneo cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong Cui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
| | - Qiu-Ling Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
| | - Quan Na
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
| | - Cai-Xia Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
174
|
Abstract
Tocilizumab (TCZ) is a humanized monoclonal antibody against the IL-6 receptor that is indicated for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), juvenile idiopathic arthritis and Castleman's disease. TCZ was developed as an intravenous (IV) formulation and approved for RA treatment in Japan (2008), the EU (2009) and the USA (2010). Recently, a subcutaneous (SC) formulation of TCZ was developed and approved for RA treatment. Efficacy and safety of TCZ-SC were reported through three randomized trials: MUSASHI, SUMMACTA and BREVACTA. Clinical efficacy and overall safety of TCZ-SC was comparable to that of TCZ-IV. However TCZ-SC, which is provided in a fixed dose, the efficacy was affected by patient weight. The frequencies of injection site reactions and anti-TCZ antibodies were increased with TCZ-SC compared with TCZ-IV, although differences were minimal and at a negligible level for daily clinical practice. This review highlights the potential of TCZ-SC in RA treatment.
Collapse
|
175
|
Gomez-Lopez N, Olson DM, Robertson SA. Interleukin-6 controls uterine Th9 cells and CD8(+) T regulatory cells to accelerate parturition in mice. Immunol Cell Biol 2015; 94:79-89. [PMID: 26073576 DOI: 10.1038/icb.2015.63] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2015] [Revised: 06/03/2015] [Accepted: 06/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin-6 (IL6) is a determinant of the timing of parturition and birth in mice. We previously demonstrated that genetic IL6 deficiency delays parturition by ~24 h, and this is restored by administration of exogenous IL6. In this study, we have investigated whether IL6 influences the number or phenotypes of T cells or other leukocytes in uterine decidual tissue at the maternal-fetal interface. In late gestation, decidual leukocytes in Il6 null mutant (Il6(-/-)) mice exhibit an altered profile, characterized by reduced numbers of cells expressing the monocyte/macrophage marker F4/80 or the T-cell marker CD4, increased cells expressing the natural killer (NK) cell marker CD49b or the dendritic cell marker CD11c, but no change in cells expressing the neutrophil marker Ly6G. These changes are specific to late pregnancy, as similar differences in decidual leukocytes were not evident in mid-gestation Il6(-/-) mice. The IL6-regulated changes in decidual NK and dendritic cells appear secondary to local recruitment, as no comparable changes occurred in peripheral blood of Il6(-/-) mice. When exogenous IL6 was administered to restore normal timing of parturition, a partial reversal of the altered leukocyte profile was observed, with a 10% increase in the proportion of decidual CD4(+) T cells, a notable 60% increase in CD8(+) T cells including CD8(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells and a 60% reduction in CD4(+)IL9(+) Th9 cells. Together these findings suggest that IL6-controlled accumulation of decidual CD4(+) T cells and CD8(+) regulatory T cells, with an associated decline in decidual Th9 cells, is instrumental for progressing parturition in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nardhy Gomez-Lopez
- The Robinson Research Institute and School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA.,Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD, NIH, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - David M Olson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics and Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sarah A Robertson
- The Robinson Research Institute and School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
176
|
Yong HEJ, Melton PE, Johnson MP, Freed KA, Kalionis B, Murthi P, Brennecke SP, Keogh RJ, Moses EK. Genome-wide transcriptome directed pathway analysis of maternal pre-eclampsia susceptibility genes. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0128230. [PMID: 26010865 PMCID: PMC4444079 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0128230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2014] [Accepted: 04/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Preeclampsia (PE) is a serious hypertensive pregnancy disorder with a significant genetic component. Numerous genetic studies, including our own, have yielded many susceptibility genes from distinct functional groups. Additionally, transcriptome profiling of tissues at the maternal-fetal interface has likewise yielded many differentially expressed genes. Often there is little overlap between these two approaches, although genes identified in both approaches are significantly associated with PE. We have thus taken a novel integrative bioinformatics approach of analysing pathways common to the susceptibility genes and the PE transcriptome. Methods Using Illumina Human Ht12v4 and Wg6v3 BeadChips, transcriptome profiling was conducted on n = 65 normotensive and n = 60 PE decidua basalis tissues collected at delivery. The R software package libraries lumi and limma were used to preprocess transcript data for pathway analysis. Pathways were analysed and constructed using Pathway Studio. We examined ten candidate genes, which are from these functional groups: activin/inhibin signalling—ACVR1, ACVR1C, ACVR2A, INHA, INHBB; structural components—COL4A1, COL4A2 and M1 family aminopeptidases—ERAP1, ERAP2 and LNPEP. Results/Conclusion Major common regulators/targets of these susceptibility genes identified were AGT, IFNG, IL6, INHBA, SERPINE1, TGFB1 and VEGFA. The top two categories of pathways associated with the susceptibility genes, which were significantly altered in the PE decidual transcriptome, were apoptosis and cell signaling (p < 0.001). Thus, susceptibility genes from distinct functional groups share similar downstream pathways through common regulators/targets, some of which are altered in PE. This study contributes to a better understanding of how susceptibility genes may interact in the development of PE. With this knowledge, more targeted functional analyses of PE susceptibility genes in these key pathways can be performed to examine their contributions to the pathogenesis and severity of PE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah E. J. Yong
- Department of Perinatal Medicine, Pregnancy Research Centre and The University of Melbourne, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Royal Women’s Hospital, Locked Bag 300, Corner Grattan Street and Flemington Road, Parkville, 3052, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Phillip E. Melton
- Centre for Genetic Origins of Health and Disease, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, 6009, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Matthew P. Johnson
- Department of Genetics, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, P.O. Box 760549, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Katy A. Freed
- Department of Genetics, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, P.O. Box 760549, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Bill Kalionis
- Department of Perinatal Medicine, Pregnancy Research Centre and The University of Melbourne, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Royal Women’s Hospital, Locked Bag 300, Corner Grattan Street and Flemington Road, Parkville, 3052, Victoria, Australia
