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Murrieta-Coxca JM, Fuentes-Zacarias P, Ospina-Prieto S, Markert UR, Morales-Prieto DM. Synergies of Extracellular Vesicles and Microchimerism in Promoting Immunotolerance During Pregnancy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:837281. [PMID: 35844513 PMCID: PMC9285877 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.837281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The concept of biological identity has been traditionally a central issue in immunology. The assumption that entities foreign to a specific organism should be rejected by its immune system, while self-entities do not trigger an immune response is challenged by the expanded immunotolerance observed in pregnancy. To explain this "immunological paradox", as it was first called by Sir Peter Medawar, several mechanisms have been described in the last decades. Among them, the intentional transfer and retention of small amounts of cells between a mother and her child have gained back attention. These microchimeric cells contribute to expanding allotolerance in both organisms and enhancing genetic fitness, but they could also provoke aberrant alloimmune activation. Understanding the mechanisms used by microchimeric cells to exert their function in pregnancy has proven to be challenging as per definition they are extremely rare. Profiting from studies in the field of transplantation and cancer research, a synergistic effect of microchimerism and cellular communication based on the secretion of extracellular vesicles (EVs) has begun to be unveiled. EVs are already known to play a pivotal role in feto-maternal tolerance by transferring cargo from fetal to maternal immune cells to reshape their function. A further aspect of EVs is their function in antigen presentation either directly or on the surface of recipient cells. Here, we review the current understanding of microchimerism in the feto-maternal tolerance during human pregnancy and the potential role of EVs in mediating the allorecognition and tropism of microchimeric cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Udo R. Markert
- Placenta Lab, Department of Obstetrics, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
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Lai A, Palma C, Salas A, Carrion F, Salomon C. Targeted Mass Spectrometry-Based Proteomics Method to Quantify Placental Extracellular Vesicles. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2504:79-89. [PMID: 35467280 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2341-1_6] [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] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) carry a wide range of molecules, such as proteins, RNAs, and DNA. EVs are secreted from a wide range of cells, including placental cells. Interestingly, EVs secreted from placental cells have been identified in maternal circulation as early as 6 weeks of gestation, and their concentration increases with the gestational age. While there is growing interest in elucidating the role of exosomes during normal and complicated pregnancies, progress in the field has been delayed because of the inability to quantify placental EVs from the maternal circulation. Recent reports have demonstrated the presence of placental-type alkaline phosphatase (PLAP) EVs only in the blood of pregnant women, indicating that PLAP is a marker to identify EVs secreted from the placenta. Therefore, here we describe a workflow to quantify placental EVs from maternal circulation using a targeted proteomics approach based on selecting specific peptides identified in the PLAP protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Lai
- Exosome Biology Laboratory, University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Carlos Palma
- Exosome Biology Laboratory, University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Alexis Salas
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Flavio Carrion
- Departamento de Investigación, Postgrado y Educación Continua (DIPEC), Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Alba, Santiago, Chile
| | - Carlos Salomon
- Exosome Biology Laboratory, University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Concepción, Concepción, Chile.
- Departamento de Investigación, Postgrado y Educación Continua (DIPEC), Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Alba, Santiago, Chile.
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Murrieta-Coxca JM, Aengenheister L, Schmidt A, Markert UR, Buerki-Thurnherr T, Morales-Prieto DM. Addressing microchimerism in pregnancy by ex vivo human placenta perfusion. Placenta 2021; 117:78-86. [PMID: 34773744 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The physical connection of mother and offspring during pregnancy allows the bi-directional exchange of a small number of cells through the placenta. These cells, which can persist long-term in the recipient individual are genetically foreign to it and therefore fulfill the principle of microchimerism. Over the last years, pioneer research on microchimeric cells revealed their role in immune adaptation during pregnancy and priming of tolerogenic responses in the progeny. However, the mechanisms involved in cell transfer across the placenta barrier remain poorly investigated. In this review, we summarize the evidence of fetomaternal microchimerism, propose a mechanism for cell trafficking through the placenta and discuss the different models and techniques available for its analysis. Likewise, we aim to generate interest in the use of ex vivo placenta perfusion to investigate microchimerism in physiological and pathological settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Leonie Aengenheister
- Laboratory for Particles-Biology Interactions, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Astrid Schmidt
- Placenta Lab, Department of Obstetrics, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Udo R Markert
- Placenta Lab, Department of Obstetrics, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany.
