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McCartney SA, Kolarova T, Kanaan SB, Chae A, Laughney CI, Nelson JL, Gammill HS, Shree R. Increased fetal microchimerism in immune and stem cell subsets in preeclampsia. Am J Reprod Immunol 2023; 89:e13666. [PMID: 36482289 PMCID: PMC10413445 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Preeclampsia (PE) is associated with an increased risk of maternal cardiovascular disease (CVD), however, it is unclear whether this is due to shared underlying physiology or changes which occur during the disease process. Fetal microchimerism (FMc) within the maternal circulation can durably persist decades after pregnancy, is known to occur at greater frequency in PE, and can potentially affect local and systemic immune programming, thus changes in cellular FMc may provide a mechanism for long-term health outcomes associated with PE. METHOD OF STUDY We investigated whether PE is associated with alterations in FMc immune and stem cell populations. We analyzed maternal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from PE cases (n = 16) and matched controls from normal pregnancies (n = 16), from which immune and stem cell subsets were isolated by flow cytometry. Genomic DNA was extracted from total PMBC and individual cell subsets, and FMc frequency was quantified by quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays targeting a fetal-specific non-shared polymorphism identified from family genotyping. RESULTS There was a significant increase in FMc concentration in immune cell subsets in PE cases compared to controls, predominantly in B cell, and NK cell lymphocyte populations. There was no significant difference in FMc frequency or concentration within the stem cell population between PE and controls. CONCLUSIONS The altered concentrations of immune cells within FMc in the maternal blood provides a potential mechanism for the inflammation which occurs during PE to induce long-lasting changes to the maternal immune system and may potentially promote chronic maternal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen A McCartney
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Teodora Kolarova
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sami B Kanaan
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Angel Chae
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Caitlin I Laughney
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - J Lee Nelson
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Hilary S Gammill
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Raj Shree
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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2
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Cirello V, Lugaresi M, Manzo A, Balla E, Fratianni G, Solari F, Persani L, Fugazzola L, Campi I. Fetal cell microchimerism and susceptibiltiy to COVID-19 disease in women. Infection 2023:10.1007/s15010-023-02006-x. [PMID: 36857020 PMCID: PMC9975871 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-023-02006-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The clinical outcome of COVID-19 disease is worse in males, and the reasons of this gender disparity are currently unclear, though evidences point to a combination of biological and gender-specific factors. A phenomenon unique to the female gender is the fetal cell microchimerism (FCM), defined as the presence of fetal microchimeric cells in maternal organs and in the circulation for years after delivery and usually evaluated by assessing the presence of male cells or DNA in a woman. In the present case-control study, we aimed to evaluate the possible effect of pregnancy and related FCM on the susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and on the clinical course and outcome of COVID-19. METHODS One hundred twenty-three women with a previous male pregnancy, comprising 63 COVID-19 cases and 60 healthy controls were enrolled. The presence of blood male DNA was assessed by the amplification of the Y-chromosome specific gene SRY. RESULTS The prevalence of male DNA of presumed fetal origin was significantly higher in healthy controls than in COVID-19 cases (70 vs 44.4%, P = 0.0044; OR 0.3429, 95% CI 0.1631-0.7207, P = 0.0047). Among women affected with COVID-19, the presence of male FCM did not significantly influence the severity of the disease, though the 8 deceased women studied were all FCM negative. CONCLUSION This is the first case-control study reporting the prevalence of FCM in COVID-19 and healthy women. Overall, our data seem to suggest a role for FCM in the protection towards the SARS-CoV-2 infection with a possible positive impact on clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Cirello
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Marina Lugaresi
- Department of Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Manzo
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Eva Balla
- Department of Cardiovascular Neural and Metabolic Sciences, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Gerardina Fratianni
- Department of Cardiovascular Neural and Metabolic Sciences, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Solari
- Department of Occupational Medicine Unit, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Persani
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Fugazzola
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Irene Campi
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Milan, Italy
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3
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Gal-Oz ST, Shay T. Genetics of Sex Differences in Immunity. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2023; 441:1-19. [PMID: 37695423 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-35139-6_1] [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: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Women have a stronger immune response and a higher frequency of most autoimmune diseases than men. While much of the difference between men and women is due to the effect of gonadal hormones, genetic differences play a major role in the difference between the immune response and disease frequencies in women and men. Here, we focus on the immune differences between the sexes that are not downstream of the gonadal hormones. These differences include the gene content of the sex chromosomes, the inactivation of chromosome X in women, the consequences of non-random X inactivation and escape from inactivation, and the states that are uniquely met by the immune system of women-pregnancy, birth, and breast feeding. While these female-specific states are temporary and involve gonadal hormonal changes, they may leave a long-lasting footprint on the health of women, for example, by fetal cells that remain in the mother's body for decades. We also briefly discuss the immune phenotype of congenital sex chromosomal aberrations and experimental models that enable hormonal and the non-hormonal effects of the sex chromosomes to be disentangled. The increasing human life expectancy lengthens the period during which gonadal hormones levels are reduced in both sexes. A better understanding of the non-hormonal effects of sex chromosomes thus becomes more important for improving the life quality during that period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shani T Gal-Oz
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tal Shay
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel.
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4
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Mazzaschi G, Quaini F, Buti S. Exploring genetic and immune underpinnings of the sexual dimorphism in tumor response to immune checkpoints inhibitors: A narrative review. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PHARMACOLOGY AND DRUG DISCOVERY 2022; 4:100146. [PMID: 36571078 PMCID: PMC9772791 DOI: 10.1016/j.crphar.2022.100146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction In spite of the undisputed relevance of sex as critical biologic variable of the immune landscape, still limited is our understanding of the basic mechanisms implicated in sex-biased immune response thereby conditioning the therapeutic outcome in cancer patients. This hindrance delays the actual attempts to decipher the heterogeneity of cancer and its immune surveillance, further digressing the achievement of predictive biomarkers in the current immunotherapy-driven scenario. Body: The present review concisely reports on genetic, chromosomal, hormonal, and immune features underlying sex-differences in the response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). In addition to outline the need of robust data on ICI pharmaco-kinetics/dynamics, our survey might provide new insights on sex determinants of ICI efficacy and suggests uncovered pathways that warrant prospective investigations. Conclusion According to a sharable view, we propose to widely include sex among the co-variates when assessing the clinical response to ICI in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Mazzaschi
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy,Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Federico Quaini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Buti
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy,Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy,Corresponding author. Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
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5
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Male origin microchimerism and brain cancer: a case–cohort study. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2022:10.1007/s00432-022-04494-0. [DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-04494-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
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6
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Sedov E, McCarthy J, Koren E, Fuchs Y. Fetomaternal microchimerism in tissue repair and tumor development. Dev Cell 2022; 57:1442-1452. [PMID: 35700729 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2022.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
In various placental mammals, the bidirectional exchange of cells during pregnancy can lead to the acquisition of genetically unique cells that can persist in both mother and child for decades. Over the years, it has become increasingly clear that this phenomenon, termed fetomaternal microchimerism may play key roles in a number of biological processes. In this perspective, we explore the concept of fetomaternal microchimerism and outline how fetal microchimeric cells are detected and immunologically tolerated within the maternal setting. Moreover, we discuss undertakings in the field that hint at the significant plasticity of fetal microchimeric cells and their potential roles in promoting maternal wound healing. Finally, we explore the multifaceted roles of fetal microchimeric cells in cancer development and progression. A deeper understanding of fetomaternal chimerism in healthy and diseased states will be key toward developing more efficient anti-cancer treatments and regenerative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Egor Sedov
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biology, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel; Lorry Lokey Interdisciplinary Center for Life Sciences and Engineering, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel; Technion Integrated Cancer Center, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Jordan McCarthy
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biology, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel; Lorry Lokey Interdisciplinary Center for Life Sciences and Engineering, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel; Technion Integrated Cancer Center, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Elle Koren
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biology, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel; Lorry Lokey Interdisciplinary Center for Life Sciences and Engineering, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel; Technion Integrated Cancer Center, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Yaron Fuchs
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biology, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel; Lorry Lokey Interdisciplinary Center for Life Sciences and Engineering, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel; Technion Integrated Cancer Center, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel.
