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Cai Z, Guo X, Zheng G, Xiang J, Liu L, Lin D, Deng X. TNF-α-positive patients with recurrent pregnancy loss: The etiology and management. Technol Health Care 2024:THC240757. [PMID: 39058470 DOI: 10.3233/thc-240757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elevated levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) have been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, specifically recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). These elevated levels may be associated with the presence of autoantibodies. Although TNF-α inhibitors have shown promise in improving pregnancy rates, further research is needed to comprehend their impact and mechanisms in RPL patients. OBJECTIVE This study aims to investigate the association between elevated TNF-α levels and autoantibodies in RPL patients, as well as evaluate the effect of TNF-α inhibition on pregnancy outcomes. METHODS A total of 249 RPL patients were included in this study. Serum levels of TNF-α, autoantibodies, and complement were measured and monitored. Among these patients, 138 tested positive for TNF-α, while 111 tested negative. The medical records of these patients were retrospectively evaluated. Additionally, 102 patients with elevated TNF-α levels were treated with TNF-α inhibitors, and their pregnancy outcomes were assessed. RESULTS TNF-α-positive RPL patients had higher levels of complement C1q, anti-cardiolipin (ACL)-IgA, ACL-IgM ,ACL-IgG, thyroglobulin antibody, and Anti-phosphatidylserine/prothrombin IgM antibody, as well as a higher positive rate of antinuclear antibodies compared to TNF-α-negative patients (23.19% vs. 12.6%, P< 0.05). Conversely, complement C3 were lower in TNF-α-positive patients (t test, P< 0.05). The use of TNF-α inhibitors led to a reduction in the early abortion rate (13.7% vs. 44.4%, P< 0.001) and an improvement in term delivery rate (52.0% vs. 27.8%, P= 0.012). Furthermore, patients who used TNF-α inhibitors before 5 weeks of pregnancy had a lower early abortion rate (7.7% vs. 24.3%, P= 0.033) and a higher term delivery rate (69.2% vs. 48.6%, P= 0.033). CONCLUSION TNF-α plays a role in the occurrence and development of RPL, and its expression is closely associated with autoantibodies and complements. TNF-α inhibitors increase the term delivery rate in TNF-α-positive RPL patients, and their use before 5 weeks of pregnancy may more beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuhua Cai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xueke Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ge Zheng
- Pediatric Department, Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Junmiao Xiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Lingyun Liu
- Central Laboratory, Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Dongmei Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiaohui Deng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
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Bhardwaj C, Srivastava P. Identification of hub genes in placental dysfunction and recurrent pregnancy loss through transcriptome data mining: A meta-analysis. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol 2024; 63:297-306. [PMID: 38802191 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2024.01.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is a condition characterized by the loss of two or more pregnancies before 20 weeks of gestation. The causes of RPL are complex and can be due to a variety of factors, including genetic, immunological, hormonal, and environmental factors. This transcriptome data mining study was done to explore the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and related pathways responsible for pathogenesis of RPL using an Insilco approach. RNAseq datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was used to extract RNAseq datasets of RPL. Meta-analysis was done by ExpressAnalyst. The functional and pathway enrichment analysis of DEGs were performed using KEGG and BINGO plugin of Cytoscape software. Protein-protein interaction was done using STRING and hub genes were identified. A total of 91 DEGs were identified, out of which 10 were downregulated and 81 were upregulated. Pathway analysis indicated that majority of DEGs were enriched in immunological pathways (IL-17 signalling pathway, TLR-signalling pathway, autoimmune thyroid disease), angiogenic VEGF-signalling pathway and cell-cycle signalling pathways. Of these, 10 hub genes with high connectivity were selected (CXCL8, CCND1, FOS, PTGS2, CTLA4, THBS1, MMP2, KDR, and CD80). Most of these genes are involved in maintenance of immune response at maternal-fetal interface. Further, in functional enrichment analyses revealed the highest node size in regulation of biological processes followed by cellular processes, their regulation and regulation of multicellular organismal process. This in-silico transcriptomics meta-analysis findings could potentially contribute in identifying novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for RPL, which could lead to the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chitra Bhardwaj
- Genetic Metabolic Unit, Department of Paediatrics, Advanced Paediatrics Centre, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Sector-12, Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - Priyanka Srivastava
- Genetic Metabolic Unit, Department of Paediatrics, Advanced Paediatrics Centre, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Sector-12, Chandigarh, 160012, India.
