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Li MY, Wang Y, Wu Y, Zhao XY, Yang ZS, Li B, Chen ST, He YY, Yang ZM. Blastocyst-Derived Lactic Acid May Regulate S100A6 Expression and Function in Mouse Decidualization via Stimulation of Uterine Epithelial Arachidonic Acid Secretion. Cells 2024; 13:206. [PMID: 38334598 PMCID: PMC10854550 DOI: 10.3390/cells13030206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Inflammatory responses are implicated in embryo implantation, decidualization, pregnancy maintenance and labor. Both embryo implantation and decidualization are essential to successful pregnancy in rodents and primates. S100A6 is involved in inflammation, tumor development, apoptosis and calcium homeostasis. S100A6 is strongly expressed in mouse decidua, but the underlying mechanisms of how S100A6 regulates implantation and decidualization are poorly defined. (2) Methods: Mouse endometrial stromal and epithelial cells are isolated from day 4 pseudopregnant mouse uteri. Both immunofluorescence and Western blotting are used to analyze the expression and localization of proteins. The molecular mechanism is verified in vitro by Western blotting and the quantitative polymerase chain reaction. (3) Results: From days 4 to 8 of pregnancy, S100A6 is specifically expressed in mouse subluminal stromal cells. Blastocyst-derived lactic acid induces AA secretion by activating the luminal epithelial p-cPLA2. The epithelial AA induces stromal S100A6 expression through the COX2/PGI2/PPAR δ pathway. Progesterone regulates S100A6 expression through the progesterone receptor (PR). S100A6/RAGE signaling can regulate decidualization via EGFR/ERK1/2 in vitro. (4) Conclusions: S100A6, as an inflammatory mediator, is important for mouse implantation and decidualization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Yuan Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (M.-Y.L.)
| | - Ying Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (M.-Y.L.)
| | - Ying Wu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (M.-Y.L.)
| | - Xu-Yu Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (M.-Y.L.)
| | - Zhen-Shan Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (M.-Y.L.)
| | - Bo Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (M.-Y.L.)
| | - Si-Ting Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (M.-Y.L.)
| | - Yu-Ying He
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (M.-Y.L.)
| | - Zeng-Ming Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (M.-Y.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in the Plateau Mountain Region, College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
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Chen J, Li Y, Xu L, Sang Y, Li D, Du M. Paradoxical expression of NRP1 in decidual stromal and immune cells reveals a novel inflammation balancing mechanism during early pregnancy. Inflamm Res 2023:10.1007/s00011-023-01734-y. [PMID: 37328599 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-023-01734-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN To investigate the balancing mechanisms between decidualization-associated inflammation and pregnancy-related immunotolerance. MATERIAL OR SUBJECTS Decidual samples from women with normal pregnancy (n = 58) or unexplained spontaneous miscarriage (n = 13), peripheral blood from normal pregnancy and endometria from non-pregnancy (n = 10) were collected. Primary endometrial stromal cells (ESCs), decidual stromal cells (DSCs), decidual immune cells (DICs) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated. TREATMENT The plasmid carrying neuropilin-1 (NRP1) gene was transfected into ESC for overexpression. To induce decidualization in vitro, ESCs were treated with a combination of 10 nM estradiol, 100 nM progesterone and 0.5 mM cAMP. Anti-Sema3a and anti-NRP1 neutralizing antibodies were applied to block the ligand-receptor interactions. METHODS RNA-seq analysis was performed to identify differentially expressed genes in DSCs and DICs, and NRP1 expression was verified by Western blotting and flow cytometry. The secretion of inflammatory mediators was measured using a multifactor cytometric bead array. The effects of Sema3a-NRP1 pathway on DICs were determined by flow cytometry. Statistical differences between groups were compared using the T test and one way or two-way ANOVA. RESULTS Combined with five RNA-seq datasets, NRP1 was the only immune checkpoint changing oppositely between DSCs and DICs. The decreased expression of NRP1 in DSCs allowed intrinsic inflammatory responses required for decidualization, while its increased expression in DICs enhanced tolerant phenotypes beneficial to pregnancy maintenance. DSC-secreted Sema3a promoted immunosuppression in DICs via NRP1 binding. In women with miscarriage, NRP1 was abnormally elevated in DSCs but diminished in decidual macrophages and NK cells. CONCLUSION NRP1 is a multifunctional controller that balances the inflammatory states of DSCs and DICs in gravid uterus. Abnormal expression of NRP1 is implicated in miscarriage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajia Chen
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Zhao Zhou Road 413, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yanhong Li
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Zhao Zhou Road 413, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ling Xu
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Zhao Zhou Road 413, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yifei Sang
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Zhao Zhou Road 413, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Dajin Li
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Zhao Zhou Road 413, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Meirong Du
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Zhao Zhou Road 413, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200434, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau SAR, 519020, China.
