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Nikolaeva M, Arefieva A, Babayan A, Aksenov V, Zhukova A, Kalinina E, Krechetova L, Sukhikh G. Stress Biomarkers Transferred Into the Female Reproductive Tract by Seminal Plasma Are Associated with ICSI Outcomes. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:1732-1746. [PMID: 38393625 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01486-y] [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: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to determine whether male stress is related to seminal stress biomarkers and pregnancy achievement in women exposed to their partner's seminal plasma (SP) in the intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycle. In this pilot prospective study, 20 couples undergoing ICSI, as well as 5 fertile sperm donors and 10 saliva donors, were investigated. Women were exposed to their partner's SP via unprotected sexual intercourse during the ICSI cycle and intravaginal application on the day of ovum pick-up (Day-OPU). Semen samples were collected from male partners by masturbation on the Day-OPU. Saliva and serum samples were collected prior to masturbation. Body fluids were frozen at - 80 °C until assayed. Biomarkers of activity of the sympathetic adrenomedullary axis (salivary alpha-amylase and adrenaline), sympathetic neural axis (noradrenaline and dopamine), hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) system (cortisol), and immune system (C-reactive protein and interleukin (IL)-18) were estimated to examine their association with SP composition and clinical pregnancy achievement. The clinical pregnancy rate was 45.0%. In the unsuccessful ICSI group, blunted levels of salivary and serum cortisol were found compared to the successful ICSI group and the fertile sperm donors. With regard to seminal markers, decreased cortisol level and elevated noradrenaline, noradrenaline/cortisol ratio, and lL-18 levels were strongly associated with ICSI failure (areas under the ROC curves were, 0.813, 0.848, 0.899, and 0.828, respectively). These findings confirm that stress response systems activity affects SP composition, which in turn is associated with ICSI outcomes in women exposed to their partner's SP during an ICSI cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Nikolaeva
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named After Academician V.I. Kulakov, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia.
| | - Alla Arefieva
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named After Academician V.I. Kulakov, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alina Babayan
- Department of Assisted Technologies in Treatment of Infertility, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named After Academician V.I. Kulakov, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Anastasia Zhukova
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named After Academician V.I. Kulakov, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena Kalinina
- Department of Assisted Technologies in Treatment of Infertility, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named After Academician V.I. Kulakov, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Liubov Krechetova
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named After Academician V.I. Kulakov, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Gennady Sukhikh
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named After Academician V.I. Kulakov, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
- First Moscow State Medical University Named After I.M. Sechenov, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
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van den Berg JS, Molina NM, Altmäe S, Arends B, Steba GS. A systematic review identifying seminal plasma biomarkers and their predictive ability on IVF and ICSI outcomes. Reprod Biomed Online 2024; 48:103622. [PMID: 38128376 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.103622] [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: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
The diverse nature and high molecule concentration of seminal plasma (SP) makes this fluid a good potential source for a potential biomarker that could predict assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes. Currently, semen quality parameters cannot accurately predict ART outcomes. A systematic literature search was conducted to identify human SP biomarkers with potential predictive ability for the outcomes of IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Observational cohort and case-control studies describing the association between biomarkers in human SP and the outcome of infertile men attending for ART were included. Forty-three studies were selected, reporting on 89 potential SP biomarkers (grouped as oxidative stress, proteins glycoproteins, metabolites, immune system components, metals and trace elements and nucleic acids). The present review supports 32 molecules in SP as potentially relevant biomarkers for predicting ART outcomes; 23 molecules were reported once and nine molecules were reported in more than one study; IL-18 and TGF-β1-IL-18 ratio were confirmed in distinct studies. This review presents the most comprehensive overview of relevant SP biomarkers to predict ART outcomes to date, which is of clinical interest for infertility investigations and assisted reproduction; nevertheless, its potential is under-exploited. This review could serve as starting point for designing an all-encompassing study for biomarkers in SP and their predictive ability for ART outcomes, and for developing a non-invasive diagnostic tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonna S van den Berg
