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Zhang X, Greve PF, Minh TTN, Wubbolts R, Demir AY, Zaal EA, Berkers CR, Boes M, Stoorvogel W. Extracellular vesicles from seminal plasma interact with T cells in vitro and drive their differentiation into regulatory T-cells. J Extracell Vesicles 2024; 13:e12457. [PMID: 39007430 PMCID: PMC11247398 DOI: 10.1002/jev2.12457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Seminal plasma induces immune tolerance towards paternal allogenic antigens within the female reproductive tract and during foetal development. Recent evidence suggests a role for extracellular vesicles in seminal plasma (spEVs). We isolated spEVs from seminal plasma that was donated by vasectomized men, thereby excluding any contributions from the testis or epididymis. Previous analysis demonstrated that such isolated spEVs originate mainly from the prostate. Here we observed that when isolated fluorescently labelled spEVs were mixed with peripheral blood mononuclear cells, they were endocytosed predominantly by monocytes, and to a lesser extent also by T-cells. In a mixed lymphocyte reaction, T-cell proliferation was inhibited by spEVs. A direct effect of spEVs on T-cells was demonstrated when isolated T cells were activated by anti-CD3/CD28 coated beads. Again, spEVs interfered with T cell proliferation, as well as with the expression of CD25 and the release of IFN-γ, TNF, and IL-2. Moreover, spEVs stimulated the expression of Foxp3 and IL-10 by CD4+CD25+CD127- T cells, indicating differentiation into regulatory T-cells (Tregs). Prior treatment of spEVs with proteinase K revoked their effects on T-cells, indicating a requirement for surface-exposed spEV proteins. The adenosine A2A receptor-specific antagonist CPI-444 also reduced effects of spEVs on T-cells, consistent with the notion that the development of Tregs and their immune suppressive functions are under the influence of adenosine-A2A receptor signalling. We found that adenosine is highly enriched in spEVs and propose that spEVs are targeted to and endocytosed by T-cells, after which they may release their adenosine content into the lumen of endosomes, thus allowing endosome-localized A2A receptor signalling in spEVs targeted T-cells. Collectively, these data support the idea that spEVs can prime T cells directly for differentiation into Tregs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaogang Zhang
- Department of Biomolecular Health SciencesFaculty of Veterinary ScienceUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Patrick F. Greve
- Department of Pediatrics and Center for Translational ImmunologyUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Thi Tran Ngoc Minh
- Department of Biomolecular Health SciencesFaculty of Veterinary ScienceUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute of Pharmaceutical SciencesUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Richard Wubbolts
- Department of Biomolecular Health SciencesFaculty of Veterinary ScienceUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Ayşe Y. Demir
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and HematologyMeander Medical CentreAmersfoortThe Netherlands
| | - Esther A. Zaal
- Department of Biomolecular Health SciencesFaculty of Veterinary ScienceUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute of Pharmaceutical SciencesUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Celia R. Berkers
- Department of Biomolecular Health SciencesFaculty of Veterinary ScienceUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute of Pharmaceutical SciencesUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Marianne Boes
- Department of Pediatrics and Center for Translational ImmunologyUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Willem Stoorvogel
- Department of Biomolecular Health SciencesFaculty of Veterinary ScienceUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
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Sun F, Desevin K, Fu Y, Parameswaran S, Mayall J, Rinaldi V, Krietenstein N, Manukyan A, Yin Q, Galan C, Yang CH, Shindyapina AV, Gladyshev VN, Garber M, Schjenken JE, Rando OJ. A single cell atlas of the mouse seminal vesicle. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.08.588538. [PMID: 38645090 PMCID: PMC11030459 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.08.588538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
During mammalian reproduction, sperm are delivered to the female reproductive tract bathed in a complex medium known as seminal fluid, which plays key roles in signaling to the female reproductive tract and in nourishing sperm for their onwards journey. Along with minor contributions from the prostate and the epididymis, the majority of seminal fluid is produced by a somewhat understudied organ known as the seminal vesicle. Here, we report the first single-cell RNA-seq atlas of the mouse seminal vesicle, generated using tissues obtained from 23 mice of varying ages, exposed to a range of dietary challenges. We define the transcriptome of the secretory cells in this tissue, identifying a relatively homogeneous population of the epithelial cells which are responsible for producing the majority of seminal fluid. We also define the immune cell populations - including large populations of macrophages, dendritic cells, T cells, and NKT cells - which have the potential to play roles in producing various immune mediators present in seminal plasma. Together, our data provide a resource for understanding the composition of an understudied reproductive tissue with potential implications for paternal control of offspring development and metabolism.