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Chen Z, Huang J, Kwak-Kim J, Wang W. Immune checkpoint inhibitors and reproductive failures. J Reprod Immunol 2023; 156:103799. [PMID: 36724630 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2023.103799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The human conceptus is a semi-allograft, which is antigenically foreign to the mother. Hence, the implantation process needs mechanisms to prevent allograft rejection during successful pregnancy. Immune checkpoints are a group of inhibitory pathways expressed on the surface of various immune cells in the form of ligand receptors. Immune cells possess these pathways to regulate the magnitude of immune responses and induce maternal-fetal tolerance. Briefly, 1) CTLA-4 can weaken T cell receptor (TCR) signals and inhibit T cell response; 2) The PD-1/PD-L1 pathway can reduce T cell proliferation, enhance T cell anergy and fatigue, reduce cytokine production, and increase T regulatory cell activity to complete the immunosuppression; 3) TIM3 interacts with T cells by binding Gal-9, weakening Th1 cell-mediated immunity and T cell apoptosis; 4) The LAG-3 binding to MHC II can inhibit T cell activation by interfering with the binding of CD4 to MHC II, and; 5) TIGIT can release inhibitory signals to NK and T cells through the ITIM structure of its cytoplasmic tail. Therefore, dysregulated immune checkpoints or the application of immune checkpoint inhibitors may impair human reproduction. This review intends to deliver a comprehensive overview of immune checkpoints in pregnancy, including CTLA-4, PD-1/PD-L1, TIM-3, LAG-3, TIGIT, and their inhibitors, reviewing their roles in normal and pathological human pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeyang Chen
- School of Medicine, Qingdao University, 38 Dengzhou Road, Qingdao 266000, PR China; Reproduction Medical Center, Xinhua Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Jinxia Huang
- Reproduction Medical Center, Xinhua Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai 200092, PR China; Department of Gynecology, Weihai Central Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, 3 Mishan East Road, Weihai 264400, PR China
| | - Joanne Kwak-Kim
- Reproductive Medicine and Immunology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Sciences Department, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Vernon Hills, IL 60061, USA; Center for Cancer Cell Biology, Immunology and Infection, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA.
| | - Wenjuan Wang
- Reproduction Medical Center, Xinhua Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
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Mukherjee N, Sharma R, Modi D. Immune alterations in recurrent implantation failure. Am J Reprod Immunol 2023; 89:e13563. [PMID: 35587052 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
A failure to achieve pregnancy after three or more embryo transfer cycles with high-quality blastocysts is referred to as recurrent implantation failure (RIF). RIF can be due to altered uterine factors or male factors or embryo factors. Disrupted endometrial receptivity, altered expression of genes in several pathways, immunologic disturbances in the peripheral blood and/or the endometrium, and epigenetic alterations are associated with RIF. Amongst the immunologic disturbances, altered Th1/Th2 ratio, altered NK cell and macrophage numbers are observed in women with RIF. However, not all women with RIF have the same kind of immune dysfunction suggesting that RIF is a heterogeneous condition associated with varied immune responses and one size may not fit all. Thus, personalized therapies based on the immune status of the patient are being tested in women with RIF. In general, women with a high Th1/Th2 ratio are offered Tacrolimus, while intravenous IgG is recommended in women with high NK cell numbers/HLA mismatch. Women with hyperactivated immune status in the uterus are offered progesterone support, prednisolone, vitamin E, and intralipid treatment to suppress inflammation and oxidative stress, while endometrial scratching and intrauterine hCG administration are offered to women with hypo-active immune status. There is a need for standardized tests for evaluation of immune status in patients and sufficiently powered randomized controlled trials for personalized therapies to determine which of these will be beneficial in women with RIF. Till then, the ART community should limit the use of such add-on interventions in women with RIF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nupur Mukherjee
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Richa Sharma
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Deepak Modi