| | - Tina Buerki-Thurnherr
- Laboratory for Particles-Biology Interactions, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, St. Gallen, Switzerland
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Xu S, Wu L, Qin Y, Jiang Y, Sun K, Holcomb C, Gravett MG, Vojtech L, Schiro PG, Chiu DT. Sequential Ensemble-Decision Aliquot Ranking Isolation and Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization Identification of Rare Cells from Blood by Using Concentrated Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells. Anal Chem 2021; 93:3196-3201. [PMID: 33528996 PMCID: PMC9901914 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.0c04629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Isolation and analysis of circulating rare cells is a promising approach for early detection of cancer and other diseases and for prenatal diagnosis. Isolation of rare cells is usually difficult due to their heterogeneity as well as their low abundance in peripheral blood. We previously reported a two-stage ensemble-decision aliquot ranking platform (S-eDAR) for isolating circulating tumor cells from whole blood with high throughput, high recovery rate (>90%), and good purity (>70%), allowing detection of low surface antigen-expressing cancer cells linked to metastasis. However, due to the scarcity of these cells, large sample volumes and large quantities of antibodies were required to isolate sufficient cells for downstream analysis. Here, we drastically increased the number of nucleated cells analyzed by first concentrating peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from whole blood by density gradient centrifugation. The S-eDAR platform was capable of isolating rare cells from concentrated PBMCs (108/mL, equivalent to processing ∼20 mL of whole blood in the 1 mL sample volume used by our instrument) at a high recovery rate (>85%). We then applied the S-eDAR platform for isolating rare fetal nucleated red blood cells (fNRBCs) from concentrated PBMCs spiked with umbilical cord blood cells and confirmed fNRBC recovery by immunostaining and fluorescence in situ hybridization, demonstrating the potential of the S-eDAR system for isolating rare fetal cells from maternal PBMCs to improve noninvasive prenatal diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihan Xu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA,Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Li Wu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA,School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Yuling Qin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA,School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Yifei Jiang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kai Sun
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Chenee Holcomb
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Michael G. Gravett
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lucia Vojtech
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Daniel T. Chiu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA,Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Wei X, Chen K, Guo S, Liu W, Zhao XZ. Emerging Microfluidic Technologies for the Detection of Circulating Tumor Cells and Fetal Nucleated Red Blood Cells. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2021; 4:1140-1155. [DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.0c01325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyun Wei
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Micro- and Nano-Structures of Ministry of Education, School of Physics and Technology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Information and 3D Bioprinting of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Keke Chen
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Micro- and Nano-Structures of Ministry of Education, School of Physics and Technology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Shishang Guo
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Micro- and Nano-Structures of Ministry of Education, School of Physics and Technology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Micro- and Nano-Structures of Ministry of Education, School of Physics and Technology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Xing-Zhong Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Micro- and Nano-Structures of Ministry of Education, School of Physics and Technology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
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Lee ESM, Bou-Gharios G, Seppanen E, Khosrotehrani K, Fisk NM. Fetal stem cell microchimerism: natural-born healers or killers? Mol Hum Reprod 2010; 16:869-78. [PMID: 20663958 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaq067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Eddy S M Lee
- University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, University of Queensland, Herston campus, Brisbane 4029, Australia
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8
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Cioni R, Bussani C, Scarselli B, Mello G, Mecacci F, Scarselli G. Detection of fetal DNA in the peritoneal cavity during pregnancy. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2003; 107:210-1. [PMID: 12648872 DOI: 10.1016/s0301-2115(02)00262-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
There is increasing evidence that fetal cells are commonly shed toward the cervix and in maternal circulation during pregnancy. In this study, a sample of peritoneal fluid was retrieved from a primigravida at 12 weeks' gestation undergoing urgent intervention for the torsion of an adnexal mass; the sample was then analysed by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay using primers for X- and Y-chromosome specific sequences, and Y-derived sequences were identified. The course of pregnancy was then uneventful until term, when the patient delivered a male fetus, thus, supporting the hypothesis of a fetal origin for the Y-derived sequences detected in the peritoneal fluid. Further studies are required in order to confirm these findings and precisely define the origin of these sequences; however, this report seems to provide further evidence of the spreading of fetal cells during gestation and addresses relevant issues as to the possibility of collecting these cells by culdocentesis and intraperitoneal lavage for prenatal diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Cioni
- Department of Gynaecology, Perinatology and Human Reproduction of the University of Florence, Careggi University Hospital, Viale Morgagni 85, I-50134 Florence, Italy.