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Parker J, O’Brien CL, Yeoh C, Gersh FL, Brennecke S. Reducing the Risk of Pre-Eclampsia in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Using a Combination of Pregnancy Screening, Lifestyle, and Medical Management Strategies. J Clin Med 2024; 13:1774. [PMID: 38541997 PMCID: PMC10971491 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13061774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a multisystem disorder that presents with a variety of phenotypes involving metabolic, endocrine, reproductive, and psychological symptoms and signs. Women with PCOS are at increased risk of pregnancy complications including implantation failure, miscarriage, gestational diabetes, fetal growth restriction, preterm labor, and pre-eclampsia (PE). This may be attributed to the presence of specific susceptibility features associated with PCOS before and during pregnancy, such as chronic systemic inflammation, insulin resistance (IR), and hyperandrogenism, all of which have been associated with an increased risk of pregnancy complications. Many of the features of PCOS are reversible following lifestyle interventions such as diet and exercise, and pregnant women following a healthy lifestyle have been found to have a lower risk of complications, including PE. This narrative synthesis summarizes the evidence investigating the risk of PE and the role of nutritional factors in women with PCOS. The findings suggest that the beneficial aspects of lifestyle management of PCOS, as recommended in the evidence-based international guidelines, extend to improved pregnancy outcomes. Identifying high-risk women with PCOS will allow targeted interventions, early-pregnancy screening, and increased surveillance for PE. Women with PCOS should be included in risk assessment algorithms for PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jim Parker
- School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong 2522, Australia
| | - Claire Louise O’Brien
- Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Canberra, Canberra 2617, Australia;
| | - Christabelle Yeoh
- Next Practice Genbiome, 2/2 New McLean Street, Edgecliff 2027, Australia;
| | - Felice L. Gersh
- College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85004, USA;
| | - Shaun Brennecke
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Pregnancy Research Centre, The Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne 3052, Australia;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3052, Australia
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Bourdon M, Maget AS, Jeljeli M, Doridot L, Marcellin L, Thomas M, Chêne C, Chouzenoux S, Batteux F, Chapron C, Santullli P. Reduced fertility in an adenomyosis mouse model is associated with an altered immune profile in the uterus during the implantation period. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:119-129. [PMID: 38011900 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does a reduction in fertility and/or systemic immune cell change occur during the early implantation period in a mouse model of adenomyosis? SUMMARY ANSWER A reduction in fertility was observed in mice with adenomyosis, coinciding with local and systemic immune changes observed during the implantation period. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Adenomyosis is a pathology responsible for impaired fertility in humans, with a still unclear pathophysiology. One hypothesis is that changes in immune cells observed in adenomyosis-affected uteri may alter fertility, notably the physiological immune environment necessary for successful implantation and a healthy pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Randomly selected CD-1 female neonatal pups were orally dosed by administration of tamoxifen to induce adenomyosis (TAM group), while others received solvent only (control group). From 6 weeks of life, CD-1 mice of both groups were mated to study impaired fertility and related local and/or systemic immune cell changes during the early implantation period. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTINGS, METHODS To evaluate fertility and pregnancy outcomes, ultrasound imaging was performed at E (embryonic day) 7.5 and E11.5 to count the number of gestational sacs and the number of resorptions in eight mice of the TAM group and 16 mice of the control group. The mice were sacrificed at E18.5, and morphometric, functional (quantitative reverse transcription PCR; RT-qPCR), and histological analyses were performed on the placentas. To identify local and/or systemic immune changes during the early implantation period, 8 mice of the TAM group and 12 mice of the control group were sacrificed at E4.5. Uterine horns and spleens were collected for flow cytometry and RT-qPCR analyses to study the immune cell populations. To investigate the profile of the cytokines secreted during the early implantation period at the systemic level, supernatants from stimulated spleen cells were analyzed by multiplex immunoassay analysis. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE By ultrasound imaging, we observed a lower number of implantation sites (P < 0.005) and a higher number of resorptions (P < 0.001) in the TAM group, leading to smaller litters (average number of fetuses per litter: 1.00 [0.00; 5.25] in the TAM group versus 12.00 [9.50; 13.75] in the control group (P < 0.001). Histological and morphometric analyses of the placentas at E18.5 showed a higher junctional/labyrinthine area ratio in the TAM group (P = 0.005). The expression levels of genes that play a role in vascularization and placental growth (Vegf (P < 0.001), Plgf (P < 0.005), Pecam (P < 0.0001), and Igf2 (P = 0.002)) were reduced in the TAM group. In the TAM group, the percentages of macrophages, natural killer (NK) cells, and dendritic cells (DC) were significantly decreased in the uterus around the implantation period. However, the number of M1 macrophages was increased. Both macrophages and DC had an increased activation profile (higher expression of MCHII, P = 0.012; CD80, P = 0.015; CCR7, P = 0.043 for macrophages, and higher expression of CD206, P = 0.018; CXCR4, P = 0.010; CCR7, P = 0.006, MCHII, P = 0.010; and CD80, P = 0.012 for DC). In spleen, an increase in the activation of macrophages (CCR7, P = 0.002; MCHII, P = 0.001; and CD80, P = 0.034) and DC was observed in the TAM group (CCR7, P = 0.001; MCHII, P = 0.001; Ly6C, P = 0.015). In the uteri and the spleen, we observed increased percentages of CD4+ T lymphocytes (P = 0.0237 and P = 0.0136, respectively) in the TAM group and, in the uteri, an increased number of regulatory T cells (P = 0.036) compared with the controls. LARGE SCALE DATA Not applicable. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This study is limited by the use of an animal model and the lack of intervention. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These data support involvement of innate and adaptive immune cells in the implantation failure and the increased rate of resorption observed in the mouse model of adenomyosis. This substantiates the need for additional research in this domain, with the goal of addressing fertility challenges in women affected by this condition. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) None.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Bourdon
- Department of Gynaecology Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU), Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - A S Maget
- Department of Gynaecology Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU), Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - M Jeljeli
- Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France
- Department of Immunology, Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU), Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - L Doridot
- Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - L Marcellin
- Department of Gynaecology Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU), Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - M Thomas
- Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - C Chêne
- Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France
| | | | - F Batteux
- Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France
- Department of Immunology, Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU), Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - C Chapron
- Department of Gynaecology Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU), Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - P Santullli
- Department of Gynaecology Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU), Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France
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Yull S, Shafiei S, Park CB, Kazemi P, Tiemann EB, Pagé MHG, Dufort D. Uterine Nodal expression supports maternal immunotolerance and establishment of the FOXP3 + regulatory T cell population during the preimplantation period. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1276979. [PMID: 38022561 PMCID: PMC10646213 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1276979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy success is dependent on the establishment of maternal tolerance during the preimplantation period. The immunosuppressive function of regulatory T cells is critical to limit inflammation arising from implantation of the semi-allogeneic blastocyst. Insufficient maternal immune adaptations to pregnancy have been frequently associated with cases of female infertility and recurrent implantation failure. The role of Nodal, a secreted morphogen of the TGFβ superfamily, was recently implicated during murine pregnancy as its conditional deletion (NodalΔ/Δ) in the female reproductive tract resulted in severe subfertility. Here, it was determined that despite normal preimplantation processes and healthy, viable embryos, NodalΔ/Δ females had a 50% implantation failure rate compared to NodalloxP/loxP controls. Prior to implantation, the expression of inflammatory cytokines MCP-1, G-CSF, IFN-γ and IL-10 was dysregulated in the NodalΔ/Δ uterus. Further analysis of the preimplantation leukocyte populations in NodalΔ/Δ uteri showed an overabundance of infiltrating, pro-inflammatory CD11bhigh Ly6C+ macrophages coupled with the absence of CD4+ FOXP3+ regulatory T cells. Therefore, it is proposed that uterine Nodal expression during the preimplantation period has a novel role in the establishment of maternal immunotolerance, and its dysregulation should be considered as a potential contributor to cases of female infertility and recurrent implantation failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Yull
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Child Health and Human Development Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Shiva Shafiei
- Child Health and Human Development Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Craig B. Park
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Parinaz Kazemi
- Child Health and Human Development Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Marie-Hélène Godin Pagé
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Child Health and Human Development Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Daniel Dufort
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Child Health and Human Development Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Ozer E, Kanit N, Cevizci MC, Cagliyan E, Mifsud W. Profiling of Immunomodulatory Genes and Quantification of CD25+ Cells in Different Types of Early Pregnancy Loss. Pediatr Dev Pathol 2023:10935266231156327. [PMID: 36861642 DOI: 10.1177/10935266231156327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Maternal regulatory T (Treg) cells play a pivotal role in establishing general immune homeostasis in the decidua for maintenance of pregnancy. We aimed in this study to investigate the relationship between mRNA expression of immunomodulatory genes and CD25+ Treg cells with early pregnancy losses. METHODS Our study included 3 groups of early pregnancy losses including sporadic spontaneous abortions, recurrent spontaneous abortions, sporadic spontaneous abortions post IVF treatment and the control group. We performed RT-PCR for analyzing mRNA expression levels of 6 immunomodulatory genes and CD25 immunohistochemistry for quantification of Treg cells. RESULTS Only FOXP3, CD274 (PDL1), and TGFβ1 mRNA expression levels were significantly decreased in the miscarriage groups in comparison to the control group, whereas there was no significant mRNA expression change of CD4, IL2RA, and IL10. We also found significantly lower number of CD25+ cells in the miscarriages. CONCLUSION We conclude that decreased expression of FOXP3 and PD-L1 may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of spontaneous abortion cases whereas decreased expression of TGFβ1 gene may be associated with the occurrence of early loss in IVF-treated pregnancies. Additional immunoprofiling of Treg cell population is needed to quantify Treg cells in early pregnancy losses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erdener Ozer
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Naz Kanit
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Health Sciences, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | | | - Erkan Cagliyan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - William Mifsud
- Division of Anatomical Pathology, Sidra Medicine and Research Center, Doha, Qatar
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Jena SR, Nayak J, Kumar S, Kar S, Samanta L. Comparative proteome profiling of seminal components reveal impaired immune cell signalling as paternal contributors in recurrent pregnancy loss patients. Am J Reprod Immunol 2023; 89:e13613. [PMID: 35998016 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is usually evaluated from a women's perspective, however, recent evidence implies involvement of male factors as paternally expressed genes predominate placenta. During fertilization, prior to implantation the immune system purposefully produces early pregnancy factors with potent immunomodulatory properties for adaptation to antigenically dissimilar embryo. Therefore, it is hypothesized that paternal immunological factors play a role in RPL. METHOD OF STUDY Comparative proteome profiling (label free liquid chromatography mass spectroscopy: LC-MS/MS) of the seminal extracellular vesicles (SEVs), extracellular vesicle free seminal plasma (EVF-SP) and spermatozoa was carried out in semen of RPL patients (n = 21) and fertile donors (n = 21). This was followed by pathway and protein-protein interaction analysis, and validation of key proteins' expression (western blot). RESULTS A total of 68, 28 and 49 differentially expressed proteins in SEVs, EVF-SP and spermatozoa of RPL patients, respectively, were found to be involved in inflammatory response, immune cell signalling and apoptosis. In SEVs, underexpressed GDF-15 and overexpressed C3 imply distorted maternal immune response to paternal antigens leading to impaired decidualization. Dysregulated TGFβ signalling in EVF-SP surmises defective modulation of inflammatory response and induction of immune tolerance to seminal antigens in the female reproductive tract through generation of regulatory T cells. Retained histone variants in spermatozoa construe defective expression of early paternal genes, while underexpressed PTN may inflict defective angiogenesis resulting in expulsion of decidua. CONCLUSIONS Impaired modulation of immune response and improper placental development due to altered cytokine levels in seminal components may be the contributing paternal factors in RPL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumya Ranjan Jena
- Redox Biology & Proteomics Laboratory, Department of Zoology, School of Life Sciences, Ravenshaw University, College Square, Cuttack, Odisha, India.,Centre of Excellence in Environment and Public Health, Ravenshaw University, College Square, Cuttack, Odisha, India
| | - Jasmine Nayak
- Redox Biology & Proteomics Laboratory, Department of Zoology, School of Life Sciences, Ravenshaw University, College Square, Cuttack, Odisha, India.,Centre of Excellence in Environment and Public Health, Ravenshaw University, College Square, Cuttack, Odisha, India
| | - Sugandh Kumar
- School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Sujata Kar
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Kar Clinic and Hospital Pvt. Ltd., Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Luna Samanta
- Redox Biology & Proteomics Laboratory, Department of Zoology, School of Life Sciences, Ravenshaw University, College Square, Cuttack, Odisha, India.,Centre of Excellence in Environment and Public Health, Ravenshaw University, College Square, Cuttack, Odisha, India
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The Association between Clusterin Sialylation Degree and Levels of Oxidative–Antioxidant Balance Markers in Seminal Plasmas and Blood Sera of Male Partners with Abnormal Sperm Parameters. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810598. [PMID: 36142505 PMCID: PMC9501354 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Nearly 30% of infertility cases are caused by male factor. This study aimed at checking the associations between the sialylation degree of glycoprotein clusterin (CLU) and levels of oxidative–antioxidant balance markers in infertile men. Using lectin-ELISA with biotinylated lectins specific to α2,6-linked (Sambucus nigra agglutinin, SNA) and α2,3-linked (Maackia amurensis agglutinin, MAA) sialic acid (SA), the CLU sialylation in 132 seminal plasmas (SP) and 91 blood sera (BS) were analyzed. Oxidative–antioxidant status was measured by determining Sirtuin-3 (SIRT3), Sirtuin-5 (SIRT5), total antioxidant status (TAS), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) levels. We indicate that multiple sperm disorders are associated with decreased expression of MAA-reactive SA in SP. Decreased SP SIRT3 concentrations may be associated with teratozoospermia and oligoasthenoteratozoospermia. ROC curve and cluster analysis revealed that SP relative reactivity of CLU glycans with MAA, the value of MAA/SNA ratio, and SIRT3 and SIRT5 concentrations may constitute an additional set of markers differentiating infertile oligoasthenoteratozoospermic patients (OAT) from normozoospermic (N), asthenoteratozoospermic (AT) and teratozoospermic (T). The multinomial logistic regression analysis confirmed the potential utility of SIRT3 determinations for differentiation between N and OAT groups as well as between N and T groups for SIRT3 and SIRT5. For BS, based on ROC curve and cluster analysis, relative reactivities of CLU glycans with SNA, MAA, SIRT3 and FRAP concentrations may be useful in the differentiation of normozoospermic patients from those with sperm disorders. The multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that the SNA relative reactivity with CLU glycans significantly differentiated the N group from AT, OAT and T groups, and FRAP concentrations significantly differed between N and AT groups, which additionally confirms the potential utility of these biomarkers in the differentiation of infertile patients with abnormal sperm parameters. The knowledge about associations between examined parameters may also influence future research aimed at seeking new male infertility therapies.
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The Influence of Clusterin Glycosylation Variability on Selected Pathophysiological Processes in the Human Body. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:7657876. [PMID: 36071866 PMCID: PMC9441386 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7657876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The present review gathers together the most important information about variability in clusterin molecular structure, its profile, and the degree of glycosylation occurring in human tissues and body fluids in the context of the utility of these characteristics as potential diagnostic biomarkers of selected pathophysiological conditions. The carbohydrate part of clusterin plays a crucial role in many biological processes such as endocytosis and apoptosis. Many pathologies associated with neurodegeneration, carcinogenesis, metabolic diseases, and civilizational diseases (e.g., cardiovascular incidents and male infertility) have been described as causes of homeostasis disturbance, in which the glycan part of clusterin plays a very important role. The results of the discussed studies suggest that glycoproteomic analysis of clusterin may help differentiate the severity of hippocampal atrophy, detect the causes of infertility with an immune background, and monitor the development of cancer. Understanding the mechanism of clusterin (CLU) action and its binding epitopes may enable to indicate new therapeutic goals. The carbohydrate part of clusterin is considered necessary to maintain its proper molecular conformation, structural stability, and proper systemic and/or local biological activity. Taking into account the wide spectrum of CLU action and its participation in many processes in the human body, further studies on clusterin glycosylation variability are needed to better understand the molecular mechanisms of many pathophysiological conditions. They can also provide the opportunity to find new biomarkers and enrich the panel of diagnostic parameters for diseases that still pose a challenge for modern medicine.
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10
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Cervantes O, Talavera IC, Every E, Coler B, Li M, Li A, Li H, Adams Waldorf K. Role of hormones in the pregnancy and sex-specific outcomes to infections with respiratory viruses. Immunol Rev 2022; 308:123-148. [PMID: 35373371 PMCID: PMC9189035 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Pregnant women infected with pathogenic respiratory viruses, such as influenza A viruses (IAV) and coronaviruses, are at higher risk for mortality, hospitalization, preterm birth, and stillbirth. Several factors are likely to contribute to the susceptibility of pregnant individuals to severe lung disease including changes in pulmonary physiology, immune defenses, and effector functions of some immune cells. Pregnancy is also a physiologic state characterized by higher levels of multiple hormones that may impact the effector functions of immune cells, such as progesterone, estrogen, human chorionic gonadotropin, prolactin, and relaxin. Each of these hormones acts to support a tolerogenic immune state of pregnancy, which helps prevent fetal rejection, but may also contribute to an impaired antiviral response. In this review, we address the unique role of adaptive and innate immune cells in the control of pathogenic respiratory viruses and how pregnancy and specific hormones can impact their effector actions. We highlight viruses with sex-specific differences in infection outcomes and why pregnancy hormones may contribute to fetal protection but aid the virus at the expense of the mother's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orlando Cervantes
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Irene Cruz Talavera
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Emma Every
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Spokane, Washington, United States of America
| | - Brahm Coler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington, United States of America
| | - Miranda Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | - Amanda Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Case Western Reserve, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Hanning Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Kristina Adams Waldorf
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
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11
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Lan X, Guo L, Zhu S, Cao Y, Niu Y, Han S, Li Z, Li Y, Yan J. First-Trimester Serum Cytokine Profile in Pregnancies Conceived After Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) With Subsequent Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension. Front Immunol 2022; 13:930582. [PMID: 35844528 PMCID: PMC9283642 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.930582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) is one of the most common pregnancy complications that seriously affects the mother and fetus. The incidence of PIH is higher in pregnancies conceived after assisted reproductive technology (ART) than in spontaneous pregnancies; thus, exploring potential serum biomarkers before PIH onset is of great significance for effective early prediction and prevention of PIH in the ART population. Cytokines are involved in the inflammatory response and immune regulation, which play an essential role in the pathogenesis of PIH. A description of the cytokine profile in the first trimester of pregnancy could help identify new diagnostic tools and develop targeted therapies for PIH in the ART population. The concentrations of classical predictive markers for PIH and another 48 cytokines were measured in the first-trimester pregnancy serum samples from 33 PIH patients and 33 matched normotensive controls (NC), both of whom conceived after ART treatment. The measured values were compared and analyzed between NC and PIH, followed by comprehensive bioinformatic analysis and logistic regression analysis. There was no significant difference in classical predictive markers, including Activin A, PlGF, sFLT1 (VEGFR), and sFLT1/PlGF, between the PIH and NC groups (P > 0.05), while 29 cytokines were significantly lower in the PIH group than in the NC group (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that 17 cytokines (IL-2Rα, M-CSF, IL-6, IL-2, β-NGF, IL-7, IL-12 (p70), SCF, IL-10, IL-9, MIG, GM-CSF, LIF, IL-1α, MCP-3, IL-4, and HGF) in the first-trimester pregnancy serum were significantly negatively correlated with the subsequent onset of PIH. With the top 3 cytokines (IL-7, MIG, and SCF) of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, we constructed an efficient multifactor combined detection and prediction model for PIH in ART pregnancy. Classical early predictors for hypertensive disorder complicating pregnancy cannot distinguish PIH from their normal peers in ART pregnancy. In comparison, the description of the cytokine profile in the first trimester of pregnancy enables us to distinguish high-risk ART pregnancy for PIH, permitting enough time for PIH prevention therapy. The cytokine profile we described also provides immunological insight into the further mechanistic exploration of PIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangxin Lan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ling Guo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Shiqin Zhu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yongzhi Cao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yue Niu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Shuwen Han
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zeyan Li
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yan Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Suzhou Research Institute, Shandong University, Suzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Junhao Yan, ; Yan Li,
| | - Junhao Yan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Junhao Yan, ; Yan Li,
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12
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Placental Syndromes-A New Paradigm in Perinatology. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19127392. [PMID: 35742640 PMCID: PMC9224387 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Placental syndromes include pregnancy loss, fetal growth restriction, preeclampsia, preterm delivery, premature rupture of membranes, placental abruption and intrauterine fetal demise. This paper discusses the common etiopathogenesis of those syndromes and the role of angiogenic biomarkers in their development. Pregnancy implantation, placental development and maternal adaptation are complex processes in which fetal and maternal cells interact. The syncytiotrophoblast, trophoblast, uterine natural killer cells and regulatory T cells interfere and interact in all the above-mentioned processes. The proper angioneogenesis and vasculogenesis of the placenta, as well as maternal circulatory adaptation, are dependent on angiogenic factor expression. Insufficient maternal immunotolerance, dysregulation in uterine natural killer or regulatory T cell function, syncytiotrophoblast and trophoblast ischemia and hypoxia or impaired balance in angiogenic factors are all related to the occurrence of placental syndromes. Differences in the time of impairment onset and its intensity and correlation with other dysfunctions result in the development of a specific syndrome. The clinical manifestations in the form of a combination of specific symptoms determine the diagnosis. However, they are just symptoms of an underlying complex trophoblast disorder.
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Papúchová H, Saxtorph MH, Hallager T, Jepsen IE, Eriksen JO, Persson G, Funck T, Weisdorf I, Macklon NS, Larsen LG, Hviid TVF. Endometrial HLA-F expression is influenced by genotypes and correlates differently with immune cell infiltration in IVF and recurrent implantation failure patients. Hum Reprod 2022; 37:1816-1834. [PMID: 35689445 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-F protein expressed in mid-secretory endometrium, and are its expression levels influenced by HLA-F gene polymorphisms and correlated with the abundance of uterine natural killer (uNK) cells and anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages? SUMMARY ANSWER HLA-F protein is expressed in mid-secretory endometrium, and levels are correlated with immune cell infiltration, plasma progesterone concentrations and HLA-F single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), however, women experiencing recurrent implantation failure (RIF) show differences when compared to women attending their first IVF treatment. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The immunomodulatory HLA class Ib molecules HLA-G and HLA-F are expressed on the extravillous trophoblast cells and interact with receptors on maternal immune cells. Little is known regarding HLA-F expression in endometrial stroma and HLA-F function; furthermore, HLA-F and HLA-G SNP genotypes and haplotypes have been correlated with differences in time-to-pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Primary endometrial stromal cell (ESC) cultures (n = 5) were established from endometrial biopsies from women attending IVF treatment at a fertility clinic. Basic HLA-F and HLA-G protein expression by the ESCs were investigated. A prospective controlled cohort study was performed including 85 women with a history of RIF and 36 control women beginning their first fertility treatment and with no history of RIF. In some analyses, the RIF group was divided into unknown cause, male infertility, female infertility, and both female and male infertility. Endometrial biopsies and blood samples were obtained the day equivalent to embryo transfer in a hormone-substituted cycle. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS HLA protein expression by ESCs was characterized using flow cytometry and western blot. In the cohort study, the specific immune markers HLA-F and HLA-G, CD56 and CD16 (NK cells), CD163 (M2 macrophages), FOXP3 (regulatory T cells) and CD138 (plasma cells) were analysed by immunohistochemistry and a digital image analysis system in endometrial biopsies. Endometrial receptivity was assessed by an endometrial receptivity array test (the ERA® test). Endometrial biopsies were examined according to modified Noyes' criteria. SNPs at the HLA-F gene and HLA-G haplotypes were determined. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE HLA-F protein is expressed in the endometrium at the time of implantation. Furthermore, the HLA-F protein levels were different according to the womeńs HLA-F SNP genotypes and diplotypes, which have previously been correlated with differences in time-to-pregnancy. Endometrial HLA-F was positively correlated with anti-inflammatory CD163+ M2 macrophage infiltration and CD56+ uNK cell abundance for the entire cohort. However, this was not the case for CD56+ in the female infertility RIF subgroup. HLA-F levels in the endometrial stroma were negatively correlated with plasma progesterone concentrations in the RIF subgroup with known female infertility. Conversely, HLA-F and progesterone were positively correlated in the RIF subgroup with infertility of the male partner and no infertility diagnosis of the woman indicating interconnections between progesterone, HLA-F and immune cell infiltration. Glandular sHLA-G expression was also positively correlated with uNK cell abundance in the RIF subgroup with no female infertility but negatively correlated in the RIF subgroup with a female infertility diagnosis. LARGE SCALE DATA Immunohistochemistry analyses of endometrial biopsies and DNA sequencing of HLA genes. Data will be shared upon reasonable request to the corresponding author. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The control group of women attending their first IVF treatment had an anticipated good prognosis but was not proven fertile. A significant age difference between the RIF group and the IVF group reflects the longer treatment period for women with a history of RIF. The standardization of hormonal endometrial preparation, which allowed consistent timing of endometrial and blood sampling, might be a strength because a more uniform hormonal background may more clearly show an influence on the immune marker profile and HLA class Ib levels in the endometrium by other factors, for example genetic polymorphisms. However, the immune marker profile might be different during a normal cycle. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The findings further highlight the importance of HLA-F and HLA-G at the implantation site and in early pregnancy for pregnancy success. Diagnostic measures and modulation of the complex interactions between HLA class Ib molecules, maternal immune cells and hormonal factors may have potential to improve fertility treatment. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the Region Zealand Health Sciences Research Foundation and the Zealand University Hospital through the ReproHealth Research Consortium ZUH. The authors declared there are no conflicts of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrieta Papúchová
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Centre for Immune Regulation and Reproductive Immunology (CIRRI), Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,The ReproHealth Research Consortium, Zealand University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Malene Hviid Saxtorph
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,The ReproHealth Research Consortium, Zealand University Hospital, Denmark.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Fertility Clinic, Zealand University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Trine Hallager
- The ReproHealth Research Consortium, Zealand University Hospital, Denmark.,Department of Pathology, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Ida E Jepsen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,The ReproHealth Research Consortium, Zealand University Hospital, Denmark.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Fertility Clinic, Zealand University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Jens O Eriksen
- The ReproHealth Research Consortium, Zealand University Hospital, Denmark.,Department of Pathology, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Gry Persson
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Centre for Immune Regulation and Reproductive Immunology (CIRRI), Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,The ReproHealth Research Consortium, Zealand University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Tina Funck
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Centre for Immune Regulation and Reproductive Immunology (CIRRI), Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,The ReproHealth Research Consortium, Zealand University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Iben Weisdorf
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Centre for Immune Regulation and Reproductive Immunology (CIRRI), Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,The ReproHealth Research Consortium, Zealand University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Nicholas S Macklon
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,The ReproHealth Research Consortium, Zealand University Hospital, Denmark.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Fertility Clinic, Zealand University Hospital, Denmark.,London Women's Clinic, London, UK
| | - Lise Grupe Larsen
- The ReproHealth Research Consortium, Zealand University Hospital, Denmark.,Department of Pathology, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Thomas Vauvert F Hviid
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Centre for Immune Regulation and Reproductive Immunology (CIRRI), Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,The ReproHealth Research Consortium, Zealand University Hospital, Denmark
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14
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Cornish EF, McDonnell T, Williams DJ. Chronic Inflammatory Placental Disorders Associated With Recurrent Adverse Pregnancy Outcome. Front Immunol 2022; 13:825075. [PMID: 35529853 PMCID: PMC9072631 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.825075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammatory placental disorders are a group of rare but devastating gestational syndromes associated with adverse pregnancy outcome. This review focuses on three related conditions: villitis of unknown etiology (VUE), chronic histiocytic intervillositis (CHI) and massive perivillous fibrin deposition (MPFD). The hallmark of these disorders is infiltration of the placental architecture by maternal immune cells and disruption of the intervillous space, where gas exchange between the mother and fetus occurs. Currently, they can only be detected through histopathological examination of the placenta after a pregnancy has ended. All three are associated with a significant risk of recurrence in subsequent pregnancies. Villitis of unknown etiology is characterised by a destructive infiltrate of maternal CD8+ T lymphocytes invading into the chorionic villi, combined with activation of fetal villous macrophages. The diagnosis can only be made when an infectious aetiology has been excluded. VUE becomes more common as pregnancy progresses and is frequently seen with normal pregnancy outcome. However, severe early-onset villitis is usually associated with fetal growth restriction and recurrent pregnancy loss. Chronic histiocytic intervillositis is characterised by excessive accumulation of maternal CD68+ histiocytes in the intervillous space. It is associated with a wide spectrum of adverse pregnancy outcomes including high rates of first-trimester miscarriage, severe fetal growth restriction and late intrauterine fetal death. Intervillous histiocytes can also accumulate due to infection, including SARS-CoV-2, although this infection-induced intervillositis does not appear to recur. As with VUE, the diagnosis of CHI requires exclusion of an infectious cause. Women with recurrent CHI and their families are predisposed to autoimmune diseases, suggesting CHI may have an alloimmune pathology. This observation has driven attempts to prevent CHI with a wide range of maternal immunosuppression. Massive perivillous fibrin deposition is diagnosed when >25% of the intervillous space is occupied by fibrin, and is associated with fetal growth restriction and late intrauterine fetal death. Although not an inflammatory disorder per se, MPFD is frequently seen in association with both VUE and CHI. This review summarises current understanding of the prevalence, diagnostic features, clinical consequences, immune pathology and potential prophylaxis against recurrence in these three chronic inflammatory placental syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily F. Cornish
- Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women’s Health, Department of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Emily F. Cornish,
| | - Thomas McDonnell
- Faculty of Engineering Science, Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - David J. Williams
- Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women’s Health, Department of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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15
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Muralidhara P, Sood V, Vinayak Ashok V, Bansal K. Pregnancy and Tumour: The Parallels and Differences in Regulatory T Cells. Front Immunol 2022; 13:866937. [PMID: 35493450 PMCID: PMC9043683 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.866937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunological tolerance plays a critical role during pregnancy as semi-allogeneic fetus must be protected from immune responses during the gestational period. Regulatory T cells (Tregs), a subpopulation of CD4+ T cells that express transcription factor Foxp3, are central to the maintenance of immunological tolerance and prevention of autoimmunity. Tregs are also known to accumulate at placenta in uterus during pregnancy, and they confer immunological tolerance at maternal-fetal interface by controlling the immune responses against alloantigens. Thus, uterine Tregs help in maintaining an environment conducive for survival of the fetus during gestation, and low frequency or dysfunction of Tregs is associated with recurrent spontaneous abortions and other pregnancy-related complications such as preeclampsia. Interestingly, there are many parallels in the development of placenta and solid tumours, and the tumour microenvironment is considered to be somewhat similar to that at maternal-fetal interface. Moreover, Tregs play a largely similar role in tumour immunity as they do at placenta- they create a tolerogenic system and suppress the immune responses against the cells within tumour and at maternal-fetal interface. In this review, we discuss the role of Tregs in supporting the proper growth of the embryo during pregnancy. We also highlight the similarities and differences between Tregs at maternal-fetal interface and tumour Tregs, in an attempt to draw a comparison between their roles in these two physiologic and pathologic states.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kushagra Bansal
- Molecular Biology and Genetics Unit (MBGU), Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bangalore, India
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16
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du Fossé NA, Lashley EELO, Anholts JDH, van Beelen E, le Cessie S, van Lith JMM, Eikmans M, van der Hoorn MLP. Impaired immunomodulatory effects of seminal plasma may play a role in unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss: results of an in vitro study. J Reprod Immunol 2022; 151:103500. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2022.103500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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17
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Sharpe MA, Baskin DS, Jenson AV, Baskin AM. Hijacking Sexual Immuno-Privilege in GBM-An Immuno-Evasion Strategy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10983. [PMID: 34681642 PMCID: PMC8536168 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222010983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T-cells (Tregs) are immunosuppressive T-cells, which arrest immune responses to 'Self' tissues. Some immunosuppressive Tregs that recognize seminal epitopes suppress immune responses to the proteins in semen, in both men and women. We postulated that GBMs express reproductive-associated proteins to manipulate reproductive Tregs and to gain immune privilege. We analyzed four GBM transcriptome databases representing ≈900 tumors for hypoxia-responsive Tregs, steroidogenic pathways, and sperm/testicular and placenta-specific genes, stratifying tumors by expression. In silico analysis suggested that the presence of reproductive-associated Tregs in GBM tumors was associated with worse patient outcomes. These tumors have an androgenic signature, express male-specific antigens, and attract reproductive-associated Related Orphan Receptor C (RORC)-Treg immunosuppressive cells. GBM patient sera were interrogated for the presence of anti-sperm/testicular antibodies, along with age-matched controls, utilizing monkey testicle sections. GBM patient serum contained anti-sperm/testicular antibodies at levels > six-fold that of controls. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are associated with estrogenic tumors which appear to mimic placental tissue. We demonstrate that RORC-Tregs drive poor patient outcome, and Treg infiltration correlates strongly with androgen levels. Androgens support GBM expression of sperm/testicular proteins allowing Tregs from the patient's reproductive system to infiltrate the tumor. In contrast, estrogen appears responsible for MDSC/TAM immunosuppression.
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MESH Headings
- Androgens/metabolism
- Brain Neoplasms/immunology
- Brain Neoplasms/mortality
- Brain Neoplasms/pathology
- Carrier Proteins/genetics
- Carrier Proteins/metabolism
- