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Massimiani M, Lacconi V, La Civita F, Ticconi C, Rago R, Campagnolo L. Molecular Signaling Regulating Endometrium-Blastocyst Crosstalk. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 21:E23. [PMID: 31861484 PMCID: PMC6981505 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21010023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2019] [Revised: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Implantation of the embryo into the uterine endometrium is one of the most finely-regulated processes that leads to the establishment of a successful pregnancy. A plethora of factors are released in a time-specific fashion to synchronize the differentiation program of both the embryo and the endometrium. Indeed, blastocyst implantation in the uterus occurs in a limited time frame called the "window of implantation" (WOI), during which the maternal endometrium undergoes dramatic changes, collectively called "decidualization". Decidualization is guided not just by maternal factors (e.g., estrogen, progesterone, thyroid hormone), but also by molecules secreted by the embryo, such as chorionic gonadotropin (CG) and interleukin-1β (IL-1 β), just to cite few. Once reached the uterine cavity, the embryo orients correctly toward the uterine epithelium, interacts with specialized structures, called pinopodes, and begins the process of adhesion and invasion. All these events are guided by factors secreted by both the endometrium and the embryo, such as leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), integrins and their ligands, adhesion molecules, Notch family members, and metalloproteinases and their inhibitors. The aim of this review is to give an overview of the factors and mechanisms regulating implantation, with a focus on those involved in the complex crosstalk between the blastocyst and the endometrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micol Massimiani
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (V.L.); (F.L.C.)
- Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Via di Sant’Alessandro, 8, 00131 Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Lacconi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (V.L.); (F.L.C.)
| | - Fabio La Civita
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (V.L.); (F.L.C.)
| | - Carlo Ticconi
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Section of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier, 1, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Rocco Rago
- Physiopathology of Reproduction and Andrology Unit, Sandro Pertini Hospital, Via dei Monti Tiburtini 385/389, 00157 Rome, Italy;
| | - Luisa Campagnolo
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (V.L.); (F.L.C.)
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Su RW, Fazleabas AT. Implantation and Establishment of Pregnancy in Human and Nonhuman Primates. ADVANCES IN ANATOMY, EMBRYOLOGY, AND CELL BIOLOGY 2015; 216:189-213. [PMID: 26450500 PMCID: PMC5098399 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-15856-3_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Implantation and the establishment of pregnancy are critical for the propagation of the species, but yet remain the limiting steps in human and primate reproduction. Successful implantation requires a competent blastocyst and a receptive endometrium during a specific window of time during the menstrual cycle to initiate the bilateral communication required for the establishment of a successful pregnancy. This chapter provides an overview of these processes and discusses the molecular mechanisms associated with implantation of the blastocyst and decidualization of the uterus in primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ren-Wei Su
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA.
| | - Asgerally T Fazleabas
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA
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Khan NA, Vierboom MPM, van Holten-Neelen C, Breedveld E, Zuiderwijk-Sick E, Khan A, Kondova I, Braskamp G, Savelkoul HFJ, Dik WA, 't Hart BA, Benner R. Mitigation of septic shock in mice and rhesus monkeys by human chorionic gonadotrophin-related oligopeptides. Clin Exp Immunol 2010; 160:466-78. [PMID: 20345979 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2010.04112.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The marked improvement of several immune-mediated inflammatory diseases during pregnancy has drawn attention to pregnancy hormones as potential therapeutics for such disorders. Low molecular weight fractions derived from the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) have remarkable potent immunosuppressive effects in mouse models of diabetes and septic shock. Based on these data we have designed a set of oligopeptides related to the primary structure of hCG and tested these in models of septic shock in mice and rhesus monkeys. We demonstrate that mice exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and treated subsequently with selected tri-, tetra-, penta- and hepta-meric oligopeptides (i.e. MTR, VVC, MTRV, LQGV, AQGV, VLPALP, VLPALPQ) are protected against fatal LPS-induced septic shock. Moreover, administration of a cocktail of three selected oligopeptides (LQGV, AQGV and VLPALP) improved the pathological features markedly and nearly improved haemodynamic parameters associated with intravenous Escherichia coli-induced septic shock in rhesus monkeys. These data indicate that the designed hCG-related oligopeptides may present a potential treatment for the initial hyperdynamic phase of septic shock in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- N A Khan
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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Khan NA, Susa D, van den Berg JW, Huisman M, Ameling MH, van den Engel S, Roest HP, Ijzermans JNM, Dik WA, Benner R, de Bruin RWF. Amelioration of renal ischaemia-reperfusion injury by synthetic oligopeptides related to human chorionic gonadotropin. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2009; 24:2701-8. [PMID: 19633318 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfp369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We have previously reported that small synthetic oligopeptides related to human beta-chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG) can reduce inflammation. Here we investigated whether such oligopeptides can reduce renal ischaemia-reperfusion injury in the mouse. METHODS Ten different oligopeptides were administered 1 min before induction of renal ischaemia and 1 min before reperfusion. RESULTS Survival at 72 h post-reperfusion was significantly higher in mice treated with oligopeptides MTRV, LQG, VLPALPQ or AQGV as compared to placebo-treated mice. Some oligopeptides were more effective than others. AQGV completely prevented mortality and best preserved kidney function. Next, AQGV was tested in a dose-escalating study in a range of 0.3-30 mg/kg. A survival gain was observed with all doses. Improvement of kidney function was observed from 1 mg/kg. Highest survival and best preserved kidney function were observed at 3 and 10 mg/kg. Upon treatment with AQGV, a significantly lower influx of neutrophils was found, apoptosis was decreased, whereas tubular epithelial cell proliferation was significantly increased at 24 h post-reperfusion. Serum levels of TNF-alpha, INF-gamma, IL-6 and IL-10 were significantly decreased at 24 h post-reperfusion. E-selectin mRNA levels in kidneys were significantly decreased at 6 h post-reperfusion. AQGV did not reduce mortality when treatment was started after reperfusion. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that small oligopeptides related to the primary structure of beta-hCG, especially AQGV, are promising potential drugs for preventing the development of renal ischaemia-reperfusion injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisar A Khan
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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de Medeiros S, Norman R. Human choriogonadotrophin protein core and sugar branches heterogeneity: basic and clinical insights. Hum Reprod Update 2008; 15:69-95. [DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmn036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Ueno A, Cho S, Cheng L, Wang J, Hou S, Nakano H, Santamaria P, Yang Y. Transient upregulation of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase in dendritic cells by human chorionic gonadotropin downregulates autoimmune diabetes. Diabetes 2007; 56:1686-93. [PMID: 17360980 DOI: 10.2337/db06-1727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pregnancy induces a state of immunological tolerance that aims at suppressing immune responses against the fetus and has been linked to temporal remission of preexisting autoimmune disorders. To understand the mechanisms of this reversible immune regulation, we investigated the role of a key pregnancy hormone, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), in immune tolerance against autoimmune type 1 diabetes in nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We injected hCG into cytokine gene-deficient NOD mice and evaluated the effects of hCG administration on T-cells and dendritic cells (DCs). RESULTS We show that administration of hCG to NOD mice inhibits both the activation of diabetogenic CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-cells, in vitro and in vivo, and the progression of type 1 diabetes by upregulating the expression of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) in DCs. IDO upregulation is transient and declined shortly after hCG withdrawal. DC depletion restores the diabetetogenic activity of splenic T-cells from hCG-treated mice, and inhibition of IDO activity by 1-methyl-tryptophan abrogates the hCG-induced T-cell suppression and resistance to type 1 diabetes. CONCLUSIONS We propose that hCG-induced upregulation of IDO in DCs plays a major role in pregnancy-associated resistance to autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aito Ueno
- Julia McFarlane Diabetes Research Centre, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Canada
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Abstract
This paper summarizes studies on antibody formation in the bone marrow and the suppressive effects of intravenous immunization with allogeneic blood cells on T-cell function in mice. The latter studies were extended by employing the limiting dilution culture system developed in Ivan Lefkovits' laboratory and implemented in collaboration with Lucien Aarden. Thereby, the functional data were complemented with frequencies of alloantigen-activated helper (Th) and suppressor T cells after intravenous alloimmunization. These results led the Rotterdam group to studies on the prevention of rejection of the foetal 'allograft'. Th cells are central in foetal allograft rejection and pregnancy success. Characteristic for human pregnancy is the production of the glycoprotein chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone. The in vivo liberated peptide fragments originating from nicking of the sequence MTRVLQGVLPALPQ in the beta-chain of hCG were considered for their immunoregulating capacity related to pregnancy success. These peptides - prepared synthetically - (MTR, MTRV, LQG, LQGV, VLPALP and others) indeed showed a remarkable spectrum of biological effects (e.g. modulation of angiogenesis, inhibition of septic shock syndrome, prevention of diabetes and reduction of ischaemia-reperfusion damage). The paper interprets and generalizes these findings and projects them into various research directions, especially towards the proteomics framework studies built up in Ivan Lefkovits' laboratory in the nineties. During the time period, when Ivan spent a mini-sabbatical in Rotterdam (months after closing down the BII) more detailed discussions were intiated. This paper is meant to keep the discussions between the involved research groups going on.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Benner
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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von Lode P, Rainaho J, Pettersson K. Quantitative, Wide-Range, 5-Minute Point-of-Care Immunoassay for Total Human Chorionic Gonadotropin in Whole Blood. Clin Chem 2004; 50:1026-35. [PMID: 15073089 DOI: 10.1373/clinchem.2004.031922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
AbstractBackground: Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is among the most common analytes available for point-of-care immunotesting, with most assays currently based on simple manual assay devices. However, as the importance of good analytical performance of rapid assays is increasingly emphasized, more sophisticated immunoassay techniques are needed to meet the future challenges of rapid yet quantitative POC testing.Methods: We developed a simple, dry-reagent, all-in-one immunoassay for the quantitative measurement of hCG in whole blood, plasma, or serum. The noncompetitive assay equally measures intact, nicked, and hyperglycosylated hCG as well as nonnicked and nicked hCG β-subunit with a rapid and simple procedure consisting of a 5-min, one-step incubation and, subsequent to washing, the measurement of time-resolved fluorescence directly from a wet well surface.Results: The assay had a detection limit (background + 3 SD) of 0.4 IU/L hCG. The within-run CV was <15% down to 2 IU/L, and the assay was linear to 6000 IU/L. The within- and between-run CVs in heparinized whole blood and plasma were ≤10% throughout the measured range (4.0–4400 IU/L). The mean (95% confidence interval) difference between whole blood and plasma was −42 (−24 to −61)% without hematocrit correction and 6.5 (−14 to 27)% with hematocrit correction (n = 106). Regression analysis with the Diagnostic Products IMMULITE® 2000 hCG method yielded the following: slope (SD), 1.02 (0.01); y-intercept (SD), −6 (10) IU/L; Sy|x = 99 IU/L (n = 124; range, 1.6–4746 IU/L; r = 0.995).Conclusions: Combined with the fully automated instrumentation, the 5-min, dry-reagent assay allows quantitative and reproducible determination of hCG in whole blood while sustaining the speed and simplicity of conventional rapid assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piia von Lode
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
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Srisuparp S, Strakova Z, Fazleabas AT. The role of chorionic gonadotropin (CG) in blastocyst implantation. Arch Med Res 2001; 32:627-34. [PMID: 11750740 DOI: 10.1016/s0188-4409(01)00330-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Implantation is a complex spatio-temporal interaction between the genotypically different embryo and the mother. Success of this event requires the synchronization of development and effective biochemical communications from both sides. Chorionic gonadotropin (CG), which is a major embryonic signal in the primate, is a glycoprotein hormone synthesized and secreted by the trophoblast. Various isoforms exist in plasma, urine, and blastocyst culture medium, a result of posttranslational modifications. The exponential secretion of CG and its long circulatory half-life extends the life span of corpus luteum to maintain the supply of progesterone during the first 6-8 weeks of pregnancy. To study the direct effects of CG in the uterus, we used the baboon (Papio anubis) as a non-human primate model. In vivo stimulation with CG during the window of uterine receptivity results in further morphologic and biochemical modifications of the receptive endometrium. These are characterized by the plaque reaction in the luminal epithelium, an increase in glycodelin expression and secretion by the glandular epithelium, and the differentiation of subepithelial stromal fibroblasts characterized by expression of the alpha smooth muscle actin (alpha SMA). Pretreatment with progesterone receptor antagonist (PRa) completely or partially inhibits these effects. The signal transduction pathway activated by CG in primate endometrial epithelial cells involves the protein kinase A (PKA)-independent phosphorylation of extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK 1/2). This alternate signal transduction pathway may prevent CG Receptor (R) downregulation at the implantation site and enhance epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation. Thus, our results suggest that CG plays an important role in implantation in addition to its luteotrophic role.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Srisuparp
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612-7313, USA
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Novo C, Domingos A, Karmali A. Purification and characterization of monoclonal antibodies against the free alpha-subunit of human chorionic gonadotrophin. Mol Biotechnol 2001; 17:119-28. [PMID: 11395860 DOI: 10.1385/mb:17:2:119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) against human chorionic gonadotropin hormone (hCG) were raised by hybridoma technology using Sp2/0 myeloma cells as fusion partner. Sixty-five percent of the total culture wells exhibited hybrid growth and 8% of the total wells (13 culture wells) contained anti-hCG secreting hybrids. A positive hybrid cell line secreting antibodies against the free alpha-subunit of hCG was cloned twice by limiting dilution method and eighty four clones were obtained that secreted monoclonal antibodies anti-alpha hCG. One of these hybridoma clones (1C4) secreting monoclonal antibodies against the free alpha-subunit of hCG was selected for purification and characterization purposes. This hybridoma cell line secreted monoclonal antibodies of IgG1 subclass, which were purified by affinity chromatography on Protein A Sepharose CL-4B column with a final relative recovery of antibody activity of 75% and a purification factor of about 12. The purified preparation was analyzed by SDS-PAGE, native PAGE, and IEF. Specificity studies of this Mab revealed that it recognized specifically an epitope on the free alpha-subunits of hCG, FSH, LH, and TSH as determined by enzyme immunoassays. On the other hand, this Mab exhibited crossreactivity with other pituitary hormones either as free subunits or intact molecules as follows: alpha hCG 100%; intact hCG 1.8%; beta hCG 0.14%; alpha FSH 24.5%; intact FSH 0.8%; beta FSH 0.09%; alpha LH 20.5%; intact LH 0.9%; beta LH 0.08%; alpha TSH 50.5%; intact TSH 3.7%; beta TSH 0.07%; The affinity constant (K) of this Mab with respect to free alpha-subunit of hCG was found to be 1.5 x 10(7) I/mol as determined by the simple antibody dilution analysis method.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Novo
- Serviço de Bioquímica II do Departamento de Biotecnologia e Química Fina do INETI, Estrada do Paço do Lumiar, 1699 Lisboa
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Unkila-Kallio L, Tiitinen A, Alfthan H, Vuorela P, Stenman U, Ylikorkala O. Effect of an in vitro fertilization program on serum CA 125, tumor-associated trypsin inhibitor, free beta-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin, and common alpha-subunit of glycoprotein hormones. Fertil Steril 2000; 74:1125-32. [PMID: 11119738 DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(00)01580-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the impact of an IVF program on serum levels of tumor markers CA 125, tumor-associated trypsin inhibitor, free hCG beta-subunit, and free glycoprotein hormone alpha-subunit. DESIGN A prospective controlled clinical study. SETTING Outpatient university infertility clinic. PATIENT(S) Seventy-one infertile patients (with tubal occlusion, pelvic endometriosis, or unexplained infertility) undergoing IVF and nine control women with regular menstrual cycles. INTERVENTION(S) Serial blood sampling before, during, and after IVF, or during one ovulatory menstrual cycle in the controls. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Serum levels of CA 125, tumor-associated trypsin inhibitor, hCG-beta, and glycoprotein hormone-alpha. RESULT(S) Before IVF, all tumor markers were within the normal range except for CA 125, which was elevated in patients with endometriosis. IVF led to significant increases in CA 125 and glycoprotein hormone-alpha that differed from the changes seen during normal menstrual cycles. The luteal phase increase in CA 125 correlated with levels of E(2) and P and the number of follicles. Two months after IVF, levels of CA 125 were 12% higher than levels before treatment. Tumor-associated trypsin inhibitor and hCG-beta revealed no cyclicity. CONCLUSION(S) An IVF regimen increased the release of CA 125 and glycoprotein hormone-alpha. The CA 125 elevation after IVF implies a persistent effect of ovarian hyperstimulation on CA 125 release.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Unkila-Kallio
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,Helsinki University Central Hospital. P.O.B. 140, 00029 HUCH, Finland
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Birken S, Maydelman Y, Gawinowicz MA. Preparation and analysis of the common urinary forms of human chorionic gonadotropin. Methods 2000; 21:3-14. [PMID: 10764603 DOI: 10.1006/meth.2000.0971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is the hormone of pregnancy and forms the basis of all pregnancy tests as well as diagnostic assays for a variety of pathological states including certain types of cancers and some diseases of pregnancy and genetic abnormalities. In recent years, the discovery of the diagnostic utility of measurement of the free subunits and fragments of the hormone, especially in urine, has proven of special use for diagnosis of very early pregnancy loss, an important phenomenon related to infertility, as well as part of screening programs for Down Syndrome and gynecological cancers. This article summarizes existing and new methods for the preparation of hCG, its subunits, and the beta core fragment from urinary sources. The methods for proper analyses of these materials are also described to enable investigators to prepare and analyze these materials in various quantities in their own laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Birken
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, 630 West 168 Street, New York, New York 10032, USA.
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Bidart JM, Thuillier F, Augereau C, Chalas J, Daver A, Jacob N, Labrousse F, Voitot H. Kinetics of Serum Tumor Marker Concentrations and Usefulness in Clinical Monitoring. Clin Chem 1999. [DOI: 10.1093/clinchem/45.10.1695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Only a few markers have been instrumental in the diagnosis of cancer. In contrast, tumor markers play a critical role in the monitoring of patients. The patient’s clinical status and response to treatment can be evaluated rapidly using the tumor marker half-life (t1/2) and the tumor marker doubling time (DT). This report reviews the interest of determining these kinetic parameters for prostate-specific antigen, human chorionic gonadotropin, α-fetoprotein, carcinoembryonic antigen, cancer antigen (CA) 125, and CA 15-3. A rise in tumor markers (DT) is a yardstick with which benign diseases can be distinguished from metastatic disease, and the DT can be used to assess the efficacy of treatments. A decline in the tumor marker concentration (t1/2) is a predictor of possible residual disease if the timing of blood sampling is soon after therapy. The discrepancies in results obtained by different groups may be attributable to the multiplicity of immunoassays, the intrinsic characteristics of each marker (e.g., antigen specificity, molecular heterogeneity, and associated forms), individual factors (e.g., nonspecific increases and renal and hepatic diseases) and methods used to calculate kinetics (e.g., exponential models and timing of blood sampling). This kinetic approach could be of interest to optimize patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Michel Bidart
- Département de Biologie Clinique, Institut Gustave-Roussy, 94805 Villejuif, France
| | - François Thuillier
- Laboratoire de Biochimie, Centre Hospitalier de Meaux, 6/8 Rue Saint Fiacre, 77100 Meaux, France
| | | | - Jacqueline Chalas
- Laboratoire de Biochimie, Hôpital Antoine-Béclère, 92141 Clamart, France
| | - Alain Daver
- Laboratoire de Radioimmunologie, Centre Paul-Papin, 49033 Angers, France
| | - Nelly Jacob
- Laboratoire de Biochimie, Centre Hospitalier Pitié-Salpétrière, 75013 Paris, France
| | | | - Hélène Voitot
- Laboratoire de Biochimie, Hôpital Beaujon, 92110 Clichy, France
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Tegoni M, Spinelli S, Verhoeyen M, Davis P, Cambillau C. Crystal structure of a ternary complex between human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and two Fv fragments specific for the alpha and beta-subunits. J Mol Biol 1999; 289:1375-85. [PMID: 10373373 DOI: 10.1006/jmbi.1999.2845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), is a placental hormone which exerts its major effect by stimulating progesterone production, crucially sustaining the early weeks of pregnancy. Detection of hCG with specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) has become the chosen means for pregnancy diagnosis. We have used antibody Fv fragments derived from two high-affinity mAbs, one against the alpha and the other against the beta-hCG subunit to enable the crystallisation of intact or desialylated hCG. Crystals of a ternary complex composed of Fv anti-alpha/hCG/Fv anti-beta were found to diffract to 3.5 A resolution, and the structure was solved by molecular replacement. In the crystal, the two Fvs keep hCG as in a molecular cage, providing good protein-protein contacts and leaving enough space for the saccharides to be accommodated in the cell solvent. The two Fvs were found not to interact directly through their complementary-determining regions with the hCG saccharides, but only with the protein. The hCG structure in the ternary complex was very close to that of the HF partially deglycosylated hormone, thus indicating that neither the saccharides nor the Fvs had any substantial influence on hormone structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Tegoni
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques UPR 9039, CNRS, IFR1, 31 Chemin Joseph Aiguier, Marseille Cedex 20, 13402, France
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Sturgeon CM, McAllister EJ. Analysis of hCG: clinical applications and assay requirements. Ann Clin Biochem 1998; 35 ( Pt 4):460-91. [PMID: 9681050 DOI: 10.1177/000456329803500402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Study of the glycoprotein hormones, including hCG, is complex and evolving, and has benefited from recent major advances in analytical technology and molecular biology. It is important to be aware of the effect that these technological advances have, both on the analytical and the clinical requirements for provision of a diagnostic service for hCG. Some aspects of particular relevance are summarized in Table 10.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Sturgeon
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, UK
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