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Oudejans CBM, Tjoa ML, Westerman BA, Mulders MAM, Van Wijk IJ, Van Vugt JMG. Circulating trophoblast in maternal blood. Prenat Diagn 2003; 23:111-6. [PMID: 12575016 DOI: 10.1002/pd.539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
This review describes the status of circulating trophoblast, but is considered in the perspective that only a specific subset of trophoblast cells circulates in the maternal blood. The consequences for isolation, identification and clinical potential are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cees B M Oudejans
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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10
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Bischoff FZ, Hahn S, Johnson KL, Simpson JL, Bianchi DW, Lewis DE, Weber WD, Klinger K, Elias S, Jackson LG, Evans MI, Holzgreve W, de la Cruz F. Intact fetal cells in maternal plasma: are they really there? Lancet 2003; 361:139-40. [PMID: 12531583 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(03)12191-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Rare fetal cells can be recovered from maternal blood, which suggests that non-invasive prenatal diagnosis is possible. However, recovery and analysis of fetal cells from blood is complex, and sensitivity is low because of the rarity of these cells in the maternal circulation. An alternative strategy, which suggested that intact fetal cells can be found in maternal plasma by use of simple enrichment methods, has been reported. We aimed to replicate this technique. However, five independent laboratories were unable to identify any intact male cells from the plasma of 38 women known to be carrying male fetuses. Although apoptotic intact fetal cells could contribute to the detection of fetal DNA in maternal plasma, we believe that recovery of these cells is difficult and not clinically practical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farideh Z Bischoff
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, 6550 Fannin Street Suite 885, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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11
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Costa JM, Benachi A, Gautier E, Jouannic JM, Ernault P, Dumez Y. [First trimester fetal sex determination in maternal serum using real-time PCR]. GYNECOLOGIE, OBSTETRIQUE & FERTILITE 2002; 30:953-7. [PMID: 12661284 DOI: 10.1016/s1297-9589(02)00488-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Fetal sex prediction can be achieved using PCR targeted at the SRY gene by analyzing cell-free fetal DNA in maternal serum. Unfortunately, the results reported to date, show lack of sensitivity, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy. Therefore, determination of fetal sex by maternal serum analysis can not replace caryotype analysis following chorionic villus sampling. PATIENTS AND METHODS A new highly sensitive real-time PCR was developed to detect a SRY gene sequence in maternal serum. Analysis was performed on 121 pregnant women during their first trimester of pregnancy (mean gestational age: 11.8 weeks). Among them, 61 had at least one previous male-bearing pregnancy. Results were compared to fetal sex. RESULTS SRY PCR analysis of maternal serum was in complete concordance with fetal sex. Among the 121 pregnant women, 61 were bearing a male fetus and 60 a female fetus No false negative results were observed. Furthermore, no false positive results results occurred although 27 women carried female fetus during the current pregnancy, had at least one previous male-bearing pregnancy. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that a reliable, non-invasive sex determination can be achieved by PCR analysis of maternal serum during the first trimester of pregnancy. This non-invasive approach for fetal sex prediction should have great implications in the management of pregnant women carriers of an X-linked genetic disorder. Prenatal diagnosis is thus performed for male fetuses only, avoiding invasive procedures and the risk of fetal loss for female fetuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Costa
- Centre de diagnostic prénatal, hôpital américain de Paris, 63, boulevard Victor-Hugo, 92202 Neuilly, France.