| | - Padma Murthi
- Department of Perinatal Medicine, Pregnancy Research Centre and The University of Melbourne, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Royal Women’s Hospital, Locked Bag 300, Corner Grattan Street and Flemington Road, Parkville, 3052, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shaun P. Brennecke
- Department of Perinatal Medicine, Pregnancy Research Centre and The University of Melbourne, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Royal Women’s Hospital, Locked Bag 300, Corner Grattan Street and Flemington Road, Parkville, 3052, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rosemary J. Keogh
- Department of Perinatal Medicine, Pregnancy Research Centre and The University of Melbourne, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Royal Women’s Hospital, Locked Bag 300, Corner Grattan Street and Flemington Road, Parkville, 3052, Victoria, Australia
| | - Eric K. Moses
- Centre for Genetic Origins of Health and Disease, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, 6009, Western Australia, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
177
|
Devi YS, DeVine M, DeKuiper J, Ferguson S, Fazleabas AT. Inhibition of IL-6 signaling pathway by curcumin in uterine decidual cells. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0125627. [PMID: 25961579 PMCID: PMC4427355 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0125627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2015] [Accepted: 03/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
IL-6 is a multifunctional pro-inflammatory cytokine and has been implicated in many gestational disorders including preterm birth. Currently, there are no appropriate therapeutic interventions available to circumvent inflammatory-mediated gestational disorders. Therefore, the goal of this study was to identify a safe and effective pharmacological compound to counterbalance inflammatory responses in the uterus. Curcumin, a naturally-occuring polyphenolic compound, has been widely used in alternative medicine to treat inflammatory diseases. However, the anti-inflammatory effect of curcumin has not been explored in uterine decidual cells, a major source of IL-6. Therefore, we examined the effect of curcumin on IL-6 expression using two types of uterine decidual cells 1) HuF cells, primary human fibroblast cells obtained from the decidua parietalis; 2) UIII cells, a rodent non-transformed decidual cell line. Curcumin treatment completely abrogated the expression of IL-1β-induced IL-6 in these cells. Curcumin also strongly inhibited the expression of gp130, a critical molecule in IL-6 signaling, whereas expression of IL-6R and sIL-6R was not affected. Curcumin also inhibited phosphorylation and nuclear localization of STAT3, a well-known downstream mediator of IL-6 signaling. Furthermore, curcumin attenuated IL-1β-induced IL-6 promoter reporter activity suggesting transcriptional regulation. To further understand whether NF-ҡB is involved in this inhibition, we examined the effect of curcumin on the expression of p50 and p65 subunits of NF-ҡB in decidual cells. Expression of IL-1β-induced p50 mRNA was repressed by curcumin while p65 mRNA was not affected. However, curcumin treatment dramatically inhibited both p50 and p65 protein levels and prevented its nuclear localization. This effect is at least partly mediated through the deactivation of IKK, since IL-1β-induced IKKα/β phosphorylation is decreased upon curcumin treatment. Our results not only revealed molecular mechanisms underlying curcumin action in uterine decidual cells but also suggest that this compound may have therapeutic potential for the prevention of inflammation-mediated preterm birth and other gestational disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y. Sangeeta Devi
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Majesta DeVine
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, United States of America
| | - Justin DeKuiper
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, United States of America
| | - Susan Ferguson
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, United States of America
| | - Asgerally T. Fazleabas
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
178
|
Piltonen TT, Chen JC, Khatun M, Kangasniemi M, Liakka A, Spitzer T, Tran N, Huddleston H, Irwin JC, Giudice LC. Endometrial stromal fibroblasts from women with polycystic ovary syndrome have impaired progesterone-mediated decidualization, aberrant cytokine profiles and promote enhanced immune cell migration in vitro. Hum Reprod 2015; 30:1203-15. [PMID: 25750105 PMCID: PMC4400200 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dev055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2014] [Revised: 01/21/2015] [Accepted: 02/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do endometrial stromal fibroblasts (eSF) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) (eSFpcos) exhibit altered estrogen and/or progesterone (P4) responses, which may explain some of the adverse reproductive outcomes and endometrial pathologies in these women? SUMMARY ANSWER In vitro, eSF from women with PCOS exhibit an aberrant decidualization response and concomitant changes in pro-inflammatory cytokine, chemokine and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) release and immune cell chemoattraction. In vivo these aberrations may result in suboptimal implantation and predisposition to endometrial cancer. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The endometrium in women with PCOS has several abnormalities including progesterone (P4) resistance at the gene expression level, likely contributing to subfertility, pregnancy complications and increased endometrial cancer risk in PCOS women. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Prospective, university-based, case-control, in vitro study. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Cultures of eSFPCOS (n = 12, Rotterdam and NIH criteria) and eSFControl (Ctrl) (n = 6, regular cycle length, no signs of hyperandrogenism) were treated with vehicle, estradiol (E2, 10 nM) or E2P4 (10 nM/1 μM) for 14 days. Progesterone receptor (PGR) mRNA was assessed with quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and eSF decidualization was confirmed by insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) transcript and protein expression. Fractalkine (CX3CL1), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interleukin (IL) 6, 8 and 11, macrophage chemoattractant protein (MCP) 1 and 3, CCL5 (RANTES) and MMPs (MMP1, 2, 3, 7, 9, 10 and 12) were measured in conditioned media by Luminex multiplex assays, and chemotactic activity of the conditioned media was tested in a migration assay using CD14+ monocyte and CD4+ T-cell migration assay. Effects of IL-6 (0.02, 0.2, 2 or 20 ng/ml) or IL-8 (0.04, 0.4, 4, or 40 ng/ml) or combination (0.2 ng/ml IL-6 and 4.0 ng/ml IL-8) on 14-d decidualization were also tested. ANOVA with pre-planned contrasts was used for statistical analysis. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Hormonal challenge with E2P4 to induce decidualization revealed two distinct subsets of eSFPCOS. Eight eSFPCOS (dPCOS) and all eSFCtrl (dCtrl) cultures showed a normal decidualization response to E2P4 as determined by morphology and IGFBP-1 secretion. However, 4 eSFPCOS cultures showed blunted decidualization (ndPCOS) in morphological assessment and low IGFBP-1 levels even though all three groups exhibited normal estrogen-mediated increase in PGR expression. Interestingly dPCOS had decreased IL-6 and GM-SCF secretion compared with dCtrl, whereas the ndPCOS cultures showed increased IL-6 and 8, MCP1, RANTES and GM-CSF secretion at base-line and/or in response to E2 or E2P4 compared with dCtrl and/or dPCOS. Furthermore, even though PGR expression was similar in all three groups, P4 inhibition of MMP secretion was attenuated in ndPCOS resulting in higher MMP2 and 3 levels. The conditioned media from ndPCOS had increased chemoattractic activity compared with dCtrl and dPCOS media. Exogenously added IL-6 and/or 8 did not inhibit decidualization in eSFCtrl indicating that high levels of these cytokines in ndPCOS samples were not likely a cause for the aberrant decidualization. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This is an in vitro study with a small sample size, utilizing stromal cell cultures from proliferative and secretory phase endometrium. The effect of PCOS on endometrial epithelium, another major histoarchitectural cell compartment of the endometrium, was not evaluated and should be considered in future studies. Furthermore, results obtained should also be confirmed in a larger data set and with mid/late secretory phase in vivo samples and models. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The alterations seen in ndPCOS may contribute to endometrial dysfunction, subfertility and pregnancy complications in PCOS women. The results emphasize the importance of understanding immune responses related to the implantation process and normal endometrial homeostasis in women with PCOS. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS Sigrid Juselius Foundation, Academy of Finland, Finnish Medical Foundation, Orion-Farmos Research Foundation (to T.T.P.), the NIH Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) U54HD 055764-07 Specialized Cooperative Centers Program in Reproduction and Infertility Research (to L.C.G.), the NICHD the Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Awards grant 1F32HD074423-03 (to J.C.C.). The authors have no competing interests.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T T Piltonen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Research Center, University of Oulu, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - J C Chen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - M Khatun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Research Center, University of Oulu, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - M Kangasniemi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Research Center, University of Oulu, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - A Liakka
- Department of Pathology, Medical Research Center, University of Oulu, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - T Spitzer
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - N Tran
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - H Huddleston
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - J C Irwin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - L C Giudice
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
179
|
The shared pathoetiological effects of particulate air pollution and the social environment on fetal-placental development. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2014; 2014:901017. [PMID: 25574176 PMCID: PMC4276595 DOI: 10.1155/2014/901017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2014] [Accepted: 10/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to particulate air pollution and socioeconomic risk factors are shown to be independently associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes; however, their confounding relationship is an epidemiological challenge that requires understanding of their shared etiologic pathways affecting fetal-placental development. The purpose of this paper is to explore the etiological mechanisms associated with exposure to particulate air pollution in contributing to adverse pregnancy outcomes and how these mechanisms intersect with those related to socioeconomic status. Here we review the role of oxidative stress, inflammation and endocrine modification in the pathoetiology of deficient deep placentation and detail how the physical and social environments can act alone and collectively to mediate the established pathology linked to a spectrum of adverse pregnancy outcomes. We review the experimental and epidemiological literature showing that diet/nutrition, smoking, and psychosocial stress share similar pathways with that of particulate air pollution exposure to potentially exasperate the negative effects of either insult alone. Therefore, socially patterned risk factors often treated as nuisance parameters should be explored as potential effect modifiers that may operate at multiple levels of social geography. The degree to which deleterious exposures can be ameliorated or exacerbated via community-level social and environmental characteristics needs further exploration.
Collapse
|
180
|
Watkins DJ, Ferguson KK, Anzalota Del Toro LV, Alshawabkeh AN, Cordero JF, Meeker JD. Associations between urinary phenol and paraben concentrations and markers of oxidative stress and inflammation among pregnant women in Puerto Rico. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2014; 218:212-9. [PMID: 25435060 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2014.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2014] [Revised: 10/15/2014] [Accepted: 11/11/2014] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Phenols and parabens are used in a multitude of consumer products resulting in ubiquitous human exposure. Animal and in vitro studies suggest that exposure to these compounds may be related to a number of adverse health outcomes, as well as potential mediators such as oxidative stress and inflammation. We examined urinary phenol (bisphenol A (BPA), triclosan (TCS), benzophenone-3 (BP-3), 2,4-dichlorophenol (24-DCP), 2,5-dichlorophenol (25-DCP)) and paraben (butyl paraben (B-PB), methyl paraben (M-PB), propyl paraben (P-PB)) concentrations measured three times during pregnancy in relation to markers of oxidative stress and inflammation among participants in the Puerto Rico Testsite for Exploring Contamination Threats (PROTECT) project. Serum markers of inflammation (c-reactive protein (CRP), IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)) were measured twice during pregnancy (n=105 subjects, 187 measurements) and urinary markers of oxidative stress (8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (OHdG) and isoprostane) were measured three times during pregnancy (n=54 subjects, 146 measurements). We used linear mixed models to assess relationships between natural log-transformed exposure and outcome biomarkers while accounting for within individual correlation across study visits. After adjustment for urinary specific gravity, study visit, maternal pre-pregnancy BMI, and maternal education, an interquartile range (IQR) increase in urinary BPA was associated with 21% higher OHdG (p=0.001) and 29% higher isoprostane (p=0.0002), indicating increased oxidative stress. The adjusted increase in isoprostane per IQR increase in marker of exposure was 17% for BP-3, 27% for B-PB, and 20% for P-PB (all p<0.05). An IQR increase in triclosan (TCS) was associated with 31% higher serum concentrations of IL-6 (p=0.007), a pro-inflammatory cytokine. In contrast, IQR increases in BP-3 and B-PB were significantly associated with 16% and 18% lower CRP, a measure of systemic inflammation. Our findings suggest that exposure to BPA, select parabens, and TCS during pregnancy may be related to oxidative stress and inflammation, potential mechanisms by which exposure to these compounds may influence birth outcomes and other adverse health effects, but additional research is needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deborah J Watkins
