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Khattak H, Aleem Husain S, Baker D, Greer I. Use of anticoagulants to improve pregnancy outcomes in couples positive for M2 haplotype: A systematic review. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2024; 296:179-184. [PMID: 38452530 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2024.02.039] [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: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Placental mediated pregnancy complications (PMPC) are common, often recurring, and pose a significant health risk to mother and fetus. Evidence suggests that the hypercoagulable state associated with many PMPC, could reflect reduced expression of Annexin 5 (ANXA5), a naturally occurring anticoagulant protein in placental tissue. The ANXA5 M2 haplotype is a genetic variant, which results in reduced expression of ANXA5 protein. M2 haplotype carrier couples may therefore be at increased risk of PMPC. Evidence regarding the effectiveness of anticoagulation to prevent PMPC is inconsistent. Furthermore, studies have not selected or stratified for M2 haplotype carriers, in whom there is a predisposition to hypercoagulability, to assess the effectiveness of anticoagulation, which may vary from those without the M2 haplotype. OBJECTIVES AND RATIONALE The aim of this study was to systematically review the current evidence to assess whether anticoagulant treatment improves pregnancy outcomes in couples positive for M2 haplotype. SEARCH METHODS The review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022343943). A comprehensive literature search was performed using MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane collaboration databases from inception to January 2023. Two reviewers assessed the articles for eligibility and extracted the data simultaneously. Primary outcome was successful pregnancy and live birth. Secondary outcomes included PMPC (implantation failure, miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, preterm birth and fetal growth restriction). OUTCOMES From a pool of 410 references, 10 were selected for full text review, of which three studies (a post hoc analysis of a randomised controlled trial, cohort study and a case report) were included in this review. Included studies comprised of 223 individuals, 129 of whom who received anticoagulation treatment after testing positive for M2 haplotype. The studies collectively showed an improvement in pregnancy outcomes in M2 haplotype positive individuals however, given the heterogeneity of studies, it was not possible to conduct a meta-analysis and draw firm conclusions. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Current evidence is limited, such that the value of screening couples for the M2 haplotype to select or stratify for treatment with prophylactic anticoagulation remains unknown. Thus, further studies including well designed, large, multi-centre randomised controlled trials are required to assess whether anticoagulation treatment will be effective in improving pregnancy outcomes in M2 haplotype couples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajra Khattak
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Women's Health, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Birmingham, Mindelsohn Way, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TH, UK; Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women's Health, University College, London, UK.
| | - Syed Aleem Husain
- Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, Dudley Rd, Birmingham B18 7QH, UK
| | - Deborah Baker
- IHG Pharmaco Ltd, 20-22 Wenlock Road, London N17GU, UK
| | - Ian Greer
- Queen's University Belfast, University Road, Belfast BT7 1NN, Northern Ireland, UK
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Genest G, Banjar S, Almasri W, Beauchamp C, Benoit J, Buckett W, Dzineku F, Gold P, Dahan MH, Jamal W, Jacques Kadoch I, Kadour-Peero E, Lapensée L, Miron P, Shaulov T, Sylvestre C, Tulandi T, Mazer BD, Laskin CA, Mahutte N. Immunomodulation for unexplained recurrent implantation failure: where are we now? Reproduction 2023; 165:R39-R60. [PMID: 36322478 DOI: 10.1530/rep-22-0150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
In brief Immune dysfunction may contribute to or cause recurrent implantation failure. This article summarizes normal and pathologic immune responses at implantation and critically appraises currently used immunomodulatory therapies. Abstract Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) may be defined as the absence of pregnancy despite the transfer of ≥3 good-quality blastocysts and is unexplained in up to 50% of cases. There are currently no effective treatments for patients with unexplained RIF. Since the maternal immune system is intricately involved in mediating endometrial receptivity and embryo implantation, both insufficient and excessive endometrial inflammatory responses during the window of implantation are proposed to lead to implantation failure. Recent strategies to improve conception rates in RIF patients have focused on modulating maternal immune responses at implantation, through either promoting or suppressing inflammation. Unfortunately, there are no validated, readily available diagnostic tests to confirm immune-mediated RIF. As such, immune therapies are often started empirically without robust evidence as to their efficacy. Like other chronic diseases, patient selection for immunomodulatory therapy is crucial, and personalized medicine for RIF patients is emerging. As the literature on the subject is heterogenous and rapidly evolving, we aim to summarize the potential efficacy, mechanisms of actions and side effects of select therapies for the practicing clinician.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geneviève Genest
- Department of Allergy and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal Quebec, Canada
| | - Shorooq Banjar
- Department of Allergy and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal Quebec, Canada
| | - Walaa Almasri
- Department of Allergy and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal Quebec, Canada
| | - Coralie Beauchamp
- Department of Gynaecology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Joanne Benoit
- Department of Gynaecology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - William Buckett
- McGill University Health Centre Reproductive Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Phil Gold
- Department of Allergy and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal Quebec, Canada
| | - Michael H Dahan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Wael Jamal
- Department of Gynaecology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Einav Kadour-Peero
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Louise Lapensée
- Department of Gynaecology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Pierre Miron
- Fertilys Reproductive Center, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Talya Shaulov
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Camille Sylvestre
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Togas Tulandi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Bruce D Mazer
- Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, Division of Allergy Immunology and Clinical Dermatology, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Carl A Laskin
- Deptartments of Medicine and Obstetrics & Gynecology University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Neal Mahutte
- The Montreal Fertility Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Molecular Targets of Aspirin and Prevention of Preeclampsia and Their Potential Association with Circulating Extracellular Vesicles during Pregnancy. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20184370. [PMID: 31492014 PMCID: PMC6769718 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20184370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Uncomplicated healthy pregnancy is the outcome of successful fertilization, implantation of embryos, trophoblast development and adequate placentation. Any deviation in these cascades of events may lead to complicated pregnancies such as preeclampsia (PE). The current incidence of PE is 2–8% in all pregnancies worldwide, leading to high maternal as well as perinatal mortality and morbidity rates. A number of randomized controlled clinical trials observed the association between low dose aspirin (LDA) treatment in early gestational age and significant reduction of early onset of PE in high-risk pregnant women. However, a substantial knowledge gap exists in identifying the particular mechanism of action of aspirin on placental function. It is already established that the placental-derived exosomes (PdE) are present in the maternal circulation from 6 weeks of gestation, and exosomes contain bioactive molecules such as proteins, lipids and RNA that are a “fingerprint” of their originating cells. Interestingly, levels of exosomes are higher in PE compared to normal pregnancies, and changes in the level of PdE during the first trimester may be used to classify women at risk for developing PE. The aim of this review is to discuss the mechanisms of action of LDA on placental and maternal physiological systems including the role of PdE in these phenomena. This review article will contribute to the in-depth understanding of LDA-induced PE prevention.
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Balandina AN, Koltsova EM, Teterina TA, Yakovenko AG, Simonenko EU, Poletaev AV, Zorina IV, Shibeko AM, Vuimo TA, Yakovenko SA, Ataullakhanov FI. An enhanced clot growth rate before in vitro fertilization decreases the probability of pregnancy. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0216724. [PMID: 31120933 PMCID: PMC6532853 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0216724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The shift towards hypercoagulation during in vitro fertilization (IVF) can lead to the impairment of embryo implantation and placental blood circulation, which is believed to be a factor in an unsuccessful IVF cycle. Objectives To assess coagulation in women with infertility before the start of an IVF cycle and during treatment to reveal the association between coagulation imbalance and IVF outcome. Patients/Methods We conducted a prospective cohort observational study including 125 participants who underwent fresh IVF cycles. Blood samples were collected at five time points: before IVF, one week after the start of controlled ovarian stimulation (COS), on the day of follicular puncture, on the day of embryo transfer (ET) and one week after ET. Coagulation tests (clotting times: activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothrombin; fibrinogen and D-dimer concentrations; thrombodynamics) were performed. Results Women with an elevated clot growth velocity (>32.3 μm/min, detected by thrombodynamics) before IVF demonstrated a higher risk of negative IVF outcomes (adjusted RR = 1.38; 95% CI 1.28–1.49; P<0.001). During the procedure, we observed increases in prothrombin, fibrinogen and D-dimer concentrations, a slight shortening of APTT and a hypercoagulation shift in the thrombodynamics parameters. The hemostasis assay values during COS and after ET had no associations with IVF outcomes. Conclusions Hypercoagulation in the thrombodynamics before the start of IVF treatment was associated with negative IVF outcomes. After the start of COS, all tests demonstrated a hypercoagulation trend, but the hypercoagulation did not influence IVF outcome. This research is potentially beneficial for the application of thrombodynamics assay for monitoring hemostasis in infertile women prior to an IVF procedure with the goal of selecting a group requiring hemostasis correction to increase the chances of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. N. Balandina
- Dmitry Rogachev National Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, Moscow, Russia
- Center for Theoretical Problems of Physicochemical Pharmacology, Moscow, Russia