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Costa JM, Giovangrandi Y, Ernault P, Lohmann L, Nataf V, El Halali N, Gautier E. Fetal RHD genotyping in maternal serum during the first trimester of pregnancy. Br J Haematol 2002; 119:255-60. [PMID: 12358932 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2141.2002.03780.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Fetal RHD genotype determination is useful in the management of sensitized RhD-negative pregnant women. It can be ascertained early during pregnancy by chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis. However, these procedures are invasive, resulting both in an increased risk of fetal loss and in an increased severity of immunization due to fetomaternal haemorrhage. A reliable determination of RHD genotype by fetal DNA analysis in maternal serum during the first trimester of pregnancy is reported in this study. One hundred and six sera from RhD-negative pregnant women were obtained during the first trimester of pregnancy. These sera were tested for the presence of RHD gene using a new real-time polymerase chain reaction assay and the results compared with those obtained later in pregnancy on amniotic fluid cells and by RHD serology of the new-born. All sera from women carrying a RhD-positive fetus (n = 62) gave positive results for RHD gene detection and sera from women carrying a RhD-negative fetus (n = 40) were negative. The high level of accuracy of fetal RHD genotyping obtained in this study could enable this technique to be offered on a routine basis for the management of RhD-negative patients during the first trimester of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Marc Costa
- Centre de Diagnostic Prénatal, American Hospital of Paris, Neuilly, France.
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Rakheja D, Bennett MJ, Rogers BB. Long-chain L-3-hydroxyacyl-coenzyme a dehydrogenase deficiency: a molecular and biochemical review. J Transl Med 2002; 82:815-24. [PMID: 12118083 DOI: 10.1097/01.lab.0000021175.50201.46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the first report of long-chain L-3-hydroxyacyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency a little more than a decade ago, its phenotypic and genotypic heterogeneity in individuals homozygous for the enzyme defect has become more and more evident. Even more interesting is its association with pregnancy-specific disorders, including preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets), hyperemesis gravidarum, acute fatty liver of pregnancy, and maternal floor infarct of the placenta. In this review we discuss the biochemical and molecular basis, clinical features, diagnosis, and management of long-chain L-3-hydroxyacyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh Rakheja
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA.