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Kelly K Ferguson
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Liza V Anzalota Del Toro
- University of Puerto Rico Graduate School of Public Health, UPR Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, PR, United States
| | | | - José F Cordero
- University of Puerto Rico Graduate School of Public Health, UPR Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, PR, United States
| | - John D Meeker
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
181
|
Saifi B, Rezaee SA, Tajik N, Ahmadpour ME, Ashrafi M, Vakili R, SoleimaniAsl S, Aflatoonian R, Mehdizadeh M. Th17 cells and related cytokines in unexplained recurrent spontaneous miscarriage at the implantation window. Reprod Biomed Online 2014; 29:481-9. [PMID: 25154016 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2014.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2013] [Revised: 06/05/2014] [Accepted: 06/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) might be caused by the mother's immunological rejection of the fetus. In this cross-sectional study, the percentage of T helper 17 (Th17), T regulatory (Treg) cells and their cytokines as the main players of immunomodulation in peripheral blood lymphocytes during the luteal phase of 20 women with unexplained RSA were compared with 20 normal non-pregnant women. The percentage of Treg cells in the former was significantly lower compared with controls. The percentage of Th17 cells in the former was higher than controls. Expression of IL-23, IL-17, IL-6 cytokines in the former was significantly higher than controls, but the higher expression of IL-21 was not significant. The gene expression of TGF-β and FoxP3 in the former was lower than controls. Significant positive correlations were found between the percentage of Th17 cells with IL-23, IL-6 and IL-17 and between expression of IL-23 and IL-6 and IL-17. IL-6 gene expression showed a significant positive correlation with IL-17. Therefore, imbalance of Th17-Treg cells and the consequent changes in cytokine expression might be implicated in the pathogenesis of unexplained RSA and may provide new insight into the immunoregulatory events at the maternal-fetal interface.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bita Saifi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Abdolrahim Rezaee
- Immunology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Nader Tajik
- Division of Immunogenetics, Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mahnaz Ashrafi
- Department of Endocrinology and Female Infertility at Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rosita Vakili
- Immunology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Sara SoleimaniAsl
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Reza Aflatoonian
- Department of Endocrinology and Female Infertility at Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Mehdizadeh
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Department of Anatomical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
182
|
Srikhajon K, Shynlova O, Preechapornprasert A, Chanrachakul B, Lye S. A New Role for Monocytes in Modulating Myometrial Inflammation During Human Labor1. Biol Reprod 2014; 91:10. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.114975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
|
183
|
Identification of sites of STAT3 action in the female reproductive tract through conditional gene deletion. PLoS One 2014; 9:e101182. [PMID: 24983622 PMCID: PMC4077744 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0101182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2014] [Accepted: 06/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The STAT3 transcription factor is a pleiotropic transducer of signalling by hormones, growth factors and cytokines that has been identified in the female reproductive tract from oocytes and granulosa cells of the ovary to uterine epithelial and stromal cells. In the present study we used transgenic models to investigate the importance of STAT3 for reproductive performance in these different tissues. The Cre-LoxP system was used to delete STAT3 in oocytes by crossing Stat3fl/fl with Zp3-cre+ mice, or in ovarian granulosa cells and uterine stroma by crossing with Amhr2-Cre+ mice. Surprisingly, deletion of STAT3 in oocytes had no effect on fertility indicating that the abundance of STAT3 protein in maturing oocytes and fertilized zygotes is not essential to these developmental stages. In Stat3fl/fl;Amhr2-cre+ females impaired fertility was observed through significantly fewer litters and smaller litter size. Ovulation rate, oocyte fertilization and development to blastocyst were unaffected in this line; however, poor recombination efficiency in granulosa cells had yielded no net change in STAT3 protein abundance. In contrast, uteri from these mice showed STAT3 protein depletion selectively from the stomal compartment. A significant reduction in number of viable fetuses on gestational day 18, increased fetal resorptions and disrupted placental morphology were evident causes of the reduced fertility. In conclusion, this study defines an important role for STAT3 in uterine stromal cells during embryo implantation and the development of a functional placenta.
Collapse
|
184
|
Placental cytokine and chemokine profiles reflect pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to Plasmodium falciparum infection. Infect Immun 2014; 82:3783-9. [PMID: 24958713 DOI: 10.1128/iai.01922-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy-associated malaria (PAM) can lead to severe complications for both mother and baby. Certain placental cytokine/chemokine profiles have been shown to reflect poor pregnancy outcomes, including maternal anemia and low birth weight. In intervillous plasma samples from 400 Beninese women living in an area where Plasmodium falciparum is endemic, we quantified 16 cytokines/chemokines. We assessed their profiles in groups with PAM, with maternal anemia, with preterm births, or with a low birth weight for gestational age. Repeated ultrasound measurements ensured that prematurity and low birth weight were highly accurate. Preliminary analyses revealed trends for lower cytokine/chemokine concentrations in placental plasma associated both with babies with low birth weight for gestational age and with P. falciparum infection during pregnancy, while, as a function of the latter, the concentration of gamma interferon (IFN-γ)-inducible protein 10 (IP-10) was higher. Multivariate analyses showed that (i) higher placental plasma interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels were associated with P. falciparum infections and (ii) independently of P. falciparum infections, lower concentrations of both IFN-γ and IL-5 were associated with low birth weight for gestational age. Our data further strengthen the idea that IL-10 and IP-10 could be useful diagnostic markers of P. falciparum infection during pregnancy. The concentrations of cytokines/chemokines in placental plasma may represent previously unrecognized markers of poor fetal growth.