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Li W, Liu M, Zhou M, Zhou X, Zhang D, Duan J, Zhang A, Xu B. Downregulation of SEPTIN11 inhibits endometrial epithelial cell adhesive function in patients with elevated peripheral blood natural killer cell counts. Reprod Biomed Online 2023; 47:103203. [PMID: 37349244 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION What is the underlying mechanism of IVF and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) failure in patients with elevated peripheral blood natural killer cell (pNK) counts? DESIGN Patients undergoing IVF-ET cycles for tubal obstruction or pelvic adhesion (n = 486) were assigned to three groups: high (CD56+CD16+pNK >30% [n = 49]); medium (15< CD56+CD16+pNK ≤30% [n = 211]); and normal pNK groups (5≤ CD56+CD16+pNK ≤15% [n = 226]). Their general condition, previous pregnancy history and IVF outcomes were compared. Uterine fluid and endometrial tissue from patients in the high and normal pNK groups were collected during the mid-secretory phase and studied to elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying impaired endometrial receptivity. RESULTS The highest incidence of IVF-ET cycles (P < 0.0001) and biochemical pregnancy losses (P < 0.0001), and lowest implantation and clinical pregnancy rates (both P < 0.0001), were observed in patients with pNK over 30%. No significant difference was found in the number of previous miscarriages and rate of spontaneous miscarriage in IVF outcomes. Lower Septin11 (SEPT11) expression in the uterine fluid and endometrial epithelial cells (EEC), and higher endometrial IFN-γ, was observed in patients with high pNK. Ishikawa cell and human endometrial epithelial cell (HEEC) adhesion was inhibited after SEPT11 knock-down. Elevated IFN-γ decreased the SEPT11 protein levels in Ishikawa cells and HEECs. CONCLUSIONS CD56+CD16+pNK above 30% may be a threshold for adverse IVF-ET outcomes. Low SEPT11 expression in EEC inhibits cell adhesion, which may cause impaired endometrial receptivity in patients with elevated pNK. The level of SEPT11 in mid-secretory uterine fluid could serve as a non-invasive marker to assess endometrial receptivity in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenzhu Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Mengyu Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Mingjuan Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Xiaowei Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Jingru Duan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Aijun Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China.
| | - Bufang Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histoembryology, Genetics and Developmental Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China.
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The Update Immune-Regulatory Role of Pro- and Anti-Inflammatory Cytokines in Recurrent Pregnancy Losses. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010132. [PMID: 36613575 PMCID: PMC9820098 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Recurrent pregnancy losses (RPL) is a common reproductive disorder with various underlying etiologies. In recent years, rapid progress has been made in exploring the immunological mechanisms for RPL. A propensity toward Th2 over Th1 and regulatory T (Treg) over Th17 immune responses may be advantageous for reproductive success. In women with RPL and animals prone to abortion, an inordinate expression of cytokines associated with implantation and early embryo development is present in the endometrium or decidua secreted from immune and non-immune cells. Hence, an adverse cytokine milieu at the maternal-fetal interface assaults immunological tolerance, leading to fetal rejection. Similar to T cells, NK cells can be categorized based on the characteristics of cytokines they secrete. Decidual NK (dNK) cells of RPL patients exhibited an increased NK1/NK2 ratio (IFN-γ/IL-4 producing NK cell ratios), leading to pro-inflammatory cytokine milieu and increased NK cell cytotoxicity. Genetic polymorphism may be the underlying etiologies for Th1 and Th17 propensity since it alters cytokine production. In addition, various hormones participate in cytokine regulations, including progesterone and estrogen, controlling cytokine balance in favor of the Th2 type. Consequently, the intricate regulation of cytokines and hormones may prevent the RPL of immune etiologies. Local or systemic administration of cytokines or their antagonists might help maintain adequate cytokine milieu, favoring Th2 over Th1 response or Treg over Th17 immune response in women with RPL. Herein, we provided an updated comprehensive review regarding the immune-regulatory role of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in RPL. Understanding the roles of cytokines involved in RPL might significantly advance the early diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of RPL.