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Hennerbichler S, Schmied R, Petek E, Kroisel PM, Pertl B, Tiran B, Dohr G, Wintersteiger R, Sedlmayr P. Detection and relocation of cord blood nucleated red blood cells by laser scanning cytometry. CYTOMETRY 2002; 48:87-92. [PMID: 12116369 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.10112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fetal nucleated red blood cells (NRBC) present in the peripheral blood of pregnant women at low frequency are a potential target for noninvasive prenatal diagnostics. METHODS CD71-enriched cells from male cord blood (CB) were stained for the gamma chain of HbF (Hb-gamma) and cytocentrifuged. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was done for the Y chromosome. Following staining of the nucleus with TO-PRO-3, laser scanning cytometry was performed. Artificial mixtures of small volumes of male CB and blood drawn from nonpregnant females were analyzed. RESULTS In CB, 59% of events double positive for Hb-gamma and TO-PRO-3 were identified as CB-NRBC. In contamination studies, male fetal CB-NRBC were identified perfectly on the basis of morphologic characteristics and FISH reactivity following relocation and visual assessment. Mean recovery was 8.7%. CONCLUSIONS Laser scanning cytometry of preenriched fetal NRBC may offer a promising way for noninvasive prenatal diagnostics. This is because it provides a virtual enrichment step and the position on the slides of cells visually confirmed to correspond to fetal NRBC is known. Further experimental procedures on well-defined and located target cells may be feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Hennerbichler
- Institute of Histology and Embryology, Karl Franzens University, Harrachgasse 21, A-8010 Graz, Austria
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Prieto B, Cándenas M, Ladenson JH, Alvarez FV. Comparison of different CD71 monoclonal antibodies for enrichment of fetal cells from maternal blood. Clin Chem Lab Med 2002; 40:126-31. [PMID: 11939484 DOI: 10.1515/cclm.2002.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Different approaches have been proposed for the enrichment of fetal nucleated red blood cells (NRBC) from maternal blood as an alternative way to obtain fetal tissue for non-invasive prenatal diagnosis. The main purpose of this study was to compare two of our monoclonal antibodies (2E11.3 and 2B7.4 mAbs) with the most widely used commercial anti-CD71 mAb, in terms of their ability to isolate NRBC from maternal blood by magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS). Peripheral blood samples were obtained from 60 pregnant women at a mean gestational age of 16 weeks (range: 10-19 weeks). The number of NRBC isolated by our antibodies (median: 68, range: 0-2102) was significantly higher than that obtained by the commercial antibody (median: 38, range: 0-2165) in the same samples. However, in the final preparations, contamination by maternal nucleated blood cells was lower when the commercial antibody was used. Since fetal NRBC are rare in maternal blood, the improved NRBC recovery achieved by our non-commercial antibodies should facilitate the non-invasive detection of fetal aneuploidies in maternal blood.
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Farina A, Caramelli E, Concu M, Sekizawa A, Ruggeri R, Bovicelli L, Rizzo N, Carinci P. Testing normality of fetal DNA concentration in maternal plasma at 10-12 completed weeks' gestation: a preliminary approach to a new marker for genetic screening. Prenat Diagn 2002; 22:148-52. [PMID: 11857623 DOI: 10.1002/pd.262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To test the distribution of fetal DNA in maternal plasma expressed as gen/eq in a population of normal pregnancies. METHODS Peripheral blood samples were obtained from 63 women (85% > or =35 years of age at delivery) bearing a euploid male fetus. Each patient underwent chorionic villus sampling (CVS) for karyotype analysis and/or beta thalassemia screening. Ultrasound scanning was used to determine gestational age. At 10-12 weeks' gestation, a peripheral blood sample was collected followed by CVS. To detect the Y chromosome specific sequences (SRY) quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis was used. Normal distribution of the data was tested by means of the Kolmogorov-Smirnov (KS) test. A Symmetry test (reliability p>0.05) was used to evaluate the reliability of the median. RESULTS Only after natural logarithmic transformation did the data display a normal distribution. The median value of fetal DNA was 23.3 gen/eq (range 2.08-195), interquartile range 18.57-45.4. A Pearson test showed a significant correlation between gestational age and fetal DNA concentration (r=0.25, p=0.045). CONCLUSION The present finding is a preliminary step towards a possible integration of fetal DNA with other variables (biochemical and/or ultrasound). It may serve to improve the discrimination of the screening for genetic diseases in the first trimester. Because of the relatively high dispersion, adjustments for possible covariates would appear to be necessary in further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Farina
- Institute of Histology and General Embryology, University of Bologna, Italy.