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7
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Cómitre-Mariano B, Martínez-García M, García-Gálvez B, Paternina-Die M, Desco M, Carmona S, Gómez-Gaviro MV. Feto-maternal microchimerism: Memories from pregnancy. iScience 2022; 25:103664. [PMID: 35072002 PMCID: PMC8762399 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a bidirectional transplacental cell trafficking between mother and fetus during pregnancy in placental mammals. The presence and persistence of fetal cells in maternal tissues are known as fetal microchimerism (FMc). FMc has high multilineage potential with a great ability to differentiate and functionally integrate into maternal tissue. FMc has been found in various maternal tissues in animal models and humans. Its permanence in the maternal body up to decades after delivery suggests it might play an essential role in maternal pathophysiology. Studying the presence, localization, and characteristics of FMc in maternal tissues is key to understanding its impact on the woman's body. Here we comprehensively review the existence of FMc in different species and organs and tissues, aiming to better characterize their possible role in human health and disease. We also highlight several methodological considerations that would optimize the detection, quantification, and functional determination of FMc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blanca Cómitre-Mariano
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón. (IiSGM), C/Doctor Esquerdo 46, 28007 Madrid, Spain
| | - Magdalena Martínez-García
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón. (IiSGM), C/Doctor Esquerdo 46, 28007 Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), C/ Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Pabellón 11, planta baja, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Bárbara García-Gálvez
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón. (IiSGM), C/Doctor Esquerdo 46, 28007 Madrid, Spain
| | - María Paternina-Die
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón. (IiSGM), C/Doctor Esquerdo 46, 28007 Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), C/ Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Pabellón 11, planta baja, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Desco
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón. (IiSGM), C/Doctor Esquerdo 46, 28007 Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), C/ Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Pabellón 11, planta baja, 28029 Madrid, Spain.,Departamento de Bioingeniería e Ingeniería Aeroespacial, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Avenida de la Universidad, 30, 28911 Leganés, Spain.,Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III, CNIC, C/ Melchor Fernandez Almagro 3, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Susanna Carmona
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón. (IiSGM), C/Doctor Esquerdo 46, 28007 Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), C/ Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Pabellón 11, planta baja, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - María Victoria Gómez-Gaviro
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón. (IiSGM), C/Doctor Esquerdo 46, 28007 Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), C/ Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Pabellón 11, planta baja, 28029 Madrid, Spain.,Departamento de Bioingeniería e Ingeniería Aeroespacial, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Avenida de la Universidad, 30, 28911 Leganés, Spain
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8
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OUP accepted manuscript. Clin Chem 2022; 68:761-764. [DOI: 10.1093/clinchem/hvac056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
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9
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Monaco-Brown M, Lawrence DA. Obesity and Maternal-Placental-Fetal Immunology and Health. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:859885. [PMID: 35573953 PMCID: PMC9100592 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.859885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity rates in women of childbearing age is now at 29%, according to recent CDC reports. It is known that obesity is associated with oxidative stress and inflammation, including disruptions in cellular function and cytokine levels. In pregnant women who are obese, associated placental dysfunction can lead to small for gestational age (SGA) infants. More frequently, however, maternal obesity is associated with large for gestational age (LGA) newborns, who also have higher incidence of metabolic disease and asthma due to elevated levels of inflammation. In addition, anthropogenic environmental exposures to "endocrine disrupting" and "forever" chemicals affect obesity, as well as maternal physiology, the placenta, and fetal development. Placental function is intimately associated with the control of inflammation during pregnancy. There is a large amount of literature examining the relationship of placental immunology, both cellular and humoral, with pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. Cells such as placental macrophages and NK cells have been implicated in spontaneous miscarriage, preeclampsia, preterm birth, perinatal neuroinflammation, and other post-natal conditions. Differing levels of placental cytokines and molecular inflammatory mediators also have known associations with preeclampsia and developmental outcomes. In this review, we will specifically examine the literature regarding maternal, placental, and fetal immunology and how it is altered by maternal obesity and environmental chemicals. We will additionally describe the relationship between placental immune function and clinical outcomes, including neonatal conditions, autoimmune disease, allergies, immunodeficiency, metabolic and endocrine conditions, neurodevelopment, and psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith Monaco-Brown
- Department of Pediatrics, Bernard and Millie Duker Children's Hospital at Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY, United States
| | - David A Lawrence
- New York State Department of Health, Wadsworth Center, Albany, NY, United States.,Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University at Albany School of Public Health, Rensselaer, NY, United States
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10
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Rosner M, Kolbe T, Voronin V, Hengstschläger M. Amniotic fluid stem cells and the cell source repertoire for non-invasive prenatal testing. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2021; 18:1366-1371. [PMID: 34383184 PMCID: PMC9033748 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-021-10228-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA)-based non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is considered to be a very promising screening tool for pregnant women with an increased risk of fetal aneuploidy. Already millions of women worldwide underwent NIPT. However, due to the observed false-positive and false-negative results, this screening approach does not fulfil the criteria of a diagnostic test. Accordingly, positive results still require risk-carrying invasive prenatal testing, such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS), for confirmation. Such hurdles need to be overcome before NIPT could become a diagnostic approach widely used in the general population. Here we discuss new evidence that besides the placenta amniotic fluid stem cells (AFSCs) could also represent an origin of cffDNA in the mother’s blood. A comprehensive picture of the involved cell source repertoire could pave the way to more reliable interpretations of NIPT results and ameliorate counselling of advice-seeking patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margit Rosner
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Center for Pathobiochemistry and Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Strasse 10, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Kolbe
- Biomodels Austria, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Department IFA Tulln, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Tulln, Austria
| | - Viktor Voronin
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Center for Pathobiochemistry and Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Strasse 10, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Markus Hengstschläger
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Center for Pathobiochemistry and Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Strasse 10, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
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11
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Rosner M, Hengstschläger M. Three-dimensional migration of human amniotic fluid stem cells involves mesenchymal and amoeboid modes and is regulated by mTORC1. STEM CELLS (DAYTON, OHIO) 2021; 39:1718-1732. [PMID: 34331786 PMCID: PMC9291078 DOI: 10.1002/stem.3441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Three‐dimensional (3D) cell migration is an integral part of many physiologic processes. Although being well studied in the context of adult tissue homeostasis and cancer development, remarkably little is known about the invasive behavior of human stem cells. Using two different kinds of invasion assays, this study aimed at investigating and characterizing the 3D migratory capacity of human amniotic fluid stem cells (hAFSCs), a well‐established fetal stem cell type. Eight hAFSC lines were found to harbor pronounced potential to penetrate basement membrane (BM)‐like matrices. Morphological examination and inhibitor approaches revealed that 3D migration of hAFSCs involves both the matrix metalloprotease‐dependent mesenchymal, elongated mode and the Rho‐associated protein kinase‐dependent amoeboid, round mode. Moreover, hAFSCs could be shown to harbor transendothelial migration capacity and to exhibit a motility‐associated marker expression pattern. Finally, the potential to cross extracellular matrix was found to be induced by mTORC1‐activating growth factors and reduced by blocking mTORC1 activity. Taken together, this report provides the first demonstration that human stem cells exhibit mTORC1‐dependent invasive capacity and can concurrently make use of mesenchymal and amoeboid 3D cell migration modes, which represents an important step toward the full biological characterization of fetal human stem cells with relevance to both developmental research and stem cell‐based therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margit Rosner
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Center of Pathobiochemistry and Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Markus Hengstschläger
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Center of Pathobiochemistry and Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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12
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Rosner M, Kolbe T, Hengstschläger M. Fetomaternal microchimerism and genetic diagnosis: On the origins of fetal cells and cell-free fetal DNA in the pregnant woman. MUTATION RESEARCH. REVIEWS IN MUTATION RESEARCH 2021; 788:108399. [PMID: 34893150 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2021.108399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
During pregnancy several types of fetal cells and fetal stem cells, including pregnancy-associated progenitor cells (PAPCs), traffic into the maternal circulation. Whereas they also migrate to various maternal organs and adopt the phenotype of the target tissues to contribute to regenerative processes, fetal cells also play a role in the pathogenesis of maternal diseases. In addition, cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) is detectable in the plasma of pregnant women. Together they constitute the well-known phenomenon of fetomaternal microchimerism, which inspired the concept of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) using maternal blood. An in-depth knowledge concerning the origins of these fetal cells and cffDNA allows a more comprehensive understanding of the biological relevance of fetomaternal microchimerism and has implications for the ongoing expansion of resultant clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margit Rosner
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Center for Pathobiochemistry and Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Kolbe
- Biomodels Austria, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Department IFA Tulln, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Tulln, Austria
| | - Markus Hengstschläger
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Center for Pathobiochemistry and Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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13
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Hallum S, Jakobsen MA, Gerds TA, Pinborg A, Tjønneland A, Kamper-Jørgensen M. Male origin microchimerism and ovarian cancer. Int J Epidemiol 2021; 50:87-94. [PMID: 32065627 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyaa019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reduced risk of ovarian cancer is commonly ascribed to reduced exposure to endogenous hormones during pregnancy, using oral contraceptives or not using hormone replacement therapy. However, exposure to hormones alone account for less than half of all cases. Many women carry small amounts of male cells-known as male origin microchimerism-in their circulation and remarkable impacts of these cells on women's health are being published. Here, we pursue the possibility that male origin microchimerism has a role in reducing ovarian cancer risk. METHODS We conducted a prospective case-cohort study using blood samples and questionnaire data from 700 women participating in the Danish Diet, Cancer, and Health cohort. Blood samples were analysed for Y chromosome presence as a marker of male microchimerism. We evaluated the association between male microchimerism and ovarian cancer, using weighted Cox regression models reporting hazard ratios (HRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS Male microchimerism was detected in 46% of cases and 65.9% of controls. Women testing positive for male microchimerism had a reduced hazard rate of ovarian cancer compared with women testing negative (HR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.29-0.68). We found no evidence of interaction with measures of hormonal exposures (P = 0.50). CONCLUSIONS For the first time we report that women who test positive for male microchimerism in their circulation have reduced rates of ovarian cancer compared with women who test negative. Although the underlying mechanisms are presently unknown, we believe male microchimerism is potent in preventing ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Hallum
- Section of Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Thomas Alexander Gerds
- Section of Biostatistics, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anja Pinborg
- Fertility Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne Tjønneland
- Section of Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Institute of Cancer Epidemiology, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mads Kamper-Jørgensen
- Section of Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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14
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Alekar A. The outcomes of fetal cell microchimerism in the mother. BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH JOURNAL 2021. [DOI: 10.4103/bmrj.bmrj_9_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Bowman CE, Arany Z, Wolfgang MJ. Regulation of maternal-fetal metabolic communication. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 78:1455-1486. [PMID: 33084944 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03674-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Pregnancy may be the most nutritionally sensitive stage in the life cycle, and improved metabolic health during gestation and early postnatal life can reduce the risk of chronic disease in adulthood. Successful pregnancy requires coordinated metabolic, hormonal, and immunological communication. In this review, maternal-fetal metabolic communication is defined as the bidirectional communication of nutritional status and metabolic demand by various modes including circulating metabolites, endocrine molecules, and other secreted factors. Emphasis is placed on metabolites as a means of maternal-fetal communication by synthesizing findings from studies in humans, non-human primates, domestic animals, rabbits, and rodents. In this review, fetal, placental, and maternal metabolic adaptations are discussed in turn. (1) Fetal macronutrient needs are summarized in terms of the physiological adaptations in place to ensure their proper allocation. (2) Placental metabolite transport and maternal physiological adaptations during gestation, including changes in energy budget, are also discussed. (3) Maternal nutrient limitation and metabolic disorders of pregnancy serve as case studies of the dynamic nature of maternal-fetal metabolic communication. The review concludes with a summary of recent research efforts to identify metabolites, endocrine molecules, and other secreted factors that mediate this communication, with particular emphasis on serum/plasma metabolomics in humans, non-human primates, and rodents. A better understanding of maternal-fetal metabolic communication in health and disease may reveal novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for metabolic disorders of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlyn E Bowman
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Zoltan Arany
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Michael J Wolfgang
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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16
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Cismaru CA, Soritau O, Jurj AM, Lajos R, Pop B, Bocean C, Albzour B, Baldasici O, Moldovan C, Neagoe IB. Isolation and Characterization of a Fetal-Maternal Microchimeric Stem Cell Population in Maternal Hair Follicles Long after Parturition. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2020; 15:519-529. [PMID: 31123983 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-019-09885-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Fetal-maternal microchimerism describes the acquisition of fetal stem cells (FSC) by the mother during pregnancy and their long-term persistence after parturition. FSC may engraft in a variety of maternal tissues especially if there is organ/tissue injury, but their role and mechanism of persistence still remains elusive. Clinical applications due to their pluripotency, immunomodulatory effects and accessibility make them good candidates for ex-vivo manipulation and autologous therapies. The hair follicles contain a distinctive niche for pluripotent stem cells (PSC). To date, there is no published evidence of fetal microchimerism in the hair follicle. In our study, follicular unit extraction (FUE) technique allowed easy stem cell cultures to be obtained while simple hair follicle removal by pull-out technique failed to generate stem cells in culture. We identified microchimeric fetal stem cells within the primitive population of maternal stem cells isolated from the hair follicles with typical mesenchymal phenotype, expression of PSC genes and differentiation potential towards osteocytes, adypocites and chondrocytes. This is the first study to isolate fetal microchimeric stem cells in adult human hair long after parturition. We presume a sanctuary partition mechanism with PSC of the mother deposited during early embryogenesis could explain their long-term persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cosmin Andrei Cismaru
- Research Center for Functional Genomics Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania. .,The Oncology Institute "Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuta", Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Olga Soritau
- The Oncology Institute "Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuta", Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ancuta-Maria Jurj
- Research Center for Functional Genomics Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Raduly Lajos
- Research Center for Functional Genomics Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Bogdan Pop
- The Oncology Institute "Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuta", Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cosmina Bocean
- The Oncology Institute "Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuta", Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Bogdan Albzour
- Department of Dermatology, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Oana Baldasici
- The Oncology Institute "Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuta", Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cristian Moldovan
- Research Center for Advanced Medicine - Medfuture, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioana Berindan Neagoe
- Research Center for Functional Genomics Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.,The Oncology Institute "Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuta", Cluj-Napoca, Romania.,Research Center for Advanced Medicine - Medfuture, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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17
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Barth C, de Lange AMG. Towards an understanding of women's brain aging: the immunology of pregnancy and menopause. Front Neuroendocrinol 2020; 58:100850. [PMID: 32504632 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2020.100850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Women are at significantly greater risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and show higher prevalence of autoimmune conditions relative to men. Women's brain health is historically understudied, and little is therefore known about the mechanisms underlying epidemiological sex differences in neurodegenerative diseases, and how female-specific factors may influence women's brain health across the lifespan. In this review, we summarize recent studies on the immunology of pregnancy and menopause, emphasizing that these major immunoendocrine transition phases may play a critical part in women's brain aging trajectories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Barth
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Ann-Marie G de Lange
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK.
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18
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Borba VV, Zandman-Goddard G, Shoenfeld Y. Exacerbations of autoimmune diseases during pregnancy and postpartum. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2019; 33:101321. [PMID: 31564626 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2019.101321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases represent a complex heterogeneous group of disorders that occur as a results of immune homeostasis dysregulation and loss of self-tolerance. Interestingly, more than 80% of the cases are found among women at reproductive age. Normal pregnancy is associated with remarkable changes in the immune and endocrine signaling required to tolerate and support the development and survival of the placenta and the semi-allogenic fetus in the hostile maternal immune system environment. Gravidity and postpartum represent an extremely challenge period, and likewise the general population, women suffering from autoimmune disorders attempt pregnancy. Effective preconception counseling and subsequent gestation and postpartum follow-up are crucial for improving mother and child outcomes. This comprehensive review provides information about the different pathways modulating autoimmune diseases activity and severity, such as the influence hormones, microbiome, infections, vaccines, among others, as well as updated recommendations were needed, in order to offer those women better medical care and life quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vânia Vieira Borba
- Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - Gisele Zandman-Goddard
- Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel; Department of Medicine C, Wolfson Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yehuda Shoenfeld
- Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel; I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), Russia.
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19
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Ståhlberg A, El-Heliebi A, Sedlmayr P, Kroneis T. Unravelling the biological secrets of microchimerism by single-cell analysis. Brief Funct Genomics 2018; 17:255-264. [PMID: 29028900 PMCID: PMC6063264 DOI: 10.1093/bfgp/elx027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence of microchimeric cells is known for >100 years and well documented since decades. Earlier, microchimeric cells were mainly used for cell-based non-invasive prenatal diagnostics during early pregnancy. Microchimeric cells are also present beyond delivery and are associated to various autoimmune diseases, tissue repair, cancer and immune tolerance. All these findings were based on low complexity studies and occasionally accompanied by artefacts not allowing the biological functions of microchimerism to be determined. However, with the recent developments in single-cell analysis, new means to identify and characterize microchimeric cells are available. Cell labelling techniques in combination with single-cell analysis provide a new toolbox to decipher the biology of microchimeric cells at molecular and cellular level. In this review, we discuss how recent developments in single-cell analysis can be applied to determine the role and function of microchimeric cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Ståhlberg
- Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Department of Pathology and Genetics, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Medicinaregatan 1F, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Amin El-Heliebi
- Institute of Cell Biology, Histology & Embryology, Medical University of Graz, Harrachgasse 21, Graz, Austria
| | - Peter Sedlmayr
- Institute of Cell Biology, Histology & Embryology, Medical University of Graz, Harrachgasse 21, Graz, Austria
| | - Thomas Kroneis
- Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Department of Pathology and Genetics, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Medicinaregatan 1F, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Institute of Cell Biology, Histology & Embryology, Medical University of Graz, Harrachgasse 21, Graz, Austria
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20
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Stojsin-Carter A, Costa NN, De Morais R, De Bem TH, Costa MP, Carter TF, Gillis DJ, Neal MS, Ohashi OM, Miranda MS, Meirelles FV, Favetta LA, King WA. Fetal sex alters maternal anti-Mullerian hormone during pregnancy in cattle. Anim Reprod Sci 2017; 186:85-92. [PMID: 28969874 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2017.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Revised: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) is expressed by both male and female fetuses during mammalian development, with males expressing AMH earlier and at significantly higher concentration. The aim of the current study was to explore the potential impact of pregnancy and fetal sex on maternal AMH and to determine if plasma (Pl) AMH or placenta intercotyledonary membrane and cotyledonary AMH receptor 2 (AMHR2) mRNA expression differ in pregnant cows carrying male vs. female fetuses. AMH levels in blood were measured using a bovine optimized ELISA kit. Cows pregnant with a male fetus were observed to have a significantly greater difference in Pl AMH between day 35 and 135 of gestation. Average fetal AMH level between 54 and 220days of gestation was also observed to be significantly higher in male vs. female fetuses. Intercotyledonary membranes and cotyledons were found to express AMHR2 between days 38 and 80 of gestation at similar levels in both fetal sexes. These findings support the hypothesis that fetal sex alters maternal Pl AMH during pregnancy in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Stojsin-Carter
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Nathalia N Costa
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Augusto Corrêa 1, Belém, PA, 66075-110, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo De Morais
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Augusto Corrêa 1, Belém, PA, 66075-110, Brazil
| | - Tiago H De Bem
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinaria, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Avenida Duque Caxias Norte 225 - Jardim Elite, Pirassununga, SP, 13635-000, Brazil
| | - Mayra P Costa
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Augusto Corrêa 1, Belém, PA, 66075-110, Brazil
| | - Timothy F Carter
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Daniel J Gillis
- School of Computer Science, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Michael S Neal
- ONE Fertility, 3210 Harvester Rd, Burlington, ON, L7N 3T1, Canada
| | - Otavio M Ohashi
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Augusto Corrêa 1, Belém, PA, 66075-110, Brazil
| | - Moyses S Miranda
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Augusto Corrêa 1, Belém, PA, 66075-110, Brazil
| | - Flavio V Meirelles
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinaria, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Avenida Duque Caxias Norte 225 - Jardim Elite, Pirassununga, SP, 13635-000, Brazil
| | - Laura A Favetta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - W Allan King
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada.
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21
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Persistence of the losing cord blood unit following double cord blood transplantation: finding the unseen. Blood 2017; 130:1480-1482. [PMID: 28765258 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2017-06-788513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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22
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Næss Ø, Mortensen LH, Vikanes Å, Smith GD. Offspring sex and parental health and mortality. Sci Rep 2017; 7:5285. [PMID: 28706249 PMCID: PMC5509737 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-05161-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Increased mortality has been observed in mothers and fathers with male offspring but little is known regarding specific diseases. In a register linkage we linked women born 1925–1954 having survived to age 50 (n = 661,031) to offspring and fathers (n = 691,124). Three approaches were used: 1) number of total boy and girl offspring, 2) sex of the first and second offspring and 3) proportion of boys to total number of offspring. A sub-cohort (n = 50,736 mothers, n = 44,794 fathers) from survey data was analysed for risk factors. Mothers had increased risk of total and cardiovascular mortality that was consistent across approaches: cardiovascular mortality of 1.07 (95% CI: 1.03–1.11) per boy (approach 2), 1.04 (1.01–1.07) if the first offspring was a boy, and 1.06 (1.01–1.10) if the first two offspring were boys (approach 3). We found that sex of offspring was not associated with total or cardiovascular mortality in fathers. For other diseases or risk factors no robust associations were seen in mothers or fathers. Increased cardiovascular risk in mothers having male offspring suggests a maternal disease specific mechanism. The lack of consistent associations on measured risk factors could suggest other biological pathways than those studied play a role in generating this additional cardiovascular risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Øyvind Næss
- Epidemiological Division, National Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway. .,Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Laust H Mortensen
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, København, Denmark
| | - Åse Vikanes
- Epidemiological Division, National Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.,The Intervention Center, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - George Davey Smith
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit (IEU) at the University of Bristol, School of Social and Community Medicine, Bristol, UK
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23
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Abstract
Post-zygotic variation refers to genetic changes that arise in the soma of an individual and that are not usually inherited by the next generation. Although there is a paucity of research on such variation, emerging studies show that it is common: individuals are complex mosaics of genetically distinct cells, to such an extent that no two somatic cells are likely to have the exact same genome. Although most types of mutation can be involved in post-zygotic variation, structural genetic variants are likely to leave the largest genomic footprint. Somatic variation has diverse physiological roles and pathological consequences, particularly when acquired variants influence the clonal trajectories of the affected cells. Post-zygotic variation is an important confounder in medical genetic testing and a promising avenue for research: future studies could involve analyses of sorted and single cells from multiple tissue types to fully explore its potential.
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24
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Huang YM, Zhou HR, Zhang L, Yang KK, Luo JX, Zhao HL. Spontaneous remission of membranous glomerulonephritis with successful fetal outcome: A case report and literature review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2016; 95:e4022. [PMID: 27368022 PMCID: PMC4937936 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000004022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Membranous glomerulonephritis (MGN) represents an immunologically mediated disease characterized by deposition of immune complexes in the glomerular subepithelial space. Persistent proteinuria at diagnosis predicts poor prognosis. Pregnancy with MGN is a risk of fetal loss and may worsen maternal renal function.Here, we report a lady with MGN and proteinuria achieved spontaneous remission and successful fetal outcome naive to any medications. The 26-year old woman had 1-year history of persistent proteinuria (5.5-12.56 g/24 hours) and biopsy-proven MGN. Histopathological characteristics included glomerular basement membrane spikes, subepithelial monoclonal IgG immunofluorescence, and diffuse electron dense deposits. She was sticking to a regular morning exercise routine without any medications. After successful delivery of a full-term baby girl, the mother had improved proteinuria (0.56 g/24 hours) and albuminuria (351.96 g/24 hours contrasting 2281.6 g/24 hours before pregnancy). The baby had normal height and body weight at 4 months old.We identified more pregnancies with MGN in 5 case reports and 5 clinical series review articles (7-33 cases included). Spontaneous remission of maternal MGN with good fetal outcome rarely occurred in mothers on immunosuppressive therapy.Mothers naive to immunosuppressive therapy may achieve spontaneous remission of maternal membranous glomerulonephritis and successful fetal outcome. Theoretically, fetus might donate stem cells to heal mother's kidney.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Mei Huang
- Center for Diabetic Systems Medicine, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Excellence, Guilin Medical University, Guilin
| | - Hui-Rong Zhou
- Center for Diabetic Systems Medicine, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Excellence, Guilin Medical University, Guilin
- Department of Surgical Pathology, KingMed Diagnostics, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Center for Diabetic Systems Medicine, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Excellence, Guilin Medical University, Guilin
- Ningbo Yongjiang Advanced Vocational High School, Ningbo, 305010
| | - Ke-Ke Yang
- Center for Diabetic Systems Medicine, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Excellence, Guilin Medical University, Guilin
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001
| | - Jiang-Xi Luo
- Center for Diabetic Systems Medicine, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Excellence, Guilin Medical University, Guilin
- Correspondence: Hai-Lu Zhao, Jiang-Xi Luo, Center for Diabetic Systems Medicine, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Excellence, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541004, China (e-mail: , )
| | - Hai-Lu Zhao
- Center for Diabetic Systems Medicine, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Excellence, Guilin Medical University, Guilin
- Correspondence: Hai-Lu Zhao, Jiang-Xi Luo, Center for Diabetic Systems Medicine, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Excellence, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541004, China (e-mail: , )
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25
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Nemescu D, Ursu RG, Nemescu ER, Negura L. Heterogeneous Distribution of Fetal Microchimerism in Local Breast Cancer Environment. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0147675. [PMID: 26808509 PMCID: PMC4726590 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0147675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2015] [Accepted: 01/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal cells enter maternal circulation during pregnancy and persist in the woman’s body for decades, achieving a form of physiological microchimerism. These cells were also evidenced in tumors. We investigated the frequency and concentration of fetal microchimerism in the local breast cancer environment. From 19 patients with confirmed breast neoplasia, after breast surgical resection, we collected three fresh specimens from the tumor core, breast tissue at tumor periphery, and adjacent normal breast tissue. The presence of male DNA was analyzed with a quantitative PCR assay for the sex determining region gene (SRY) gene. In the group of women who had given birth to at least one son, we detected fetal microchimerism in 100% of samples from tumors and their periphery and in 64% (9 of 14) of those from normal breast tissue. The tissues from the tumor and its periphery carry a significantly increased number of SRY copies compared to its neighboring common breast tissue (p = 0.005). The median of the normalized SRY-signal was about 77 (range, 3.2–21467) and 14-fold (range, 1.3–2690) greater in the tumor and respectively in the periphery than in the normal breast tissue. In addition, the relative expression of the SRY gene had a median 5.5 times larger in the tumor than in its periphery (range, 1.1–389.4). We found a heterogeneous distribution of fetal microchimerism in breast cancer environment. In women with sons, breast neoplasia harbors male cells at significantly higher levels than in peripheral and normal breast tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dragos Nemescu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Gr.T.Popa", Iasi, Romania
- “Cuza Voda” Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Iasi, Romania
| | - Ramona Gabriela Ursu
- Department of Microbiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Gr.T.Popa", Iasi, Romania
- * E-mail:
| | - Elena Roxana Nemescu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Gr.T.Popa", Iasi, Romania
| | - Lucian Negura
- Department of Immunology and Oncogenetics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Gr.T.Popa", Iasi, Romania
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26
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Artlett CM, Sassi-Gaha S, Ramos RC, Miller FW, Rider LG. Chimeric cells of maternal origin do not appear to be pathogenic in the juvenile idiopathic inflammatory myopathies or muscular dystrophy. Arthritis Res Ther 2015; 17:238. [PMID: 26338728 PMCID: PMC4558637 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-015-0732-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2015] [Accepted: 07/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Microchimeric cells have been studied for over a decade, with conflicting reports on their presence and role in autoimmune and other inflammatory diseases. To determine whether microchimeric cells were pathogenic or mediating tissue repair in inflammatory myopathies, we phenotyped and quantified microchimeric cells in juvenile idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (JIIM), muscular dystrophy (MD), and noninflammatory control muscle tissues. Method Fluorescence immunophenotyping for infiltrating cells with sequential fluorescence in situ hybridization was performed on muscle biopsies from ten patients with JIIM, nine with MD and ten controls. Results Microchimeric cells were significantly increased in MD muscle (0.079 ± 0.024 microchimeric cells/mm2 tissue) compared to controls (0.019 ± 0.007 cells/mm2 tissue, p = 0.01), but not elevated in JIIM muscle (0.043 ± 0.015 cells/mm2). Significantly more CD4+ and CD8+ microchimeric cells were in the muscle of patients with MD compared with controls (mean 0.053 ± 0.020/mm2 versus 0 ± 0/mm2p = 0.003 and 0.043 ± 0.023/mm2 versus 0 ± 0/mm2p = 0.025, respectively). No differences in microchimeric cells between JIIM, MD, and noninflammatory controls were found for CD3+, Class II+, CD25+, CD45RA+, and CD123+ phenotypes, and no microchimeric cells were detected in CD20, CD83, or CD45RO populations. The locations of microchimeric cells were similar in all three conditions, with MD muscle having more microchimeric cells in perimysial regions than controls, and JIIM having fewer microchimeric muscle nuclei than MD. Microchimeric inflammatory cells were found, in most cases, at significantly lower proportions than autologous cells of the same phenotype. Conclusions Microchimeric cells are not specific to autoimmune disease, and may not be important in muscle inflammation or tissue repair in JIIM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol M Artlett
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, 2900 Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA, 19129, USA.
| | - Sihem Sassi-Gaha
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, 2900 Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA, 19129, USA.
| | - Ronald C Ramos
- Department of Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, 1020 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA. .,Present address: Agis Global, Business Development Executive, 1266 East Main Street, Stamford, CT, 06902, USA.
| | - Frederick W Miller
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Environmental Autoimmunity Group, Program of Clinical Research, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
| | - Lisa G Rider
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Environmental Autoimmunity Group, Program of Clinical Research, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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27
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Sun T, Plutynski A, Ward S, Rubin JB. An integrative view on sex differences in brain tumors. Cell Mol Life Sci 2015; 72:3323-42. [PMID: 25985759 PMCID: PMC4531141 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-015-1930-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2015] [Revised: 04/27/2015] [Accepted: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Sex differences in human health and disease can range from undetectable to profound. Differences in brain tumor rates and outcome are evident in males and females throughout the world and regardless of age. These observations indicate that fundamental aspects of sex determination can impact the biology of brain tumors. It is likely that optimal personalized approaches to the treatment of male and female brain tumor patients will require recognizing and understanding the ways in which the biology of their tumors can differ. It is our view that sex-specific approaches to brain tumor screening and care will be enhanced by rigorously documenting differences in brain tumor rates and outcomes in males and females, and understanding the developmental and evolutionary origins of sex differences. Here we offer such an integrative perspective on brain tumors. It is our intent to encourage the consideration of sex differences in clinical and basic scientific investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Sun
- />Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, USA
| | - Anya Plutynski
- />Department of Philosophy, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, USA
| | - Stacey Ward
- />Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, USA
| | - Joshua B. Rubin
- />Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, USA
- />Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Ave, St Louis, MO 63110 USA
- />Campus Box 8208, 660 South Euclid Ave, St Louis, MO 63110 USA
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Boddy AM, Fortunato A, Wilson Sayres M, Aktipis A. Fetal microchimerism and maternal health: a review and evolutionary analysis of cooperation and conflict beyond the womb. Bioessays 2015; 37:1106-18. [PMID: 26316378 PMCID: PMC4712643 DOI: 10.1002/bies.201500059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The presence of fetal cells has been associated with both positive and negative effects on maternal health. These paradoxical effects may be due to the fact that maternal and offspring fitness interests are aligned in certain domains and conflicting in others, which may have led to the evolution of fetal microchimeric phenotypes that can manipulate maternal tissues. We use cooperation and conflict theory to generate testable predictions about domains in which fetal microchimerism may enhance maternal health and those in which it may be detrimental. This framework suggests that fetal cells may function both to contribute to maternal somatic maintenance (e.g. wound healing) and to manipulate maternal physiology to enhance resource transmission to offspring (e.g. enhancing milk production). In this review, we use an evolutionary framework to make testable predictions about the role of fetal microchimerism in lactation, thyroid function, autoimmune disease, cancer and maternal emotional, and psychological health. Also watch the Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy M Boddy
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.,Center for Evolution and Cancer, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Angelo Fortunato
- Center for Evolution and Cancer, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Melissa Wilson Sayres
- Center for Evolution and Medicine, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.,School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Athena Aktipis
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.,Center for Evolution and Cancer, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Center for Evolution and Medicine, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
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Fetal microchimerism in kidney biopsies of lupus nephritis patients may be associated with a beneficial effect. Arthritis Res Ther 2015; 17:101. [PMID: 25889410 PMCID: PMC4416327 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-015-0615-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2014] [Accepted: 04/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Microchimeric male fetal cells (MFCs) have been associated with systemic lupus erythematosus, and published studies have further correlated MFC with lupus nephritis (LN). In the present study, we evaluated the frequency of MFC in the renal tissue of patients with LN. Methods Twenty-seven renal biopsies were evaluated: Fourteen were from women with clinical and laboratory findings of LN, and thirteen were from controls. Genomic DNA was extracted from kidney biopsies, and the male fetal DNA was quantified using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reactions for the detection of specific Y chromosome sequences. Results MFCs were detected in 9 (64%) of 14 of patients with LN, whereas no MFCs were found in the control group (P = 0.0006). No differences in pregnancy history were found between patients with LN and the control group. Significantly higher amounts of MFCs were found in patients with LN with serum creatinine ≤1.5 mg/dl. Furthermore, women with MFCs had significantly better renal function at the time of biopsy (P = 0.03). In contrast, patients with LN without MFCs presented with more severe forms of glomerulonephritis (World Health Organization class IV = 60% and class V = 40%). Conclusions Our data indicate a high prevalence of MFCs in renal biopsy specimens from women with LN, suggesting a role for MFCs in the etiology of LN. The present report also provides some evidence that MFCs could have a beneficial effect in this disease. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13075-015-0615-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Bryan JN. Fetal Microchimerism in Cancer Protection and Promotion: Current Understanding in Dogs and the Implications for Human Health. AAPS JOURNAL 2015; 17:506-12. [PMID: 25693490 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-015-9731-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2014] [Accepted: 02/02/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Fetal microchimerism is the co-existence of small numbers of cells from genetically distinct individuals living within a mother's body following pregnancy. During pregnancy, bi-directional exchange of cells occurs resulting in maternal microchimerism and even sibling microchimerism in offspring. The presence of fetal microchimerism has been identified with lower frequency in patients with cancers such as breast and lymphoma and with higher frequency in patients with colon cancer and autoimmune diseases. Microchimeric cells have been identified in healing and healed tissues as well as normal and tumor tissues. This has led to the hypothesis that fetal microchimerism may play a protective role in some cancers and may provoke other cancers or autoimmune disease. The long periods of risk for these diseases make it a challenge to prospectively study this phenomenon in human populations. Dogs get similar cancers as humans, share our homes and environmental exposures, and live compressed life-spans, allowing easier prospective study of disease development. This review describes the current state of understanding of fetal microchimerism in humans and dogs and highlights the similarities of the common cancers mammary carcinoma, lymphoma, and colon cancer between the two species. Study of fetal microchimerism in dogs might hold the key to characterization of the type and function of microchimeric cells and their role in health and disease. Such an understanding could then be applied to preventing and treating disease in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey N Bryan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri-Columbia, 900 E. Campus Drive, Columbia, Missouri, 65211, United States of America,
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Arkema EV, Simard JF. Perinatal risk factors for future SLE: a population-based nested case-control study. Lupus 2015; 24:869-74. [PMID: 25672372 DOI: 10.1177/0961203315570160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2014] [Accepted: 01/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the association between perinatal characteristics and the offspring's risk of lupus using population-based registers in Sweden. METHODS We conducted a nested case-control study, identifying systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) cases from the National Patient Register and controls sampled from the general population matched on birth year, sex, and residential county. We obtained data on the mother's health and age during pregnancy and characteristics of labor and delivery from the Medical Birth Register (births from 1973 through 2008) for cases and controls. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using conditional logistic regression models overall and separately for males and females. RESULTS We identified 774 cases and 3337 controls. Age at which SLE was first observed ranged from 0 to 36 years old. High birth weight was not a risk factor for SLE and did not differ by sex. Males had a 2.4-fold increased odds of SLE if born preterm (<37 weeks; OR = 2.41; 95% CI 1.09, 5.36). Birth order was significantly associated with SLE, particularly among females (first born vs. not OR = 0.77, 95% CI 0.64, 0.94; continuous birth order OR = 1.12. 95% CI 1.02, 1.24). CONCLUSION Being born first was associated with reduced odds of SLE and the odds of SLE increased by 12% for every additional birth. Preterm birth was associated with increased odds in males only. Unlike previous work, high birth weight was not a risk factor for SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- E V Arkema
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - J F Simard
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden Department of Health Research and Policy, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA Department of Medicine, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
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Gilbert OM. Histocompatibility as adaptive response to discriminatory within-organism conflict: a historical model. Am Nat 2015; 185:228-42. [PMID: 25616141 DOI: 10.1086/679442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Multicellular tissue compatibility, or histocompatibility, restricts fusion to close kin. Histocompatibility depends on hypervariable cue genes, which often have more than 100 alleles in a population. To explain the evolution of histocompatibility, I here take a historical approach. I focus on the specific example of marine invertebrate histocompatibility. I use simple game-theoretical models to show that histocompatibility can evolve through five steps. These steps include the evolution of indiscriminate fusion, the evolution of discriminatory within-organism conflict, the evolution of minor histocompatibility, the evolution of major histocompatibility, and the evolution of major histocompatibility cue polymorphism. Allowing for gradual evolution reveals discriminatory within-organism conflict as a selective pressure for histocompatibility and associated cue polymorphism. Existing data from marine invertebrates and other organisms are consistent with this hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Owen M Gilbert
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas, Austin, Texas 78712
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Parks CG, Miller FW, Satoh M, Chan EKL, Andrushchenko Z, Birnbaum LS, Jusko TA, Kissling GE, Patel MD, Rose KM, Weinberg C, Zeldin DC, Sandler DP. Reproductive and hormonal risk factors for antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in a representative sample of U.S. women. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2014; 23:2492-502. [PMID: 25086100 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-14-0429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autoantibodies are of growing interest in cancer research as potential biomarkers; yet, the determinants of autoimmunity are not well understood. Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) are common in the general population and are more prevalent in women and older adults. Here, we examined the relationship of ANA with reproductive and hormonal factors in a representative sample of U.S. women. METHODS We analyzed data on reproductive history and exogenous hormone use in relation to serum ANA in 2,037 females ages 12 years and older from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES; 1999-2004). Estimated ANA prevalences were adjusted for sampling weights. Prevalence ORs (POR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were adjusted for age, race, and poverty-income ratio, and models were stratified by menopause status. RESULTS In premenopausal women ages 20 years and older, ANA prevalence was associated with parity (P < 0.001; parous vs. nulliparous POR = 2.0; 95% CI, 1.2-3.4), but in parous women, ANA did not vary by number of births, age at first birth, years since last birth, or breastfeeding. In postmenopausal women, ANA prevalence was associated with an older age at menarche (P = 0.019; age 16-20 vs. 10-12 years POR = 3.0; 95% CI, 1.6-5.9), but not with parity. Oral contraceptives and estrogen therapy were not associated with a higher ANA prevalence. CONCLUSIONS Childbearing (having had one or more births) may explain age-associated elevations in ANA prevalence seen in premenopausal women. IMPACT These findings highlight the importance of considering reproductive history in studies of autoimmunity and cancer in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine G Parks
- National Institute of Environmental Health Science, NIH, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
| | - Frederick W Miller
- National Institute of Environmental Health Science, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Minoru Satoh
- University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, Japan
| | | | | | - Linda S Birnbaum
- National Institute of Environmental Health Science, NIH, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Todd A Jusko
- University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York
| | - Grace E Kissling
- National Institute of Environmental Health Science, NIH, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Mehul D Patel
- University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Kathryn M Rose
- Social and Scientific Systems, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Clarice Weinberg
- National Institute of Environmental Health Science, NIH, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Darryl C Zeldin
- National Institute of Environmental Health Science, NIH, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Dale P Sandler
- National Institute of Environmental Health Science, NIH, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
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Flegr J, Prandota J, Sovičková M, Israili ZH. Toxoplasmosis--a global threat. Correlation of latent toxoplasmosis with specific disease burden in a set of 88 countries. PLoS One 2014; 9:e90203. [PMID: 24662942 PMCID: PMC3963851 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0090203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 383] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2013] [Accepted: 01/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasmosis is becoming a global health hazard as it infects 30-50% of the world human population. Clinically, the life-long presence of the parasite in tissues of a majority of infected individuals is usually considered asymptomatic. However, a number of studies show that this 'asymptomatic infection' may also lead to development of other human pathologies. AIMS OF THE STUDY The purpose of the study was to collect available geoepidemiological data on seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis and search for its relationship with mortality and disability rates in different countries. METHODS AND FINDINGS Prevalence data published between 1995-2008 for women in child-bearing age were collected for 88 countries (29 European). The association between prevalence of toxoplasmosis and specific disease burden estimated with age-standardized Disability Adjusted Life Year (DALY) or with mortality, was calculated using General Linear Method with Gross Domestic Product per capita (GDP), geolatitude and humidity as covariates, and also using nonparametric partial Kendall correlation test with GDP as a covariate. The prevalence of toxoplasmosis correlated with specific disease burden in particular countries explaining 23% of variability in disease burden in Europe. The analyses revealed that for example, DALY of 23 of 128 analyzed diseases and disease categories on the WHO list showed correlations (18 positive, 5 negative) with prevalence of toxoplasmosis and another 12 diseases showed positive trends (p<0.1). For several obtained significant correlations between the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis and specific diseases/clinical entities, possible pathophysiological, biochemical and molecular explanations are presented. CONCLUSIONS The seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis correlated with various disease burden. Statistical associations does not necessarily mean causality. The precautionary principle suggests however that possible role of toxoplasmosis as a triggering factor responsible for development of several clinical entities deserves much more attention and financial support both in everyday medical practice and future clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaroslav Flegr
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Joseph Prandota
- Department of Social Pediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Michaela Sovičková
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Zafar H. Israili
- Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
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Putintseva EV, Britanova OV, Staroverov DB, Merzlyak EM, Turchaninova MA, Shugay M, Bolotin DA, Pogorelyy MV, Mamedov IZ, Bobrynina V, Maschan M, Lebedev YB, Chudakov DM. Mother and child T cell receptor repertoires: deep profiling study. Front Immunol 2013; 4:463. [PMID: 24400004 PMCID: PMC3872299 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2013.00463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2013] [Accepted: 12/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The relationship between maternal and child immunity has been actively studied in the context of complications during pregnancy, autoimmune diseases, and haploidentical transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells and solid organs. Here, we have for the first time used high-throughput Illumina HiSeq sequencing to perform deep quantitative profiling of T cell receptor (TCR) repertoires for peripheral blood samples of three mothers and their six children. Advanced technology allowed accurate identification of 5 × 105 to 2 × 106 TCR beta clonotypes per individual. We performed comparative analysis of these TCR repertoires with the aim of revealing characteristic features that distinguish related mother-child pairs, such as relative TCR beta variable segment usage frequency and relative overlap of TCR beta complementarity-determining region 3 (CDR3) repertoires. We show that thymic selection essentially and similarly shapes the initial output of the TCR recombination machinery in both related and unrelated pairs, with minor effect from inherited differences. The achieved depth of TCR profiling also allowed us to test the hypothesis that mature T cells transferred across the placenta during pregnancy can expand and persist as functional microchimeric clones in their new host, using characteristic TCR beta CDR3 variants as clonal identifiers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina V Putintseva
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Science , Moscow , Russia
| | - Olga V Britanova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Science , Moscow , Russia
| | - Dmitriy B Staroverov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Science , Moscow , Russia
| | - Ekaterina M Merzlyak
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Science , Moscow , Russia
| | - Maria A Turchaninova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Science , Moscow , Russia
| | - Mikhail Shugay
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Science , Moscow , Russia
| | - Dmitriy A Bolotin
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Science , Moscow , Russia
| | - Mikhail V Pogorelyy
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Science , Moscow , Russia
| | - Ilgar Z Mamedov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Science , Moscow , Russia
| | - Vlasta Bobrynina
- Federal Scientific Clinical Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology , Moscow , Russia
| | - Mikhail Maschan
- Federal Scientific Clinical Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology , Moscow , Russia
| | - Yuri B Lebedev
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Science , Moscow , Russia
| | - Dmitriy M Chudakov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Science , Moscow , Russia ; Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Masaryk University , Brno , Czech Republic
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Joshi A, O'Donoghue K, Mahmood U, Banerjee D, Banerjee A. Pregnancy outcomes in a patient with Sjögren's disease with renal involvement. Obstet Med 2013; 6:175-8. [PMID: 27656253 DOI: 10.1177/1753495x13487323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal and fetal outcome in pregnancy with renal failure is unpredictable, where each condition can adversely affect the other. We present a case of steroid sensitive Sjögren's nephritis worsened by pregnancy, demonstrated over the course of multiple pregnancies and investigated the aetiology. CASE A 28-year-old nullipara with a diagnosis of primary Sjögren's syndrome presented with a deterioration of renal function. A diagnosis of secondary tubulo-interstitial nephritis was made on renal biopsy. Her first pregnancy ended in the second trimester with a decision to deliver a female infant at 27 weeks due to worsening maternal renal function. Renal function improved immediately. A second pregnancy ended in a first trimester miscarriage. The third and fourth pregnancies delivered male infants at 35 and 34 weeks, with worsening renal function in each pregnancy, reaching end stage. Repeat biopsy showed extensive glomerulosclerosis and male cells were identified. CONCLUSIONS This case of Sjögren's syndrome with renal disease demonstrated the increased risk of fetal and maternal adverse pregnancy outcomes. Renal function worsened in each pregnancy and progressed to end-stage renal disease. Fetal microchimerism offers an interesting mechanism for our patient's renal failure and its apparent relationship to her pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Joshi
- Department of Acute Medicine, Princess Royal University Hospital, South London Healthcare Trust, London, UK
| | - Keelin O'Donoghue
- Anu Research Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Cork, Cork, Republic of Ireland
| | - Uzma Mahmood
- Anu Research Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Cork, Cork, Republic of Ireland
| | | | - Anita Banerjee
- Department of Acute Medicine, Princess Royal University Hospital, South London Healthcare Trust, London, UK
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Kumar SR, Hansen SA, Axiak-Bechtel SM, Bryan JN. The health effects of fetal microchimerism can be modeled in companion dogs. CHIMERISM 2013; 4:139-41. [PMID: 24080551 DOI: 10.4161/chim.26509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Fetal microchimerism (FMC) has been described to have a range of effects on health and disease. Y-chromosomal DNA has been detected in Golden Retrievers suggesting persistent FMC. In that report, nine dogs had evidence of microchimerism without prior pregnancy. To further understand this finding, a dam with prior male live births giving birth to her fourth litter of puppies, all females, was evaluated for FMC along with two of her daughters. All three female dogs had evidence of Y-chromosomal DNA in their blood. This suggests that male cells carried by the dam from previous pregnancy trafficked to her daughters to establish microchimerism in younger siblings. Companion dogs share many of the same cancers as humans, have out-bred genetics, and share the human environment, making them optimal models of human disease. Understanding the impact of FMC on health and disease of dogs could elucidate mechanisms useful for clinical interventions in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Senthil R Kumar
- Comparative Oncology and Epigenetics Laboratory; Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery; University of Missouri; Columbia, MO USA; Harry S. Truman Veterans Hospital; Columbia, MO USA
| | - Sarah A Hansen
- Comparative Oncology and Epigenetics Laboratory; Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery; University of Missouri; Columbia, MO USA
| | - Sandra M Axiak-Bechtel
- Comparative Oncology and Epigenetics Laboratory; Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery; University of Missouri; Columbia, MO USA
| | - Jeffrey N Bryan
- Comparative Oncology and Epigenetics Laboratory; Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery; University of Missouri; Columbia, MO USA
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Marques AH, O'Connor TG, Roth C, Susser E, Bjørke-Monsen AL. The influence of maternal prenatal and early childhood nutrition and maternal prenatal stress on offspring immune system development and neurodevelopmental disorders. Front Neurosci 2013; 7:120. [PMID: 23914151 PMCID: PMC3728489 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2013.00120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2013] [Accepted: 06/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The developing immune system and central nervous system in the fetus and child are extremely sensitive to both exogenous and endogenous signals. Early immune system programming, leading to changes that can persist over the life course, has been suggested, and other evidence suggests that immune dysregulation in the early developing brain may play a role in neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia. The timing of immune dysregulation with respect to gestational age and neurologic development of the fetus may shape the elicited response. This creates a possible sensitive window of programming or vulnerability. This review will explore the effects of maternal prenatal and infant nutritional status (from conception until early childhood) as well as maternal prenatal stress and anxiety on early programming of immune function, and how this might influence neurodevelopment. We will describe fetal immune system development and maternal-fetal immune interactions to provide a better context for understanding the influence of nutrition and stress on the immune system. Finally, we will discuss the implications for prevention of neurodevelopmental disorders, with a focus on nutrition. Although certain micronutrient supplements have shown to both reduce the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders and enhance fetal immune development, we do not know whether their impact on immune development contributes to the preventive effect on neurodevelopmental disorders. Future studies are needed to elucidate this relationship, which may contribute to a better understanding of preventative mechanisms. Integrating studies of neurodevelopmental disorders and prenatal exposures with the simultaneous evaluation of neural and immune systems will shed light on mechanisms that underlie individual vulnerability or resilience to neurodevelopmental disorders and ultimately contribute to the development of primary preventions and early interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Horvath Marques
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University New York, NY, USA ; Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia University New York, NY, USA
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Y-chromosome DNA is present in the blood of female dogs suggesting the presence of fetal microchimerism. PLoS One 2013; 8:e68114. [PMID: 23861856 PMCID: PMC3704588 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0068114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2013] [Accepted: 05/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal microchimerism has been suggested to play contradictory roles in women’s health, with factors including age of the recipient, time elapsed since microchimerism occurred, and microchimeric cell type modulating disease. Both beneficial and harmful effects have been identified in wound healing and tissue regeneration, immune mediated disease, and cancer. This area of research is relatively new, and hindered by the time course from occurrence of fetal microchimerism to the multi-factorial development of disease. Dogs represent an excellent model for study of fetal microchimerism, as they share our environment, have a naturally condensed lifespan, and spontaneously develop immune-mediated diseases and cancers similar to their human counterparts. However, fetal microchimerism has not been described in dogs. These experiments sought preliminary evidence that dogs develop fetal microchimerism following pregnancy. We hypothesized that Y chromosomal DNA would be detected in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of female dogs collected within two months of parturition. We further hypothesized that Y chromosomal DNA would be detected in banked whole blood DNA samples from parous female Golden Retrievers with at least one male puppy in a prior litter. Amplification of DNA extracted from five female Golden Retrievers that had whelped within the two months prior to collection revealed strong positive bands for the Y chromosome. Of banked, parous samples, 36% yielded positive bands for the Y chromosome. This is the first report of persistent Y chromosomal DNA in post-partum female dogs and these results suggest that fetal microchimerism occurs in the canine species. Evaluation of the contributions of fetal microchimeric cells to disease processes in dogs as a model for human disease is warranted.
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Javadi A, Verduin EP, Brand A, Schonewille H. Comparison of different blood sample processing methods for sensitive detection of low level chimerism by RHD real-time PCR assay. CHIMERISM 2013; 4:9-14. [PMID: 23511951 DOI: 10.4161/chim.24248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The rhesus D blood group, which is expressed on the red blood cells (RBC) of 85% of the Caucasian population, is one of the most immunogenic RBC antigens, inducing D antibody formation in up to 20-80% of D-negative transfusion recipients and about 10% of pregnancies at risk. Pregnancy-induced D-antibodies can persist for many years, but the mechanisms underlying this persistence are unclear. The LOTUS study, a long-term follow-up study of mothers from severely affected children with hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn investigates, among other endpoints, whether persistent feto-maternal chimerism is associated with long-term maternal anti-D persistence. We questioned which blood sample processing method should be used to detect low levels of RHD chimerism with the highest sensitivity and specificity using qPCR. After optimization of primer and probe concentrations for singleplex RHD exon 5 and 7 qPCR, sensitivity, specificity and efficiency of RHD and DYS1 qPCR were investigated in artificial chimeric samples. Sensitivity of DYS1 was one log higher (0.0001%) in enriched mononuclear cell fractions as compared with whole blood. Comparable linear sensitivity (0.007%) and mean efficiency (84-99%) for RHD qPCR were observed in all samples regardless whether whole blood or pre- or post-mixing of cellular fractions had been used. We conclude that RHD chimerism using singleplex exon 5 and 7 qPCR is linearly detectable down to 1.0 GE, without an advantage of fraction enrichment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Javadi
- Sanquin-LUMC J.J. van Rood Center for Transfusion Medicine, Division Research, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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Thompson EE, Myers RA, Du G, Aydelotte TM, Tisler CJ, Stern DA, Evans MD, Graves PE, Jackson DJ, Martinez FD, Gern JE, Wright AL, Lemanske RF, Ober C. Maternal microchimerism protects against the development of asthma. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2013; 132:39-44. [PMID: 23434286 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2012.12.1575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2012] [Revised: 12/17/2012] [Accepted: 12/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal asthma and child's sex are among the most significant and reproducible risk factors for the development of asthma. Although the mechanisms for these effects are unknown, they likely involve nonclassical genetic mechanisms. One such mechanism could involve the transfer and persistence of maternal cells to her offspring, a common occurrence known as maternal microchimerism (MMc). MMc has been associated with many autoimmune diseases but has not been investigated for a role in asthma or allergic disease. OBJECTIVE We hypothesized that some of the observed risks for asthma may be due to different rates of transmission or persistence of maternal cells to children of mothers with asthma compared with children of mothers without asthma, or to sons compared with daughters. We further hypothesized that rates of MMc differ between children with and without asthma. METHODS We tested these hypotheses in 317 subjects from 3 independent cohorts by using a real-time quantitative PCR assay to detect a noninherited HLA allele in the child. RESULTS MMc was detected in 20.5% of the subjects (range 16.8%-27.1% in the 3 cohorts). We observed lower rates of asthma among MMc-positive subjects than among MMc-negative subjects (odds ratio, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.19-0.79; P = .029). Neither maternal asthma nor sex of the child was a significant predictor of MMc in the child (P = .81 and .15, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest for the first time that MMc may protect against the development of asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma E Thompson
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Ill., USA.
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Männistö T, Karumanchi SA, Pouta A, Vääräsmäki M, Mendola P, Miettola S, Surcel HM, Bloigu A, Ruokonen A, Järvelin MR, Hartikainen AL, Suvanto E. Preeclampsia, gestational hypertension and subsequent hypothyroidism. Pregnancy Hypertens 2013; 3:21-27. [PMID: 23439671 PMCID: PMC3578699 DOI: 10.1016/j.preghy.2012.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of preeclampsia (PE) and gestational hypertension (GH) on subsequent hypothyroidism. Recent studies suggest that women with PE have increased risk for reduced thyroid function, but the association between PE and GH with overt hypothyroidism has not been examined. STUDY DESIGN: Two prospective population-based cohort studies, the Northern Finland Birth Cohorts 1966 and 1986, followed women who had PE (N=955), GH (N=1449) or were normotensive (N=13531) during pregnancy. Finnish national registers were used to confirm subsequent hypothyroidism. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) estimated hypothyroidism risk when comparing women with PE or GH with normotensive women. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary hypothyroidism during follow-up of 20-40 years. RESULTS: The subsequent prevalence of hypothyroidism was higher among women with PE (4.0%) and GH (4.5%) compared with normotensive women (3.5%), but the risk increase was not significant (aHR for PE 1.13, 95%CI 0.80-1.59 and aHR for GH 1.11, 95%CI 0.85-1.45). Subgroup analysis among nulliparous women revealed a significant association between late PE and subsequent hypothyroidism (aHR 1.82, 95%CI 1.04-3.19). Early or recurrent PE were not associated with hypothyroidism (aHR 0.93, 95%CI 0.46-1.81 and aHR 1.35, 95%CI 0.63-2.88, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, PE or GH during pregnancy was not significantly associated with subsequent hypothyroidism in Finnish women after 20-40 years of follow-up. However, late PE in nulliparous women was associated with a 1.8-fold increased risk of subsequent hypothyroidism, a finding that merits further study in other populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuija Männistö
- Epidemiology Branch, Department of Epidemiology, Statistics and Prevention Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD-20852, USA
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, University of Oulu, Oulu-90014, Finland
| | - S. Ananth Karumanchi
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA-02115, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA-02115, USA
| | - Anneli Pouta
- Department of Children, Young, People and Families, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Oulu-90101, Finland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Oulu, Oulu-90014, Finland
| | - Marja Vääräsmäki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Oulu, Oulu-90014, Finland
| | - Pauline Mendola
- Epidemiology Branch, Department of Epidemiology, Statistics and Prevention Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD-20852, USA
| | - Satu Miettola
- Department of Children, Young, People and Families, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Oulu-90101, Finland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Oulu, Oulu-90014, Finland
| | - Heljä-Marja Surcel
- Department of Children, Young, People and Families, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Oulu-90101, Finland
| | - Aini Bloigu
- Department of Children, Young, People and Families, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Oulu-90101, Finland
| | - Aimo Ruokonen
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, University of Oulu, Oulu-90014, Finland
| | - Marjo-Riitta Järvelin
- Department of Children, Young, People and Families, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Oulu-90101, Finland
- Institute of Health Sciences, University of Oulu, Oulu-90014, Finland
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | | | - Eila Suvanto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Oulu, Oulu-90014, Finland
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Alvarez CV, Garcia-Lavandeira M, Garcia-Rendueles MER, Diaz-Rodriguez E, Garcia-Rendueles AR, Perez-Romero S, Vila TV, Rodrigues JS, Lear PV, Bravo SB. Defining stem cell types: understanding the therapeutic potential of ESCs, ASCs, and iPS cells. J Mol Endocrinol 2012; 49:R89-111. [PMID: 22822049 DOI: 10.1530/jme-12-0072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Embryonic, adult, artificially reprogrammed, and cancer…- there are various types of cells associated with stemness. Do they have something fundamental in common? Are we applying a common name to very different entities? In this review, we will revisit the characteristics that define 'pluripotency', the main property of stem cells (SCs). For each main type of physiological (embryonic and adult) or synthetic (induced pluripotent) SCs, markers and functional behavior in vitro and in vivo will be described. We will review the pioneering work that has led to obtaining human SC lines, together with the problems that have arisen, both in a biological context (DNA alterations, heterogeneity, tumors, and immunogenicity) and with regard to ethical concerns. Such problems have led to proposals for new operative procedures for growing human SCs of sufficiently high quality for use as models of disease and in human therapy. Finally, we will review the data from the first clinical trials to use various types of SCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara V Alvarez
- Centro de Investigaciones Medicas e Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias (CIMUS-IDIS), Department of Physiology, University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), C/Barcelona S/N, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
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Abstract
In humans, naturally acquired microchimerism has been observed in many tissues and organs. Fetal microchimerism, however, has not been investigated in the human brain. Microchimerism of fetal as well as maternal origin has recently been reported in the mouse brain. In this study, we quantified male DNA in the human female brain as a marker for microchimerism of fetal origin (i.e. acquisition of male DNA by a woman while bearing a male fetus). Targeting the Y-chromosome-specific DYS14 gene, we performed real-time quantitative PCR in autopsied brain from women without clinical or pathologic evidence of neurologic disease (n=26), or women who had Alzheimer's disease (n=33). We report that 63% of the females (37 of 59) tested harbored male microchimerism in the brain. Male microchimerism was present in multiple brain regions. Results also suggested lower prevalence (p=0.03) and concentration (p=0.06) of male microchimerism in the brains of women with Alzheimer's disease than the brains of women without neurologic disease. In conclusion, male microchimerism is frequent and widely distributed in the human female brain.
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45
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Chan WFN, Atkins CJ, Naysmith D, van der Westhuizen N, Woo J, Nelson JL. Microchimerism in the rheumatoid nodules of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 64:380-8. [PMID: 21953057 DOI: 10.1002/art.33358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The rheumatoid nodule is a lesion commonly found on extraarticular areas prone to mechanic trauma. When present with inflammatory symmetric polyarthritis, it is pathognomonic of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disease in which naturally acquired microchimerism has previously been described and can sometimes contribute to RA risk. Since RA patients harbor microchimerism in the blood, we hypothesized that microchimerism is also present in rheumatoid nodules and could play a role in rheumatoid nodule formation. This study was undertaken to investigate rheumatoid nodules for microchimerism. METHODS Rheumatoid nodules were tested for microchimerism by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The rheumatoid nodules of 29 female patients were tested for a Y chromosome-specific sequence. After HLA genotyping of patients and family members, rheumatoid nodules from 1 man and 14 women were tested by HLA-specific qPCR, targeting a nonshared HLA allele of the potential microchimerism source. Results were expressed as genome equivalents of microchimeric cells per 10(5) patient genome equivalents (GE/10(5)). RESULTS Rheumatoid nodules from 21% of the female patients contained male DNA (range <0.5, 10.3 GE/10(5)). By HLA-specific qPCR, 60% of patients were microchimeric (range 0, 18.5 GE/10(5)). Combined microchimerism prevalence was 47%. A fetal or maternal source was identified in all patients who tested positive by HLA-specific qPCR. Unexpectedly, a few rheumatoid nodules also contained microchimerism without evidence of a fetal or maternal source, suggesting alternative sources. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that microchimerism is frequently present in the rheumatoid nodules of RA patients. Since microchimerism is genetically disparate, whether microchimerism in rheumatoid nodules serves as an allogeneic stimulus or allogeneic target warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- William F N Chan
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA.
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Pritchard S, Wick HC, Slonim DK, Johnson KL, Bianchi DW. Comprehensive analysis of genes expressed by rare microchimeric fetal cells in the maternal mouse lung. Biol Reprod 2012; 87:42. [PMID: 22674387 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.112.101147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
During pregnancy, cells from each fetus travel into the maternal circulation and organs, resulting in the development of microchimerism. Identification of the cell types in this microchimeric population would permit better understanding of possible mechanisms by which they affect maternal health. However, comprehensive analysis of fetal cells has been hampered by their rarity. In this study, we sought to overcome this obstacle by combining flow cytometry with multidimensional gene expression microarray analysis of fetal cells isolated from the murine maternal lung during late pregnancy. Fetal cells were collected from the lungs of pregnant female mice. cDNA was amplified and hybridized to gene expression microarrays. The resulting fetal cell core transcriptome was interrogated using multiple methods including Ingenuity Pathway Analysis, the BioGPS gene expression database, principal component analysis, the Eurexpress gene expression atlas, and primary literature. Here we report that small numbers of fetal cells can be flow sorted from the maternal lung, facilitating discovery-driven gene expression analysis. We additionally show that gene expression data can provide functional information about fetal cells. Our results suggest that fetal cells in the murine maternal lung are a mixed population, consisting of trophoblasts, mesenchymal stem cells, and cells of the immune system. Detection of trophoblasts and immune cells in the maternal lung may facilitate future mechanistic studies related to the development of immune tolerance and pregnancy-related complications, such as pre-eclampsia. Furthermore, the presence and persistence of mesenchymal stem cells in maternal organs may have implications for long-term postpartum maternal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Pritchard
- Mother Infant Research Institute, Floating Hospital at Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Płoski R, Szymański K, Bednarczuk T. The genetic basis of graves' disease. Curr Genomics 2012; 12:542-63. [PMID: 22654555 PMCID: PMC3271308 DOI: 10.2174/138920211798120772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2011] [Revised: 08/05/2011] [Accepted: 08/15/2011] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The presented comprehensive review of current knowledge about genetic factors predisposing to Graves’ disease (GD) put emphasis on functional significance of observed associations. In particular, we discuss recent efforts aimed at refining diseases associations found within the HLA complex and implicating HLA class I as well as HLA-DPB1 loci. We summarize data regarding non-HLA genes such as PTPN22, CTLA4, CD40, TSHR and TG which have been extensively studied in respect to their role in GD. We review recent findings implicating variants of FCRL3 (gene for FC receptor-like-3 protein), SCGB3A2 (gene for secretory uteroglobin-related protein 1- UGRP1) as well as other unverified possible candidate genes for GD selected through their documented association with type 1 diabetes mellitus: Tenr–IL2–IL21, CAPSL (encoding calcyphosine-like protein), IFIH1(gene for interferon-induced helicase C domain 1), AFF3, CD226 and PTPN2. We also review reports on association of skewed X chromosome inactivation and fetal microchimerism with GD. Finally we discuss issues of genotype-phenotype correlations in GD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafał Płoski
- Department of Medical Genetics, Centre for Biostructure, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
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48
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Hyperemesis, gestational hypertensive disorders, pregnancy losses and risk of autoimmune diseases in a Danish population-based cohort. J Autoimmun 2012; 38:J120-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2011.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2011] [Revised: 10/10/2011] [Accepted: 10/24/2011] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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49
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Jørgensen KT, Pedersen BV, Nielsen NM, Jacobsen S, Frisch M. Childbirths and risk of female predominant and other autoimmune diseases in a population-based Danish cohort. J Autoimmun 2012; 38:J81-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2011.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2011] [Revised: 06/24/2011] [Accepted: 06/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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50
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Abstract
Microchimerism is the presence of cells from one individual in another genetically distinct individual. Pregnancy is the main cause of natural microchimerism through transplacental bidirectional cell trafficking between mother and fetus. The consequences of pregnancy-related microchimerism are under active investigation. However, many authors have suggested a close relationship linking fetal microchimerism and the development of autoimmune diseases. It has been more than ten years now since the demonstration of the presence of a significant high number of fetal microchimeric cells residing in thyroid glands from operated patients with Graves' disease. This intrathyroidal fetal microchimerism is an attractive candidate mechanism for the modulation of Graves' disease in pregnancy and the postpartum period.
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