Collapse
|
185
|
Ferguson K, Cantonwine DE, Rivera-González LO, Loch-Caruso R, Mukherjee B, Anzalota
Del Toro LV, Jiménez-Vélez B, Calafat AM, Ye X, Alshawabkeh AN, Cordero JF, Meeker JD. Urinary phthalate metabolite associations with biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress across pregnancy in Puerto Rico. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2014; 48:7018-25. [PMID: 24845688 PMCID: PMC4066910 DOI: 10.1021/es502076j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Phthalate exposure during pregnancy has been linked to adverse birth outcomes such as preterm birth, and inflammation and oxidative stress may mediate these relationships. In a prospective cohort study of pregnant women recruited early in gestation in Northern Puerto Rico, we investigated the associations between urinary phthalate metabolites and biomarkers of inflammation, including C-reactive protein, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α, and oxidative stress, including 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (OHdG) and 8-isoprostane. Inflammation biomarkers were measured in plasma twice during pregnancy (N = 215 measurements, N = 120 subjects), and oxidative stress biomarkers in urine were measured three times (N = 148 measurements, N = 54 subjects) per woman. In adjusted linear mixed models, metabolites of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) were associated with increased IL-6 and IL-10 but relationships were generally not statistically significant. All phthalates were associated with increases in oxidative stress markers. Relationships with OHdG were significant for DEHP metabolites as well as mono-n-butyl phthalate (MBP) and monoiso-butyl phthalate (MiBP). For 8-isoprostane, associations with nearly all phthalates were statistically significant and the largest effect estimates were observed for MBP and MiBP (49-50% increase in 8-isoprostane with an interquartile range increase in metabolite concentration). These relationships suggest a possible mechanism for phthalate action that may be relevant to a number of adverse health outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelly
K. Ferguson
- Department
of Environmental Health Sciences, University
of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2029, United States
| | - David E. Cantonwine
- Department
of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and
Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Luis O. Rivera-González
- Department
of Environmental Health Sciences, University
of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2029, United States
| | - Rita Loch-Caruso
- Department
of Environmental Health Sciences, University
of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2029, United States
| | - Bhramar Mukherjee
- Department
of Biostatistics, University of Michigan
School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2029, United States
| | - Liza V. Anzalota
Del Toro
- University
of Puerto Rico Graduate School of Public Health, UPR Medical Sciences Campus, San
Juan, 00936-5067, Puerto
Rico
| | - Braulio Jiménez-Vélez
- University
of Puerto Rico Graduate School of Public Health, UPR Medical Sciences Campus, San
Juan, 00936-5067, Puerto
Rico
- University
of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, UPR Medical
Sciences Campus, San Juan, 00936-5067, Puerto Rico
| | - Antonia M. Calafat
- Division
of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, United States
| | - Xiaoyun Ye
- Division
of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, United States
| | - Akram N. Alshawabkeh
- College
of Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - José F. Cordero
- University
of Puerto Rico Graduate School of Public Health, UPR Medical Sciences Campus, San
Juan, 00936-5067, Puerto
Rico
| | - John D. Meeker
- Department
of Environmental Health Sciences, University
of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2029, United States
- Phone: 734-764-7184; fax: 734-763-5455;
e-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
186
|
Drozdzik M, Szlarb N, Kurzawski M. Interleukin-6 level and gene polymorphism in spontaneous miscarriage. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 82:171-6. [PMID: 24032723 DOI: 10.1111/tan.12179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2013] [Revised: 06/07/2013] [Accepted: 07/15/2013] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The aetiology of spontaneous miscarriage, the most common pregnancy complication, remains undefined. One of postulated factors involved in miscarriage pathology is interleukin 6 (IL-6). Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate IL-6 and interleukin 6 receptor (IL-6R) gene polymorphisms in patients with spontaneous miscarriage. One hundred fifty-seven patients diagnosed with spontaneous miscarriage and age and gestational time matched controls were included in the case-control study. In all study participants circulating IL-6 levels (chemiluminescent immunoassay) and IL6-174G>C as well as IL6R rs2228145:A>C polymorphisms were evaluated. The distribution of IL6 as well as IL6R alleles and genotypes were similar in the controls and patients with miscarriage. Only a trend of more frequent appearance of -174GC+CC and C allele in the patients with miscarriage was noted. Blood serum concentrations of IL-6 were significantly elevated in patients with miscarriage vs those with physiological pregnancy. Likewise, IL-6 concentrations differ significantly with the types of miscarriage. The highest concentrations of the cytokine was seen in subjects with incomplete miscarriage (4.28 ± 4.88 pg/ml) followed by imminent miscarriage (2.97 ± 2.42 pg/ml), and then missed miscarriage (2.07 ± 1.90 pg/ml), being significantly the lowest in missed miscarriage group. No association between the IL6 genotype and IL-6 serum concentration were noted, both in the miscarriage group and in the control group. The findings of the study support the role of IL-6 in spontaneous miscarriage irrespectively of its type. However, no correlation between circulating IL-6 and IL6 gene polymorphism, as well as IL-6 and IL-6R polymorphisms associations with spontaneous miscarriage were revealed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Drozdzik
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
187
|
Wambach CM, Patel SN, Kahn DA. Maternal and fetal factors that contribute to the localization of T regulatory cells during pregnancy. Am J Reprod Immunol 2014; 71:391-400. [PMID: 24629013 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2013] [Accepted: 02/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM To determine the interplay between fetal antigenicity and local maternal factors in determining reproductive tract T regulatory (Treg) cell accumulation during pregnancy. METHOD OF STUDY Examination of maternal Treg composition in the uterus, cervix, and uteroplacental interface (UPI) of murine syngeneic and allogeneic pregnancies and non-pregnant controls by flow cytometry. The impact of fetal antigenicity was defined by either fetal gender in syngeneic pregnancies or by allogeneic paternity. Impact of IL-6 on local Treg composition was determined using syngeneic pregnancies in IL-6(-/-) females. RESULTS An increased fraction of CD4(+) T cells in the pregnant uterine lymphocytic infiltrate and draining pelvic lymph nodes are Tregs. Maternal IL-6 decreases Treg accumulation within the uterus and to a greater extent in the cervix in syngeneic pregnancy. Fetal antigenicity is matched by accumulation of Tregs to the UPI. Treg accumulation at the UPI of non-antigenic female fetuses is determined by the intrauterine position relative to male siblings. CONCLUSION Reproductive tract tissue Treg composition during pregnancy is influenced by maternal IL-6 and fetal antigenicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carrie M Wambach
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of OB/GYN, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
188
|
Clark GF. The role of glycans in immune evasion: the human fetoembryonic defence system hypothesis revisited. Mol Hum Reprod 2014; 20:185-99. [PMID: 24043694 PMCID: PMC3925329 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gat064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2013] [Revised: 08/15/2013] [Accepted: 09/03/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging data suggest that mechanisms to evade the human immune system may be shared by the conceptus, tumour cells, persistent pathogens and viruses. It is therefore timely to revisit the human fetoembryonic defense system (Hu-FEDS) hypothesis that was proposed in two papers in the 1990s. The initial paper suggested that glycoconjugates expressed in the human reproductive system inhibited immune responses directed against gametes and the developing human by employing their carbohydrate sequences as functional groups. These glycoconjugates were proposed to block specific binding interactions and interact with lectins linked to signal transduction pathways that modulated immune cell functions. The second article suggested that aggressive tumour cells and persistent pathogens (HIV, H. pylori, schistosomes) either mimicked or acquired the same carbohydrate functional groups employed in this system to evade immune responses. This subterfuge enabled these pathogens and tumour cells to couple their survival to the human reproductive imperative. The Hu-FEDS model has been repeatedly tested since its inception. Data relevant to this model have also been obtained in other studies. Herein, the Hu-FEDS hypothesis is revisited in the context of these more recent findings. Far more supportive evidence for this model now exists than when it was first proposed, and many of the original predictions have been validated. This type of subterfuge by pathogens and tumour cells likely applies to all sexually reproducing metazoans that must protect their gametes from immune responses. Intervention in these pathological states will likely remain problematic until this system of immune evasion is fully understood and appreciated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gary F. Clark
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, Division of Reproductive and Perinatal Research and Division of Reproductive Medicine and Fertility, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| |
Collapse
|
189
|
Zhang Y, Hu L, Cui Y, Qi Z, Huang X, Cai L, Zhang T, Yin Y, Lu Z, Xiang J. Roles of PPARγ/NF-κB signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. PLoS One 2014; 9:e87343. [PMID: 24489901 PMCID: PMC3906154 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0087343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2013] [Accepted: 12/19/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is the most prevalent pregnancy specific liver disease. However, the pathogenesis and etiology of ICP is poorly understood. Aim To assess the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorγ (PPARγ) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in placenta and HTR-8/SVneo cell, and evaluate the serum levels of cytokines, bile acids, hepatic function and lipids in control and ICP patients and the fetal outcome, in order to explore the role of PPARγ/NF-κB signaling pathway in the possible mechanism of ICP. Methods Clinical data of the pregnant women were collected and serum levels of cytokines, bile acids, hepatic function and lipids were measured. Expressions of PPARγ and NF-κB in placenta and HTR-8/SVneo cell were determined. The new-born information was collected to demonstrate the relationship between PPARγ/NF-κB signaling pathway and ICP. Results The serum levels of bile acids, hepatic function, triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), IL-6, IL-12 and TNF-α in ICP group were significantly increased (P<0.01), and serum level of IL-4 was significantly decreased (P<0.01). PPARγ and NF-κB staining were found in the membrane and cytoplasm of placental trophoblast cell. The expression of PPARγ and NF-κB were significantly higher in ICP group and taurocholate acid (TCA) treated HTR-8/SVneo cell (P<0.01). The new-born information in severe ICP group were significantly different as compared to that in control group (P<0.05), and part of information in mild ICP group were also difference to that in control group (P<0.05). Conclusions The higher expressions of PPARγ and NF-κB in ICP placenta and TCA treated HTR-8/SVneo cell, together with the abnormal serum levels of cytokines, might induced by the imbalance of inflammatory and immune reaction, and then disturb placental bile acid and serum lipids transportation, finally result in fatal cholestasis which probably be one of the mechanism of ICP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Wuxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
- * E-mail: (YZ); (JX)
| | - Lingqing Hu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Wuxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan Cui
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhigang Qi
- Department of Pharmaceutical, Wuxi People’s Hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoping Huang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Wuxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Liyi Cai
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Wuxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Wuxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yongxiang Yin
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Wuxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhiyi Lu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wuxi Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jingying Xiang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Wuxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
- * E-mail: (YZ); (JX)
| |
Collapse
|
190
|
Le Bouteiller P. Human decidual NK cells: unique and tightly regulated effector functions in healthy and pathogen-infected pregnancies. Front Immunol 2013; 4:404. [PMID: 24324468 PMCID: PMC3839044 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2013.00404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2013] [Accepted: 11/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
NK cells present in the peripheral blood (PB) respond rapidly to pathogens or pathogen-infected cells by various means including cytotoxicity and release of cytokines and chemokines. In addition they modulate adaptive immunity via the interaction with dendritic cells. Decidual NK cells (dNK) are poorly cytotoxic in healthy pregnancy, both in humans and rodents, when compared to their PB counterparts. We will discuss recent findings that may contribute to answer the following questions: (i) Do dNK possess functional killing machinery in normal healthy pregnancy? (ii) If so, what are the regulatory mechanisms that negatively control this effector function? (iii) Have dNK from early pregnant uterus the intrinsic ability to kill pathogen-infected autologous maternal uterine cells and/or produce soluble factors that stimulate the anti-pathogen adaptive immune response? (iv) Do dNK undergo a receptor repertoire profile shift when they are in contact with pathogen-infected uterine cells? (v) Which pathogen-mediated signal(s) and molecular interactions subvert the inhibition of dNK cytolytic activity?