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Kowalczyk E, Kniotek M, Korczak-Kowalska G, Borysowski J. Progesterone-induced blocking factor and interleukin 4 as novel therapeutics in the treatment of recurrent pregnancy loss. Med Hypotheses 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2022.110968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Qin D, Xu H, Chen Z, Deng X, Jiang S, Zhang X, Bao S. The peripheral and decidual immune cell profiles in women with recurrent pregnancy loss. Front Immunol 2022; 13:994240. [PMID: 36177021 PMCID: PMC9513186 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.994240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) affects 1-2% of couples of reproductive age. Immunological analysis of the immune status in RPL patients might contribute to the diagnosis and treatment of RPL. However, the exact immune cell composition in RPL patients is still unclear. Here, we used flow cytometry to investigate the immune cell profiles of peripheral blood and decidual tissue of women who experienced RPL. We divided peripheral immune cells into 14 major subgroups, and the percentages of T, natural killer T (NKT)-like and B cells in peripheral blood were increased in RPL patients. The decidual immune cells were classified into 14 major subpopulations and the percentages of decidual T, NKT-like cells and CD11chi Mφ were increased, while those of CD56hi decidual NK cells and CD11clo Mφ were decreased in RPL patients. The spearmen correlation analysis showed that the proportion of peripheral and decidual immune cells did not show significant correlations with occurrences of previous miscarriages. By using flow cytometry, we depicted the global peripheral and decidual immune landscape in RPL patients. The abnormalities of peripheral and decidual immune cells may be involved in RPL, but the correlations with the number of previous miscarriages need further verification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dengke Qin
- Department of Reproductive Immunology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huihui Xu
- The Center for Microbes, Development and Health, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences/University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Zechuan Chen
- The Center for Microbes, Development and Health, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences/University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xujing Deng
- Department of Reproductive Immunology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shan Jiang
- The Center for Microbes, Development and Health, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences/University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoming Zhang
- The Center for Microbes, Development and Health, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences/University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Shihua Bao, ; Xiaoming Zhang,
| | - Shihua Bao
- Department of Reproductive Immunology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Shihua Bao, ; Xiaoming Zhang,
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Li L, Liu Y, Feng T, Zhou W, Wang Y, Li H. The AHNAK induces increased IL-6 production in CD4+ T cells and serves as a potential diagnostic biomarker for recurrent pregnancy loss. Clin Exp Immunol 2022; 209:291-304. [PMID: 35766885 PMCID: PMC9521664 DOI: 10.1093/cei/uxac067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Disorganized maternal-fetal immune tolerance contributes to the occurrence of unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). AHNAK is a scaffolding protein participating in the regulation of Ca2+ entry into T cells and the pathophysiology of diverse diseases. We performed differential gene expression analysis in decidual immune cells (DICs) isolated from three patients with RPL and from three healthy controls via RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq), which revealed 407 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Among these DEGs, we underscored the clinical significance of elevated AHNAK mRNA and protein levels in DICs, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and decidua of the patients with RPL, suggesting its potential use as a biomarker for the diagnosis of RPL. Especially, the ratios of decidual and blood AHNAK+CD4+ T cells in the CD4+ T cell population were significantly increased in patients with RPL, and the loss of AHNAK was further shown to inhibit interleukin (IL)-6 secretion in the CD4+ Jurkat cell line. Similar patterns were also observed in the clinical decidual and blood specimens. We uncovered that the AHNAK+CD4+ T cells could secrete more IL-6 than that the corresponding AHNAK-CD4+ T cells. Moreover, the frequencies of decidual and blood IL-6+CD4+ T cells in the CD4+ T-cell population were also increased in patients with RPL and showed significant positive correlations with the frequencies of AHNAK+CD4+ T cells. Our findings suggest that the elevated AHNAK expressed by CD4+ T cells may be involved in the immune dysregulation of RPL by increasing IL-6 production, illustrating its potential as a novel intervention target for RPL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liman Li
- Center of Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- Center of Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ting Feng
- Center of Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wenjie Zhou
- Center of Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanyun Wang
- Correspondence: Yanyun Wang, Center of Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China. ; or Hong Li, Center of Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Hong Li
- Correspondence: Yanyun Wang, Center of Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China. ; or Hong Li, Center of Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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