- * E-mail:
| | - E. M. Koltsova
- Dmitry Rogachev National Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, Moscow, Russia
- Center for Theoretical Problems of Physicochemical Pharmacology, Moscow, Russia
| | | | | | | | - A. V. Poletaev
- Dmitry Rogachev National Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - A. M. Shibeko
- Dmitry Rogachev National Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, Moscow, Russia
- Center for Theoretical Problems of Physicochemical Pharmacology, Moscow, Russia
| | - T. A. Vuimo
- Dmitry Rogachev National Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, Moscow, Russia
- Center for Theoretical Problems of Physicochemical Pharmacology, Moscow, Russia
| | - S. A. Yakovenko
- AltraVita IVF clinic, Moscow, Russia
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - F. I. Ataullakhanov
- Dmitry Rogachev National Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, Moscow, Russia
- Center for Theoretical Problems of Physicochemical Pharmacology, Moscow, Russia
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia
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Abstract
There is biological plausibility that coagulation activation underlies a proportion of in vitro fertilisation IVF failures and recurrent early clinical pregnancy loss (RPL). However, low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) use, based upon previous clinical outcome alone, is not effective in preventing RPL. RPL is heterogeneous in mechanism. Identifying those with an underlying thrombotic mechanism would allow stratification for LMWH treatment. Annexin A5 is an anticoagulant protein expressed on the trophoblast surface. The annexin A5 M2 haplotype (ANXA5 M2) is associated with several placenta mediated pregnancy complications (PMPC) and poor IVF outcome. It is transmitted equally by males and females. A pragmatic observational study of IVF couples screened for M2 carriage and treated with LMWH achieved a 37.9% live birth rate, similar to an unscreened and untreated group with fewer adverse risk factors for conception and a better prognosis from assisted conception. This suggests that LMWH may counteract the adverse effects of M2 carriage. Using this biomarker to stratify IVF and PMPC patients for LMWH treatment merits further evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Fishel
- CARE Fertility Group, John Webster House, 6 Lawrence Drive, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Deborah J Baker
- IHG Pharmaco Ltd, 20-22 Wenlock Road, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Ian A Greer
- Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, Core Technology, Facility, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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Fishel S, Baker D, Elson J, Ragunath M, Atkinson G, Shaker A, Omar A, Kazem R, Beccles A, Greer IA. Precision Medicine in Assisted Conception: A Multicenter Observational Treatment Cohort Study of the Annexin A5 M2 Haplotype as a Biomarker for Antithrombotic Treatment to Improve Pregnancy Outcome. EBioMedicine 2016; 10:298-304. [PMID: 27440469 PMCID: PMC5006578 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2016.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Revised: 06/15/2016] [Accepted: 06/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnancy failure and placenta mediated pregnancy complications affect >25% of pregnancies. Although there is biological plausibility for a procoagulant mechanism underlying some of these events, antithrombotic intervention trials demonstrate limited benefit, possibly through lack of stratification in heterogeneous patient groups. The ANXA5 M2 haplotype is a possible procoagulant biomarker and was tested pragmatically to determine whether this screening and LMWH treatment normalized the outcome for ANXA5 M2 positive couples. This was a pragmatic study that aimed to measure the effectiveness of a testing (for the M2 haplotype) and treatment (LMWH) pathway in routine clinical practice where there is variation between patients. Such a study in couples with fertility problems can inform choices between treatments; it is then the management protocol which is the subject of the investigation, not the individual treatments. METHODS Couples (N=77) with one or both partners ANXA5 M2 positive demonstrated association of this haplotype with adverse IVF outcome. A pragmatic, multicenter, prospective cohort study of ANXA5 M2 haplotype screening, and LWMH treatment following embryo transfer (ET) in 103 IVF couples positive for ANXA5 M2 was performed. They were compared with a group of 1000 contemporaneous randomly selected unscreened and untreated couples undergoing assisted conception, from which 103 matched control couples were derived. The primary outcome measure was live birth incidence. Secondary outcomes were results following embryo transfer (ET) and live birth outcome by gender and M2 carriage, and allelic dose influence. FINDINGS The tested and treated cohort of ANXA5 M2 carriers achieved a similar live birth rate (37.9%) per ET cycle compared to both the more fertile comparison group (38.5%), and to the 103 matched controls (33.0%). Significantly more treated male carrier only couples had a live birth versus female M2 only (47.7% vs. 25.0% p=0.045). INTERPRETATION Pragmatic ANXA5 M5 screening and treatment with LMWH in couples undergoing IVF is associated with similar outcome to couples with more favorable prognostic factors. The difference in live birth outcome for treated male only carrier couples may be consistent with an additional maternal thrombophilic factor that may adversely affect pregnancy, although other mechanisms are possible. This study suggests that LMWH treatment should be started prior to clinical pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Fishel
- CARE Fertility Group, John Webster House, 6 Lawrence Drive, Nottingham NG8 6PZ, UK
| | - Deborah Baker
- IHG Pharmaco Ltd, 20-22 Wenlock Road, London N1 7GU, UK.