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecology, Division Female and Baby, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Nerea M Molina
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
| | - Signe Altmäe
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain; Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Brigitte Arends
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecology, Division Female and Baby, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Gaby Sarina Steba
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecology, Division Female and Baby, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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Chen Y, Miao C, Zhao Y, Yang L, Wang R, Shen D, Ren N, Zhang Q. Inflammasomes in human reproductive diseases. Mol Hum Reprod 2023; 29:gaad035. [PMID: 37788097 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaad035] [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: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammasomes are multi-protein complexes localized within immune and non-immune cells that induce caspase activation, proinflammatory cytokine secretion, and ultimately pyroptosis-a type of cell death. Inflammasomes are involved in a variety of human diseases, especially acute or chronic inflammatory diseases. In this review, we focused on the strong correlation between the NLRP3 inflammasome and various reproductive diseases, including ovarian aging or premature ovarian insufficiency, PCOS, endometriosis, recurrent spontaneous abortion, preterm labor, pre-eclampsia, and male subfertility, as well as the multifaceted role of NLRP3 in the pathogenesis and treatment of these diseases. In addition, we provide an overview of the structure and amplification of inflammasomes. This comprehensive review demonstrates the vital role of NLRP3 inflammasome activation in human reproductive diseases together with the underlying mechanisms, offers new insights for mechanistic studies of reproduction, and provides promising possibilities for the development of drugs targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome for the treatment of reproductive disorders in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Chen
- Department of TCM Gynecology, Hangzhou TCM Hospital affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chenyun Miao
- Department of TCM Gynecology, Hangzhou TCM Hospital affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ying Zhao
- Department of TCM Gynecology, Hangzhou TCM Hospital affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liuqing Yang
- Department of TCM Gynecology, Hangzhou TCM Hospital affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ruye Wang
- Department of TCM Gynecology, Hangzhou TCM Hospital affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dan Shen
- Department of TCM Gynecology, Hangzhou TCM Hospital affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ning Ren
- Department of TCM Gynecology, Hangzhou TCM Hospital affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qin Zhang
- Department of TCM Gynecology, Hangzhou TCM Hospital affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
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The NLRP3 inflammasome: molecular activation and regulation in spermatogenesis and male infertility; a systematic review. Basic Clin Androl 2022; 32:8. [PMID: 35637440 PMCID: PMC9150048 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-022-00157-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Infertility related to varicocele, infections, metabolic dysfunctions, oxidative stress and environmental toxicants is also associated with inflammatory processes that ultimately lead to the activation of the inflammasome pathway (IP). IP is classically activated by DAMPs, MAMPs or LAMPs, which stand for Damage-, Microbe- or Lifestyle-Associated Molecular Patterns, respectively. The most important player in IP activation is the NLRP3 (NOD[Nuclear oligomerization domain]-, LRR[Leucine rich repeat]- and pyrin domain-containing protein 3) which functions as an intracellular sensor of D/M/L-AMPs resulting in activation of caspase-1, promotion of apoptosis, pyroptosis and generation of inflammatory cytokines. This review addresses the question of whether IP activation might be associated with male infertility situations. Results & conclusions We conducted a systematic review of articles published in the Google Scholar, and PubMed databases through October 2021. It turns out that inflammasome activation and its consequences including cytokine storms, apoptosis and pyroptosis could be associated with the reduced sperm count as well as the structural and functional sperm defects recorded in several situations associated with male infertility suggesting that anti-inflammatory therapeutic strategies could be possibly considered to restore male fertility in future research.