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Cioni R, Bussani C, Scarselli B, Barciulli F, Bucciantini S, Simi P, Fogli A, Scarselli G. Detection of fetal cells in intrauterine lavage samples collected in the first trimester of pregnancy. Prenat Diagn 2002; 22:52-5. [PMID: 11810651 DOI: 10.1002/pd.236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of the present study was first to evaluate the presence of fetal cells in transcervical cell (TCC) samples collected by intrauterine lavage in the first trimester of pregnancy, and then to compare different methods for the detection of these cells. METHODS TCC samples were collected by intrauterine lavage before termination of pregnancy (TOP) from 81 pregnant women between 7 and 12 weeks of gestation. Samples of placental tissue were collected from each patient at TOP, whereas maternal peripheral blood samples were obtained in 57 cases. DNA extracted from 81 lavage and the corresponding placental samples was amplified by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay using primers for SRY and HUMARA genes. All 81 lavage samples were also analysed by fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH) using direct-labelled probes for X chromosome alpha-satellite (DXZ1, Xp11.1-q11.1) and Y chromosome alpha-satellite (DYZ3, Yp11.1-q11.1) regions. In 57 cases, a quantitative fluorescent (QF) PCR assay, involving the use of two small tandem repeat (STR) markers (D21S11, D21S14.11) specific to chromosome 21 was employed to analyse DNA extracted from placental tissue, lavage and maternal blood samples. RESULTS PCR analysis revealed that 40/81 placental samples were from male pregnancies. Correct sexing was achieved with the PCR technique in 30/40 (75%) lavage samples retrieved from pregnant women with male conceptuses and in all 41 (100%) samples collected from pregnancies with female fetuses. With the FISH analysis, nuclei bearing X and Y signals were observed in 32/40 cases (80%) from known male pregnancies, the rate of fetal cells ranging between 2% and 95%, whereas nuclei showing X and Y signals were not detected in any of the 41 lavage samples from known female pregnancies. Paternal peaks were present in 30/57 (52.6%) lavage samples tested by QF-PCR. CONCLUSION The results suggest that fetal cells can be found, at a significant rate, in a very high proportion of intrauterine lavage samples. Therefore, this sampling technique can be regarded as a promising tool towards minimally invasive prenatal diagnosis. The FISH and PCR methods showed a similar efficiency in detecting fetal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Cioni
- Department of Gynecology, Perinatology and Human Reproduction, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
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18
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Costa JM, Benachi A, Gautier E, Jouannic JM, Ernault P, Dumez Y. First-trimester fetal sex determination in maternal serum using real-time PCR. Prenat Diagn 2001; 21:1070-4. [PMID: 11746166 DOI: 10.1002/pd.219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Fetal sex prediction can be achieved using PCR targeted at the SRY gene by analysing cell-free fetal DNA in maternal serum. Unfortunately, the results reported to date show a lack of sensitivity, especially during the first trimester of pregnancy. Therefore, determination of fetal sex by maternal serum analysis could not replace karyotype analysis following chorionic villus sampling. A new highly sensitive real-time PCR was developed to detect an SRY gene sequence in maternal serum. Analysis was performed on 121 pregnant women during the first trimester of pregnancy (mean gestational age: 11.8 weeks). Among them, 51 had at least one previous male-bearing pregnancy. Results were compared with fetal sex. SRY PCR analysis of maternal serum was in complete concordance with fetal sex. Among the 121 pregnant women, 61 were bearing a male fetus and 60 a female fetus. No false-negative results were observed. Furthermore, no false-positive results occurred, even though 27 women carrying a female fetus during the current pregnancy had at least one previous male-bearing pregnancy. This study demonstrates that a reliable, non-invasive sex determination can be achieved by PCR analysis of maternal serum during the first trimester of pregnancy. This non-invasive approach for fetal sex prediction should have great implications in the management of pregnant women who are carriers of an X-linked genetic disorder. Prenatal diagnosis might thus be performed for male fetuses only, avoiding invasive procedures and the risk of the loss of female fetuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Costa
- Centre de Diagnostic Prénatal, American Hospital of Paris, Neuilly-sur-Seine, France.