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Le Bouteiller
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, UMR 1043 , Toulouse , France ; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 5282 , Toulouse , France ; Centre de Physiopathologie Toulouse Purpan, Université Paul Sabatier , Toulouse , France
| |
Collapse
|
191
|
Nimmo MA, Leggate M, Viana JL, King JA. The effect of physical activity on mediators of inflammation. Diabetes Obes Metab 2013; 15 Suppl 3:51-60. [PMID: 24003921 DOI: 10.1111/dom.12156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 188] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2013] [Accepted: 04/27/2013] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Being physically active and undertaking exercise on a regular basis are critical lifestyle behaviours which protect against the development of numerous chronic metabolic conditions. One of the key mechanisms by which physical activity exerts favourable health effects appears to be due to its capacity to reduce chronic low-grade inflammation. Single bouts of exercise have a potent anti-inflammatory influence with recent advances describing important effects of acute exercise on inflammatory mediators produced within skeletal muscle (myokines), adipose tissue (adipokines) and leucocytes. The accumulated effects of physical activity or exercise training on systemic inflammation have been studied widely within epidemiological research; however, information from intervention trials is still emerging. Current data suggest that the most marked improvements in the inflammatory profile are conferred with exercise performed at higher intensities, with combined aerobic and resistance exercise training potentially providing the greatest benefit. The purpose of this review is to describe recent advances in our understanding surrounding the acute and chronic effects of physical activity on key mediators of inflammation. Within this, particular attention is given to the interleukin-6 system owing to its apparent centrality in mediating the anti-inflammatory effects of exercise.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M A Nimmo
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire, UK.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
192
|
Piltonen TT, Chen J, Erikson DW, Spitzer TLB, Barragan F, Rabban JT, Huddleston H, Irwin JC, Giudice LC. Mesenchymal stem/progenitors and other endometrial cell types from women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) display inflammatory and oncogenic potential. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2013; 98:3765-75. [PMID: 23824412 PMCID: PMC3763978 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2013-1923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Endometrium in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) presents altered gene expression indicating progesterone resistance and predisposing to reduced endometrial receptivity and endometrial cancer. OBJECTIVE We hypothesized that an altered endocrine/metabolic environment in PCOS may result in an endometrial "disease phenotype" affecting the gene expression of different endometrial cell populations, including stem cells and their differentiated progeny. DESIGN AND SETTING This was a prospective study conducted at an academic medical center. PATIENTS AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Proliferative-phase endometrium was obtained from 6 overweight/obese PCOS (National Institutes of Health criteria) and 6 overweight/obese controls. Microarray analysis was performed on fluorescence-activated cell sorting-isolated endometrial epithelial cells (eEPs), endothelial cells, stromal fibroblasts (eSFs), and mesenchymal stem cells (eMSCs). Gene expression data were validated using microfluidic quantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS The comparison between eEP(PCOS) and eEP(Ctrl) showed dysregulation of inflammatory genes and genes with oncogenic potential (CCL2, IL-6, ORM1, TNAIFP6, SFRP4, SPARC). eSF(PCOS) and eSF(Ctrl) showed up-regulation of inflammatory genes (C4A/B, CCL2, ICAM1, TNFAIP3). Similarly, in eMSC(PCOS) vs eMSC(Ctrl), the most up-regulated genes were related to inflammation and cancer (IL-8, ICAM1, SPRR3, LCN2). Immunohistochemistry scoring showed increased expression of CCL2 in eEP(PCOS) and eSF(PCOS) compared with eEP(Ctrl) and eSF(Ctrl) and IL-6 in eEP(PCOS) compared with eEP(Ctrl). CONCLUSIONS Isolated endometrial cell populations in women with PCOS showed altered gene expression revealing inflammation and prooncogenic changes, independent of body mass index, especially in eEP(PCOS) and eMSC(PCOS), compared with controls. The study reveals an endometrial disease phenotype in women with PCOS with potential negative effects on endometrial function and long-term health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T T Piltonen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, 505 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, California 94143-0132, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
193
|
Chumbley LB, Boudreaux CE, Coats KS. Aberrant placental immune parameters in the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)-infected cat suggest virus-induced changes in T cell function. Virol J 2013; 10:238. [PMID: 23870389 PMCID: PMC3723510 DOI: 10.1186/1743-422x-10-238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2013] [Accepted: 07/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Immune activity during pregnancy must be tightly regulated to ensure successful pregnancy. This regulation includes the suppression of inflammatory activity that could target the semi-allogeneic fetus. Tregs are immunosuppressive; Th17 cells are pro-inflammatory. A precise balance in the two cell populations is critical to pregnancy maintenance, while dysregulation in this balance accompanies compromised pregnancy in humans and mice. FIV is known to target Tregs preferentially in the infected cat. Therefore, it may be hypothesized that FIV infection alters the placental Treg/Th17 cell balance resulting in aberrant immunomodulator expression by these cells and consequent pregnancy perturbation. Methods RNA was purified from random sections of whole placental tissues collected from both uninfected and FIV-infected queens at early pregnancy, including tissues from viable and nonviable fetuses. Real time qPCR was performed to quantify expression of intranuclear markers of Tregs (FoxP3) and Th17 cells (RORγ); cytokine products of Tregs (IL-10 and TGF-β), Th17 cells (IL-2, IL-6, and IL-17a), and macrophages (IL-1β); and the FIV gag gene. Pairwise comparisons were made to evaluate coexpression patterns between the cytokines and between the cytokines and the virus. Results Both FoxP3 and RORγ were reduced in placentas of infected animals. Neither infection status nor fetal viability affected placental expression of IL-1β. However, fetal nonviability was associated with reduced levels of all other cytokines. Infection and fetal nonviability impacted coexpression of various cytokine pairs. No obvious bias toward Treg or Th17 cells was observed. Conclusions FIV infection coupled with fetal nonviability alters expression patterns of T cell cytokines. These data suggest that functionally altered placental T cell leukocyte populations may occur in the infected queen and possibly contribute to fetal nonviability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lyndon Bart Chumbley
- Department of Biological Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
194
|
Maternal immune activation during gestation interacts with Disc1 point mutation to exacerbate schizophrenia-related behaviors in mice. J Neurosci 2013; 33:7654-66. [PMID: 23637159 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0091-13.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is thought to result from interactions between susceptible genotypes and environmental risk factors. DISC1 is an important gene for schizophrenia and mood disorders based on both human and animal studies. In the present study we sought to investigate interactions between two distinct point mutations in the mouse Disc1 gene (L100P and Q31L) and maternal immune activation (MIA) during pregnancy with polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (polyI:C). PolyI:C given at 5 mg/kg impaired cognitive and social behavior in both wild-type (WT) and Disc1-Q31L(+/-) offspring, and reduced prepulse inhibition at 16 but not 8 weeks of age. Disc1-L100P(+/-) mutants were more sensitive to MIA than WT or Disc1-Q31L(+/-) mice. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a critical cytokine for mediating the behavioral and transcriptional effects of polyI:C. We found a more pronounced increase of IL-6 in response to polyI:C in fetal brain in Disc1-L100P(+/-) mice compared with WT or Disc1-Q31L(+/-) mice. Coadministration of an anti-IL-6 antibody with polyI:C reversed schizophrenia-related behavioral phenotypes in Disc1-L100P(+/-) mice. In summary, we found specific interactions between discrete genetic (Disc1-L100P(+/-)) and environmental factors (MIA) that exacerbate schizophrenia-related phenotypes. IL-6 may be important in the pathophysiology of this interaction.
Collapse
|
195
|
Ma KK, Petroff MG, Coscia LA, Armenti VT, Adams Waldorf KM. Complex chimerism: pregnancy after solid organ transplantation. CHIMERISM 2013; 4:71-7. [PMID: 23974274 DOI: 10.4161/chim.25401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Thousands of women with organ transplantation have undergone successful pregnancies, however little is known about how the profound immunologic changes associated with pregnancy might influence tolerance or rejection of the allograft. Pregnant women with a solid organ transplant are complex chimeras with multiple foreign cell populations from the donor organ, fetus, and mother of the pregnant woman. We consider the impact of complex chimerism and pregnancy-associated immunologic changes on tolerance of the allograft both during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Mechanisms of allograft tolerance are likely dynamic during pregnancy and affected by the influx of fetal microchimeric cells, HLA relationships (between the fetus, pregnant woman and/or donor), peripheral T cell tolerance to fetal cells, and fetal minor histocompatibility antigens. Further research is necessary to understand the complex immunology during pregnancy and the postpartum period of women with a solid organ transplant.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly K Ma
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology; University of Washington; Seattle, WA USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
196
|
Natural killer cells and their activation status in normal pregnancy. Int J Reprod Med 2013; 2013:906813. [PMID: 25763390 PMCID: PMC4334074 DOI: 10.1155/2013/906813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2012] [Revised: 02/22/2013] [Accepted: 03/03/2013] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Increased peripheral blood-activated NK cell counts are associated with increased risk of miscarriage and failed in vitro fertilization treatment. However, assessment of activated peripheral NK cells in normal and pathological pregnancies beyond implantation and early miscarriage has not been described. Total CD69 expressing NK cells counts were measured by flow cytometry in healthy women with singleton pregnancies, including 45 at 11+6–13+6 weeks' gestation, 46 at 20+0–22+4 weeks, and 42 at 31+6–33+5 weeks. The number of peripheral blood NK cells decreased, whereas the percentage of activated CD69 expressing NK cells increased from the first to the third trimester of pregnancy. This study shows the course of peripheral blood NK cells and activated CD69 expressing NK cells in uncomplicated nulliparous singleton pregnancies. This is a first step in understanding their implication in pathological pregnancies.
Collapse
|
197
|
Goyal P, Brunnert D, Ehrhardt J, Bredow M, Piccenini S, Zygmunt M. Cytokine IL-6 secretion by trophoblasts regulated via sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 2 involving Rho/Rho-kinase and Rac1 signaling pathways. Mol Hum Reprod 2013; 19:528-38. [DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gat023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
|
198
|
Gomez-Lopez N, Vega-Sanchez R, Castillo-Castrejon M, Romero R, Cubeiro-Arreola K, Vadillo-Ortega F. Evidence for a role for the adaptive immune response in human term parturition. Am J Reprod Immunol 2013; 69:212-30. [PMID: 23347265 PMCID: PMC3600361 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2012] [Accepted: 12/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Spontaneous labor at term involves leukocyte recruitment and infiltration into the choriodecidua; yet, characterization of these leukocytes and their immunological mediators is incomplete. The purpose of this study was to characterize the immunophenotype of choriodecidual leukocytes as well as the expression of inflammatory mediators in human spontaneous parturition at term. METHOD OF STUDY Choriodecidual leukocytes were analyzed by FACS, immunohistochemistry, and RT-PCR in three different groups: (i) preterm gestation delivered for medical indications without labor; (ii) term pregnancy without labor; and (iii) term pregnancy after spontaneous labor. RESULTS Two T-cell subsets of memory-like T cells (CD3(+) CD4(+) CD45RO(+) and CD3(+) CD4(-) CD8(-) CD45RO(+) cells) were identified in the choriodecidua of women who had spontaneous labor. Evidence for an extensive immune signaling network composed of chemokines (CXCL8 and CXCL10), chemokine receptors (CXCR1-3), cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-α), cell adhesion molecules, and MMP-9 was identified in these cells during spontaneous labor at term. CONCLUSIONS The influx of memory-like T cells in the choriodecidua and the evidence that they are active by producing chemokines and cytokines, and expressing chemokine receptors, cell adhesion molecules, and a matrix-degrading enzyme provides support for the participation of the adaptive immune system in the mechanisms of spontaneous parturition at term.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nardhy Gomez-Lopez
- Research Direction and Department of Nutrition Research, Instituto Nacional de Perinatologia Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
199
|
Zhang S, Lin H, Kong S, Wang S, Wang H, Wang H, Armant DR. Physiological and molecular determinants of embryo implantation. Mol Aspects Med 2013; 34:939-80. [PMID: 23290997 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2012.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 351] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2012] [Revised: 12/25/2012] [Accepted: 12/26/2012] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Embryo implantation involves the intimate interaction between an implantation-competent blastocyst and a receptive uterus, which occurs in a limited time period known as the window of implantation. Emerging evidence shows that defects originating during embryo implantation induce ripple effects with adverse consequences on later gestation events, highlighting the significance of this event for pregnancy success. Although a multitude of cellular events and molecular pathways involved in embryo-uterine crosstalk during implantation have been identified through gene expression studies and genetically engineered mouse models, a comprehensive understanding of the nature of embryo implantation is still missing. This review focuses on recent progress with particular attention to physiological and molecular determinants of blastocyst activation, uterine receptivity, blastocyst attachment and uterine decidualization. A better understanding of underlying mechanisms governing embryo implantation should generate new strategies to rectify implantation failure and improve pregnancy rates in women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, PR China; Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, PR China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
200
|
Van Sinderen M, Menkhorst E, Winship A, Cuman C, Dimitriadis E. Preimplantation human blastocyst-endometrial interactions: the role of inflammatory mediators. Am J Reprod Immunol 2012; 69:427-40. [PMID: 23176081 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2012] [Accepted: 10/15/2012] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune factors such as cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors are known to play important roles in the preimplantation interactions and communication between the blastocyst and receptive endometrium. This crucial dialog occurs during the stages when the blastocyst is in the uterine cavity immediately preceding implantation and the establishment of pregnancy. Human preimplantation processes are difficult to study due to restrictions on tissue availability. This review focuses on the expression and role of immune factors in human blastocyst-endometrial dialog during the very early stages of implantation. It highlights the importance of immune regulators and the need to develop new models to study human implantation.
Collapse
|