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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Zhang T, Zhao Y, Cheung WC, Gan YH, Huang L, Li M, Leung KT, Chung PW, Wang CC, Laird S, Chen X, Li TC. Serial changes in two immune checkpoint receptors and ligands, Tim-3/Gal-9 and PD-1/PD-L1 in peripheral blood prior to miscarriage: Comparison with pregnancies resulting in a live birth. Am J Reprod Immunol 2022; 87:e13524. [PMID: 35130363 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Immune checkpoints Tim-3/Gal-9 and PD-1/PL-1 are involved in the maintenance of maternal-fetal immune tolerance systematically and locally. This study aimed to compare the serial changes of Tim-3/Gal-9, and PD-1/PL-1 in peripheral blood over a 4-week period after blastocyst transfer, between women who had a live birth and those who miscarried. METHODS OF STUDY Serial blood samples were obtained on the day of ET, and 9, 16, 23, and 30 days after ET for the measurement of Tim-3 and PD-1 expressions on various lymphocytes by flow cytometry. Concentrations of serum Gal-9 and PD-L1 were measured by ELISA. RESULTS In pregnancies that resulted in a live birth, a significant and sustained increase in the proportion of Tim-3+ pNK cells was observed from the 9th to 30th days after ET, whilst the concentration of serum PD-L1 was significantly increased on the 23rd and 30th days after ET when compared to the day of ET. In pregnancies that later miscarried, none of the parameters were significantly changed across all the time points examined. When comparing the results between the two groups, the proportion of Tim-3+ CD56dim NK cells in the women who had a live birth was significantly higher than that in women who miscarried from the 9th to 30th day after ET. CONCLUSION A significant and sustained increase in the proportion of Tim-3+ pNK cells was observed in pregnancies resulting in a live birth but not in pregnancies resulting in a miscarriage, suggesting the changes may be associated with successful pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Zhang
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yiwei Zhao
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wing Ching Cheung
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yong Huang Gan
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lin Huang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi, China
| | - Mingqing Li
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kam Tong Leung
- Department of Pediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Piu Wah Chung
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chi Chiu Wang
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Reproduction and Development Laboratory, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Chinese University of Hong Kong -Sichuan University Joint Laboratory in Reproductive Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Susan Laird
- Biomolecular Sciences Research Center, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK
| | - Xiaoyan Chen
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shenzhen Baoan Women's and Children's Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tin Chiu Li
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Chinese University of Hong Kong -Sichuan University Joint Laboratory in Reproductive Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Miko E, Barakonyi A, Meggyes M, Szereday L. The Role of Type I and Type II NKT Cells in Materno-Fetal Immunity. Biomedicines 2021; 9:1901. [PMID: 34944717 PMCID: PMC8698984 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9121901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
NKT cells represent a small but significant immune cell population as being a part of and bridging innate and adaptive immunity. Their ability to exert strong immune responses via cytotoxicity and cytokine secretion makes them significant immune effectors. Since pregnancy requires unconventional maternal immunity with a tolerogenic phenotype, investigation of the possible role of NKT cells in materno-fetal immune tolerance mechanisms is of particular importance. This review aims to summarize and organize the findings of previous studies in this field. Data and information about NKT cells from mice and humans will be presented, focusing on NKT cells characteristics during normal pregnancy in the periphery and at the materno-fetal interface and their possible involvement in female reproductive failure and pregnancy complications with an immunological background.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Miko
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 12 Szigeti Street, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (A.B.); (M.M.); (L.S.)
- Janos Szentagothai Research Centre, 20 Ifjusag Street, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- National Laboratory for Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Aliz Barakonyi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 12 Szigeti Street, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (A.B.); (M.M.); (L.S.)
- Janos Szentagothai Research Centre, 20 Ifjusag Street, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- National Laboratory for Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Matyas Meggyes
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 12 Szigeti Street, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (A.B.); (M.M.); (L.S.)
- Janos Szentagothai Research Centre, 20 Ifjusag Street, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Laszlo Szereday
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 12 Szigeti Street, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (A.B.); (M.M.); (L.S.)