| | - Janine Elson
- CARE Fertility Group, John Webster House, 6 Lawrence Drive, Nottingham NG8 6PZ, UK
| | - Maha Ragunath
- CARE Nottingham, John Webster House, 6 Lawrence Drive, Nottingham NG8 6PZ, UK
| | - Glenn Atkinson
- CARE Manchester, 108-112 Daisy Bank Road, Victoria Park, Manchester M14 5QH, UK
| | - Adel Shaker
- CARE Sheffield, 24-26 Glen Road, Sheffield S7 1RA, UK
| | - Ahmed Omar
- Beacon CARE Fertility, Beacon Court, Bracken Road, Sandyford, Dublin 18, Ireland
| | - Rahnuma Kazem
- CARE Northampton, Cliftonville, The Avenue, Northampton NN1 5BT, UK
| | - Ashley Beccles
- CARE Fertility Group, John Webster House, 6 Lawrence Drive, Nottingham NG8 6PZ, UK
| | - Ian A Greer
- Faculty of Medical & Human, Sciences, Core Technology, Facility, 46 Grafton, Street, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9NT, UK
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Sacks G. Enough! Stop the arguments and get on with the science of natural killer cell testing. Hum Reprod 2015; 30:1526-1531. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dev096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/30/2023] Open
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Gizzo S, Capuzzo D, Zicchina C, Di Gangi S, Coronella ML, Andrisani A, Gangemi M, Nardelli GB. Could empirical low-dose-aspirin administration during IVF cycle affect both the oocytes and embryos quality via COX 1-2 activity inhibition? J Assist Reprod Genet 2014; 31:261-8. [PMID: 24435454 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-014-0174-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2013] [Accepted: 01/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare qualitative and quantitative ovarian response in idiopathic infertile women treated with low-dose-aspirin (LDA) during in-vitro-fertilization (IVF) cycles (pl) versus untreated ones. METHODS We conducted an observational-cohort-study on normo-responders patients aged between 25 and 45,years referred to Assisted-Reproductive Unit --University of Padua--in order to evaluate the ovarian response effects (both qualitative and quantitative) after LDA administration. In detail we aim to assess if LDA administration could improve ovarian response, reducing the gonadotropin administration, and if its administration could increase the amount of follicles greater than 16 mm at pick-up, the amount and quality of oocytes retrieved, the amount and quality of embryos, the chance to achieve a pregnancy and to carry it on. RESULTS One hundred six LDA-treated patients (Group-A) and 100 not-treated ones (Group-B) were homogeneous for age and BMI. The Group-A, compared to Group-B, showed higher gonadotropin request, higher number of ovarian follicles at pick-up, more follicles bigger than 16 mm in diameter and more retrieved oocytes (despite higher number of immature and at germinal vesicle stage oocytes) but lower quality of obtained embryos. The comparison between two Groups in term of retrieved oocytes /number of follicles, mature oocytes/retrieved oocytes, fertilized oocytes/mature oocytes and good embryos quality/mature oocytes showed a strongly advantageous ratio for Group-B. For each considered outcome, we found a dose-related effect. CONCLUSIONS It is mandatory to define which patients could benefit from LDA administration and the adequate timing to administer it since the empirical administration could negatively affect both oocyte and embryo quality during IVF cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Gizzo
- Department of Woman and Child Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy,
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Vlachadis N, Tsamadias V, Economou E. Aspirin to improve IVF unexplained implantation rates: time for an individualized approach. Reprod Biomed Online 2013; 28:133. [PMID: 24125945 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2013.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2013] [Accepted: 09/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Vassileios Tsamadias
- Clinical Laboratory of Therapeutic Individualization, Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Aretaieio hospital, 76 Vasilissis Sofias Avenue, 11528, Athens, Greece
| | - Emmanouel Economou
- Clinical Laboratory of Therapeutic Individualization, Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Aretaieio hospital, 76 Vasilissis Sofias Avenue, 11528, Athens, Greece
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