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Rajak P, Roy S, Dutta M, Podder S, Sarkar S, Ganguly A, Mandi M, Khatun S. Understanding the cross-talk between mediators of infertility and COVID-19. Reprod Biol 2021; 21:100559. [PMID: 34547545 PMCID: PMC8407955 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2021.100559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 is the ongoing health emergency affecting individuals of all ages around the globe. Initially, the infection was reported to affect pulmonary structures. However, recent studies have delineated the impacts of COVID-19 on the reproductive system of both men and women. Hence, the present review aims to shed light on the distribution of SARS-CoV-2 entry factors in various reproductive organs. In addition, impacts of COVID-19 mediators like disrupted renin angiotensin system, oxidative stress, cytokine storm, fever, and the mental stress on reproductive physiology have also been discussed. For the present study, various keywords were used to search literature on PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases. Articles were screened for relevancy and were studied in detail for qualitative synthesis of the review. Through our literature review, we found a multitude of effects of COVID-19 mediators on reproductive systems. Studies reported expression of receptors like ACE-2, TMPRSS2, and CD147 in the testes, epididymis, prostrate, seminal vesicles, and ovarian follicles. These proteins are known to serve as major SARS-CoV-2 entry factors. The expression of lysosomal cathepsins (CTSB/CTSL) and/ neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) are also evident in the testes, epididymis, seminal vesicles, fallopian tube, cervix, and endometrium. The binding of viral spike protein with ACE-2 was found to alter the renin-angiotensin cascade, which could invite additional infertility problems. Furthermore, COVID-19 mediated cytokine storm, oxidative stress, and elevated body temperature could be detrimental to gametogenesis, steroidogenesis, and reproductive cycles in patients. Finally, social isolation, confinement, and job insecurities have fueled mental stress and frustration that might promote glucocorticoid-mediated subnormal sperm quality in men and higher risk of miscarriage in women. Hence, the influence of COVID-19 on the alteration of reproductive health and fertility is quite apparent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prem Rajak
- Department of Animal Science, Kazi Nazrul University, Asansol, West Bengal, India.
| | - Sumedha Roy
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Moumita Dutta
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sayanti Podder
- Post Graduate Department of Zoology, Modern College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Ganeshkhind, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Saurabh Sarkar
- Department of Zoology, Gushkara Mahavidyalaya, Gushkara, Purba Bardhaman, West Bengal, India
| | - Abhratanu Ganguly
- Post Graduate Department of Zoology, A.B.N. Seal College, Cooch Behar, West Bengal, India
| | - Moutushi Mandi
- Toxicology Research Unit, Department of Zoology, The University of Burdwan, Purba Bardhaman, West Bengal, India
| | - Salma Khatun
- Department of Zoology, Krishna Chandra College, Hetampur, West Bengal, India
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Wang F, Yang W, Ouyang S, Yuan S. The Vehicle Determines the Destination: The Significance of Seminal Plasma Factors for Male Fertility. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228499. [PMID: 33198061 PMCID: PMC7696680 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Of all human infertility cases, up to 50% show contributing factors leading to defects in the male reproductive physiology. Seminal plasma (SP) is the biological fluid derived from the male accessory sex gland which carries spermatozoa passing throughout the male and female reproductive tract during ejaculation. It contains a complicated set of heterogeneous molecular structures, including proteins, cell-free nucleic acid (DNA, microRNA and LncRNA), and small-molecule metabolites as well as inorganic chemicals (ions). For a long time, the substantial significance of seminal plasma factors’ functions has been underestimated, which is restricted to spermatozoa transport and protection. Notably, significant advancements have been made in dissecting seminal plasma components, revealing new insights into multiple aspects of sperm function, as well as fertilization and pregnancy outcomes in recent years. In this review, we summarize the state-of-art discoveries regarding SP compositions and their implications in male fertility, particularly describing the novel understanding of seminal plasma components and related modifications using “omics” approaches and mainly focusing on proteome and RNA-seq data in the latest decade. Meanwhile, we highlighted the proposed mechanism of the regulation of SP molecules on immunomodulation in the female reproductive tract. Moreover, we also discussed the proteins investigated as non-invasive diagnosis biomarkers for male infertility in the clinic.
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Nikolaeva M, Arefieva A, Babayan A, Chagovets V, Kitsilovskaya N, Starodubtseva N, Frankevich V, Kalinina E, Krechetova L, Sukhikh G. Immunoendocrine Markers of Stress in Seminal Plasma at IVF/ICSI Failure: a Preliminary Study. Reprod Sci 2020; 28:144-158. [PMID: 32638280 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00253-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
We have previously shown that high level of seminal interleukin (IL)-18 is positively associated with a greater risk of pregnancy failure in women exposed to their partners' seminal plasma (SP) during the in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycle. Since IL-18 and IL-1β considered to be the key immune markers of stress, here we ask whether their increase in SP may be due to the stress experienced by men engaged in the IVF programs. Therefore, we correlated seminal IL-18 with IL-1β and both cytokines with the seminal steroids, whose increase indicates the activation of neuroendocrine stress response systems. Retrospective analysis of stored seminal samples was performed. Based on previously identified cutoff level for content of IL-18 per ejaculate, samples with high IL-18 content from IVF failure group (n = 9), as well as samples with low IL-18 content from IVF success group (n = 7), were included in the study. Seminal cytokines were evaluated using FlowCytomix™ technology. A set of 16 biologically active steroids in SP was quantified by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Concentrations and total amounts per ejaculate of cytokines and steroids were determined. A positive significant correlation was found between the levels of IL-18 and IL-1β. There was also a positive correlation between IL-18 or IL-1β and 17-α-hydroxypregnenolone, 17-α-hydroxyprogesterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), DHEA sulfate (DHEAS), androstenedione, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, progesterone, corticosterone, 11-deoxycorticosterone, and the ratio of DHEAS/cortisol. We suggested that stress-related overexpression of immune and hormonal factors in SP may be the key link between male stress and embryo implantation failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Nikolaeva
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Oparina str. 4, Moscow, Russia, 117997.
| | - Alla Arefieva
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Oparina str. 4, Moscow, Russia, 117997
| | - Alina Babayan
- Department of Assisted Technologies in Treatment of Infertility, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Oparina str. 4, Moscow, Russia, 117997
| | - Vitaliy Chagovets
- Department of Systems Biology, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Oparina str. 4, Moscow, Russia, 117997
| | - Natalia Kitsilovskaya
- Department of Systems Biology, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Oparina str. 4, Moscow, Russia, 117997
| | - Natalia Starodubtseva
- Department of Systems Biology, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Oparina str. 4, Moscow, Russia, 117997.,Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Institutskiy per. 9, Dolgoprudny, Moscow, Russia, 141701
| | - Vladimir Frankevich
- Department of Systems Biology, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Oparina str. 4, Moscow, Russia, 117997
| | - Elena Kalinina
- Department of Assisted Technologies in Treatment of Infertility, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Oparina str. 4, Moscow, Russia, 117997
| | - Lubov Krechetova
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Oparina str. 4, Moscow, Russia, 117997
| | - Gennady Sukhikh
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Oparina str. 4, Moscow, Russia, 117997.,First Moscow State Medical University named after I.M. Sechenov, Trubetskaya str. 8-2, Moscow, Russia, 119991
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Kanannejad Z, Jahromi BN, Gharesi-Fard B. Seminal plasma and CD4 + T-cell cytokine profiles in the in vitro fertilization success. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN MEDICAL SCIENCES 2020; 25:26. [PMID: 32419783 PMCID: PMC7212999 DOI: 10.4103/jrms.jrms_238_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 08/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Background: Abnormal female immune response is one of the potential causes of unexplained infertility (UI). Seminal plasma (SP) is an important regulator of female immune responses during pregnancy. This study investigated a SP effect on the expression of CD4+ T-cell-related cytokines in a group of UI woman candidates for in vitro fertilization (IVF) and healthy fertile women. Materials and Methods: This was a semi-experimental study that performed on 20 UI couples (ten unsuccessful and ten successful IVF outcomes) and 10 fertile couples as the healthy group. CD4+ T-cells were separated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of women by magnetic-activated cell sorting technique and incubated with (stimulated condition) or without (unstimulated condition) SP of their husbands. After incubation, real-time polymerase chain reaction method was used to investigate interleukin (IL)-23, IL-17, IL-4, IL-10, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, and interferon (IFN)-γ gene expression. Mann–Whitney U-test, Kruskal–Wallis test, and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used for statistical analysis. Results: Baseline TCD4+ mRNA levels of IL-23 (P = 0.03) and TGF-β (P = 0.01) were different between healthy and infertile groups. However, IL-17, IL-4, IFN-γ, and IL-10 were expressed similarly regardless of fertility status. Comparing mRNA expression before and after SP exposure, our results have shown that relative expression of IL-23 significantly increased in successful (P = 0.04) and unsuccessful IVF groups (P = 0.01), whereas IL-10 expression increased only in the IVF failure group (P = 0.01). Conclusion: SP can make a positive effect on IVF outcome through alteration in CD4 + T-cell-related cytokines expression, especially IL-10 and IL-23.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Kanannejad
- Department of Immunology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Bahia Namavar Jahromi
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Infertility Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Behrouz Gharesi-Fard
- Department of Immunology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Infertility Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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du Fossé N, van der Hoorn ML, Eikmans M, Heidt S, le Cessie S, Mulders A, van Lith J, Lashley E. Evaluating the role of paternal factors in aetiology and prognosis of recurrent pregnancy loss: study protocol for a hospital-based multicentre case-control study and cohort study (REMI III project). BMJ Open 2019; 9:e033095. [PMID: 31727666 PMCID: PMC6887057 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-033095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is defined as the spontaneous demise of two or more pregnancies before the fetus reaches viability. Despite investigation of multiple known maternal risk factors, in more than 50% of couples, this condition remains unexplained. Studies focusing on paternal factors in RPL are scarce, and therefore, paternal evaluation in RPL is currently very limited. However, regarding single miscarriage, there are multiple publications suggesting a contributive role of paternal factors. In this project, we aim to identify paternal factors associated with RPL and to improve couple-specific prediction of future pregnancy outcomes by developing a prediction model containing both maternal and paternal factors. METHODS AND ANALYSIS In a case-control design, the relation between unexplained RPL and paternal age, lifestyle factors, sperm DNA damage and immunomodulatory factors in peripheral blood and semen will be studied. Prospectively, 135 couples with naturally conceived unexplained RPL (cases) and 135 fertile couples without a history of pregnancy loss (controls) will be included, with collection of paternal blood and semen samples and documentation of clinical and lifestyle characteristics. In addition, 600 couples from both groups will be included retrospectively. To adjust for confounders, multivariate logistic regression will be used. The predictive value of paternal and maternal factors will be studied in the total RPL cohort consisting of approximately 735 couples. The primary outcome of the cohort study is live birth within 5 years after initial visit of the clinic. Secondary outcomes are ongoing pregnancy, time interval until next pregnancy and pregnancy complications. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This project is approved by the Medical Research Ethics Committee of the Leiden University Medical Center. No risks or burden are expected from the study. The findings of this study will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications and presentations at international conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NL7762.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia du Fossé
- Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Michael Eikmans
- Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Sebastiaan Heidt
- Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Saskia le Cessie
- Clinical Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Annemarie Mulders
- Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan van Lith
- Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Eileen Lashley
- Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Nikolaeva M, Babayan A, Stepanova E, Arefieva A, Dontsova T, Smolnikova V, Kalinina E, Krechetova L, Pavlovich S, Sukhikh G. The Link Between Seminal Cytokine Interleukin 18, Female Circulating Regulatory T Cells, and IVF/ICSI Success. Reprod Sci 2018; 26:1034-1044. [DOI: 10.1177/1933719118804404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Seminal plasma (SP) is thought to be a crucial factor which affects the expansion of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in female reproductive tract during embryo implantation. We propose that seminal transforming growth factor (TGF) β1 is responsible for local accumulation of circulating Tregs, which manifests as changes in Treg frequency in peripheral blood, whereas seminal interleukin (IL) 18 interferes with TGF-β1-dependent cellular reactions. The purpose of the present study is to determine whether the frequency of circulating Tregs is associated with the levels of seminal cytokines and pregnancy establishment in women exposed to partner’s SP during in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycle. Twenty-nine women were exposed to SP via timed intercourse before the day of ovum pickup (day-OPU) and also subjected to intravaginal SP application just after OPU. Measurements of seminal TGF-β1 and IL-18 were made by FlowCytomix technology. The percentage of CD4+CD25+CD127low+/ – Tregs among total circulating CD4+ T cells was determined by flow cytometry and the difference between Treg values on the day of embryo transfer and day-OPU was calculated. The percentage of Tregs on the day-OPU, identified as a predictive factor of clinical pregnancy after IVF/ICSI, showed a positive correlation with IL-18 concentration and content of this cytokine per ejaculate ( P < .001 and P < .004, respectively) and negative correlation with the TGF-β1/IL-18 ratio ( P < .014).These findings indicate that the adverse effect of seminal IL-18 excess on implantation may be realized by the prevention of postcoital TGF-β1-related migration of circulating Tregs, which clearly manifests as elevated level of Treg frequency in peripheral blood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Nikolaeva