- Janos Szentagothai Research Centre, 20 Ifjusag Street, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
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The identification of endometrial immune cell densities and clustering analysis in the mid-luteal phase as predictor for pregnancy outcomes after IVF-ET treatment. J Reprod Immunol 2021; 148:103431. [PMID: 34627075 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2021.103431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Changes in endometrial immune cell density has been reported to be associated with reproductive failure. The prognostic value of endometrial immune cell density measurement remains uncertain. We aimed to investigate the prognostic value of endometrial immune cells measurement on pregnancy outcome after IVF in women. In this prospective study, one hundred twenty-eight women underwent endometrial sampling in a natural cycle preceding single frozen-thawed embryo transfer (ET). Endometrial biopsy was obtained precisely 7 days after luteinizing hormone surge (LH + 7). Multiplex immunohistochemical method was employed to simultaneously stain the endometrium samples with a panel of human antibodies against CD56 for uterine natural killer (uNK) cells, CD3 and CD8 for T cell, CD3 for pan T cells and CD68 for macrophages. The density of the various immune cells and the clustering levels between them were measured. ET was performed at the blastocyst stage. Women who did not conceive had a significantly higher density of uNK cells and higher clustering level between uNK cells-and-macrophages than women who did conceive. In accordance, the prognostic value of uNK measurement on pregnancy outcome was significantly improved when combined with uNK-to-macrophage clustering analysis simultaneously. Taken together, our results suggested that uNK cells density and clustering level between uNK cells-and macrophages may be a promising predictor for successful implantation after IVF-ET.
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Zhao Y, Zhang T, Guo X, Wong CK, Chen X, Chan YL, Wang CC, Laird S, Li TC. Successful implantation is associated with a transient increase in serum pro-inflammatory cytokine profile followed by a switch to anti-inflammatory cytokine profile prior to confirmation of pregnancy. Fertil Steril 2020; 115:1044-1053. [PMID: 33272613 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.10.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the changing peripheral levels of inflammation-related cytokine profile during a 9-day period after blastocyst transfer between women who did and did not conceive. DESIGN Prospective, observational, and longitudinal study. SETTING University-affiliated hospital. PATIENT(S) Forty-seven women with infertility who were undergoing single day-5 blastocyst transfer were recruited. INTERVENTION(S) This prospective observational and longitudinal study on 47 women with infertility was performed in an in vitro fertilization unit from December 2018 to August 2019. The amounts of a range of cytokines was measured on serial blood samples obtained during a 9-day period after blastocyst transfer. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Serial blood samples were obtained on the day of embryo transfer, and 3, 6, and 9 days afterward for measurement of serum interferon gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, IL-17, IL-18, and IL-22 using cytometric bead arrays; transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) was measured using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. RESULT(S) The cytokine profile was similar between the women who conceived and those who did not on the day of blastocyst transfer. In women who conceived, IFN-γ and IL-17 (pro-inflammatory cytokines) exhibited a transient and significant increase on day 3 after blastocyst transfer, which decreased to the baseline levels by day 6. Meanwhile, IL-10 (anti-inflammatory cytokine) was increased significantly on days 6 and 9, and TGF-β1 (anti-inflammatory cytokine) was increased significantly on day 9 after blastocyst transfer. In women who did not conceive, there was a more pronounced increase in IFN-γ and IL-17 (pro-inflammatory cytokines) on day 3, which was sustained on days 6 and 9 without a switch to an anti-inflammatory cytokine profile. CONCLUSION(S) Among women who conceived after blastocyst embryo transfer, there was a transient and modest increase in serum pro-inflammatory cytokine profile (IFN-γ and IL-17) 3 days after blastocyst transfer, which was followed by a switch to anti-inflammatory cytokine profile (increase IL-10 and TGF-β1) by 6 days after blastocyst transfer and the latter increase was sustained 9 days after blastocyst transfer, when pregnancy was confirmed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwei Zhao
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xi Guo
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Chun Kwok Wong
- Department of Chemical Pathology, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyan Chen
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shenzhen Baoan Women's and Children's Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiu Leung Chan
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Chi Chiu Wang
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China; Reproduction and Development Laboratory, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China; School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China; Chinese University of Hong Kong -Sichuan University Joint Laboratory in Reproductive Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Susan Laird
- Department of Biosciences and Chemistry, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Tin Chiu Li
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China; Chinese University of Hong Kong -Sichuan University Joint Laboratory in Reproductive Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
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Quenby S. Implantation involves an initial pro-inflammatory response. Fertil Steril 2020; 114:288-289. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.05.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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