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Koumantaki Y, Sifakis S, Dragatis G, Matalliotakis I, Froudarakis G, Papadopoulou E, Koumantakis E. Microsatellite analysis provides efficient confirmation of fetal trophoblast isolation from maternal circulation. Prenat Diagn 2001; 21:566-70. [PMID: 11494293 DOI: 10.1002/pd.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Fetal trophoblasts can be found in maternal circulation from an early stage of pregnancy and thus provide a potential source of DNA for non-invasive prenatal diagnosis. We have developed a two-step method for trophoblast isolation between the 8th and 12th week of pregnancy. Blood was sampled from 14 women undergoing termination of pregnancy or spontaneous abortion. Immunomagnetic beads precoated with HLA class I and II, and with anti-cytokeratin-18 monoclonal antibodies, were used to remove CD8+ and other maternal cells, and to select for fetal trophoblasts, respectively. Microsatellite analysis was performed on DNA extracted from the isolated, maternal, paternal and placental cells after PCR amplification. Recovery of the trophoblasts was confirmed in 13/14 cases (93%) by the identification of an identical microsatellite pattern for fetal and placental cells. Further evidence was the presence of heterozygous alleles of both maternal and paternal origin. The correct prediction of gender in all five male fetuses was an additional confirmation of trophoblast recovery. We conclude that trophoblasts can be effectively isolated from maternal blood in the first trimester, and by using polymorphic microsatellite markers to confirm sample purity, this method has potential future application in prenatal diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Koumantaki
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, University of Athens, Medical School, Goudi, Athens, Greece
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Parano E, Falcidia E, Grillo A, Pavone P, Cutuli N, Takabayashi H, Trifiletti RR, Gilliam CT. Noninvasive prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal aneuploidies by isolation and analysis of fetal cells from maternal blood. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS 2001; 101:262-7. [PMID: 11424143 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.1350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The isolation and analysis of nucleated fetal cells (NFCs) from maternal blood may represent a new approach to noninvasive prenatal diagnosis. Although promising, these techniques require highly accurate separation of NFCs from nucleated cells of maternal origin; the two major problems limiting these techniques are the relative rarity of fetal cells in maternal blood and the need to establish their fetal origin. We now report a novel procedure that has allowed accurate separation of NFCs from maternal cells. The technique reported involves direct micromanipulator isolation of histochemically identified hemoglobin F-positive nucleated cells to obtain fetal nucleated red blood cells (FNRBCs) of high yield and purity. Using this technique, followed by cell-by-cell multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis of purified FNRBCs, we were able to detect some of the most common human aneuploidies (including Down syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome, and trisomy 13) in 33 pregnant women referred for amniocentesis. The procedure used, which can be completed in <72 hrs, produced complete concordance with the results of amniocentesis. We also confirm findings of prior studies suggesting that the number of FNRBCs in maternal circulation is remarkably higher in abnormal pregnancies than in normal pregnancies, especially in women carrying a fetus with trisomy 21.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Parano
- Institute of Bioimaging and Physiopathology of the Central Nervous System (IBFSNC), The National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Catania, Italy.
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van Wijk IJ, Griffioen S, Tjoa ML, Mulders MA, van Vugt JM, Loke YW, Oudejans CB. HLA-G expression in trophoblast cells circulating in maternal peripheral blood during early pregnancy. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2001; 184:991-7. [PMID: 11303210 DOI: 10.1067/mob.2001.112973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the use of circulating trophoblast cells in maternal peripheral blood for noninvasive prenatal diagnosis of numeric chromosomal aberrations. STUDY DESIGN A combined procedure for immunocytochemical identification and deoxyribonucleic acid fluorescence in situ hybridization was used after a single enrichment step consisting of density gradient centrifugation. A specific HLA-G monoclonal antibody was used in combination with X and Y chromosome specific probes in deoxyribonucleic acid fluorescence in situ hybridization to confirm fetal identity of cells bearing HLA-G in the case of a male fetus. RESULTS We detected fetal trophoblast cells expressing HLA-G in maternal blood starting at 9 weeks' gestation. In addition to fetal sex prediction with X and Y chromosome-specific probes, fetal aneuploidy was confirmed in peripheral blood from a pregnancy complicated by trisomy 21. CONCLUSION Although the numbers of fetal cells were extremely low, the proof of concept was demonstrated. Early noninvasive prenatal screening for numeric chromosomal abnormalities with fetal trophoblast cells is feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- I J van Wijk
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Clinical Chemistry, University Hospital Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Prieto B, Alonso R, Paz A, Cándenas M, Venta R, Ladenson JH, Alvarez FV. Optimization of nucleated red blood cell (NRBC) recovery from maternal blood collected using both layers of a double density gradient. Prenat Diagn 2001; 21:187-93. [PMID: 11260605 DOI: 10.1002/1097-0223(200103)21:3<187::aid-pd32>3.0.co;2-r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The isolation of fetal nucleated red blood cells (NRBC) from maternal blood represents a promising approach to non-invasive prenatal diagnosis. However, the number of fetal NRBC in maternal circulation is quite low and therefore difficult to isolate. An enrichment procedure in which both layers from a double density 1.077/1.107 g/ml gradient are collected was optimized, followed by MACS selection using non-commercial monoclonal antibodies. The influence of the delay in processing maternal blood on the NRBC distribution in both interfaces of the gradient was also studied in cord blood and peripheral maternal blood samples. A significant increase in the number of NRBC isolated from maternal blood was achieved by collecting both layers of the double density gradient compared with the previous protocol in which only the lower layer was recovered. Cord blood samples showed significant differences in the number of NRBC recovered when processed at 24 instead of within 3 h. This effect was also observed in the number of NRBC collected only from the upper layer of peripheral maternal blood samples. Therefore, in order to minimize the target cell losses, it is advisable to process the maternal blood samples as soon as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Prieto
- Hospital San Agustin, Servicio de Analisis Clinicos, c/o Camino de Heros 4, 33400 Aviles, Asturias, Spain
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Abstract
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis is an alternative to prenatal diagnosis for the detection of genetic disorders. Tests are conducted on single cells biopsied from embryos before they are implanted, allowing the selection of unaffected embryos before a pregnancy has been established. Thus, the issue of pregnancy termination is circumvented. The use of preimplantation genetic diagnosis might have a significant impact on in vitro fertilization success rates as well as allowing the diagnosis of inherited disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Wells
- UCL Centre for Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis, Dept of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College London, 86-96 Chenies Mews, London, UK WC1E 6HX.
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Abstract
Prenatal diagnosis has traditionally occurred between the 15th and 20th weeks of gestation. However, the capabilities of screening and diagnostic tools have advanced substantially over the past 10 years. Recent advances in the science of prenatal diagnosis allow for the evaluation of an affected embryo or an abnormal cell line prior to gestation within the womb via preimplantation diagnosis. The technique can be used for any genetic condition which can be detected with a chromosome-specific probe. At the current time, noninvasive second trimester maternal serum screening with either 2 or 3 serum analytes is associated with a 60-70% detection rate of Down syndrome. Although these particular serum markers are not useful during the first trimester, the fetoplacental secretory products-free beta-hCG and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) appear to be meaningful clinically when measured between 8 and 13 weeks of gestation, yielding similar first trimester detection rates as the current second trimester screening programme. The addition of nuchal translucency measurements as an independent predictor of fetal aneuploidy may further increase the detection rate of Down syndrome to 80%. Open fetal surgery is now possible under highly selective circumstances in which the fetal condition is considered life-threatening and the prognosis is extremely poor. Surgical intervention may be appropriate for congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation, bronchopulmonary sequestration, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, and possibly for myelomeningocele.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Mauldin
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, 96 Jonathan Lucas Street, Suite 634 P.O. Box 250 619. Charleston, South Carolina, USA
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