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alina Babayan
- Department of Assisted Technologies in Treatment of Infertility, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena Stepanova
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alla Arefieva
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Tatiana Dontsova
- Department of Assisted Technologies in Treatment of Infertility, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Veronika Smolnikova
- Department of Assisted Technologies in Treatment of Infertility, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena Kalinina
- Department of Assisted Technologies in Treatment of Infertility, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Lubov Krechetova
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Stanislav Pavlovich
- Department of Assisted Technologies in Treatment of Infertility, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Gennady Sukhikh
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
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11
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Saccone G, Di Spiezio Sardo A, Ciardulli A, Caissutti C, Spinelli M, Surbek D, Wolff M. Effectiveness of seminal plasma in in vitro fertilisation treatment: a systematic review and meta‐analysis. BJOG 2017; 126:220-225. [DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.15004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- G Saccone
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry School of Medicine University of Naples Federico II Naples Italy
| | - A Di Spiezio Sardo
- Department of Public Health School of Medicine University of Naples Federico II Naples Italy
| | - A Ciardulli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology University of Rome Rome Italy
| | - C Caissutti
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Medical Science DISM Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology University of Udine Udine Italy
| | - M Spinelli
- Department of Clinical Research University of Bern Bern Switzerland
| | - D Surbek
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology University of Bern Bern Switzerland
| | - M Wolff
- Division of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine University Women's Hospital Bern Switzerland
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12
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Nederlof I, Meuleman T, van der Hoorn M, Claas F, Eikmans M. The seed to success: The role of seminal plasma in pregnancy. J Reprod Immunol 2017; 123:24-28. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2017.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Revised: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 08/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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13
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Salmassi A, Fattahi A, Nouri M, Hedderich J, Schmutzler AG. Expression of mRNA and protein of IL-18 and its receptor in human follicular granulosa cells. J Endocrinol Invest 2017; 40:447-454. [PMID: 27914037 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-016-0590-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2016] [Accepted: 11/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE There is no information available about the IL-18 receptor in ovarian follicles, so the present study attempts to demonstrate the expression of IL-18 and its receptor in human granulosa cells (GCs). METHODS To evaluate the concentration of IL-18 in serum and follicular fluid (FF), we collected serum and FF from 102 women undergoing oocyte retrieval. Also, to detect expression of IL-18 and its receptor by luteinized GCs, these cells were pooled six times from a total of twenty individual patients with 5-16 follicles each. The IL-18 concentration was determined by ELISA and the expression of IL-18 and its receptor by immunocytochemistry and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Our results showed that the median IL-18 concentration in serum, 159.27 pg/ml (IQR 121.41-210.1), was significantly higher than in FF, 142.1 pg/ml (IQR 95.7-176.5), p < 0.001. Moreover, we found that IL-18 and its receptor are expressed by GCs. CONCLUSION The presence of IL-18 in FF and the expression of IL-18 and its receptor by GCs suggest an important role for this cytokine in ovarian function.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Salmassi
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women's Hospital, University Hospitals Schleswig-Holstein, Christian-Albrechts-University, Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller Str. 3, House 24, 24105, Kiel, Germany.
| | - A Fattahi
- Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - M Nouri
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - J Hedderich
- Institute of Medical Informatics and Statistics, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - A G Schmutzler
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women's Hospital, University Hospitals Schleswig-Holstein, Christian-Albrechts-University, Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller Str. 3, House 24, 24105, Kiel, Germany
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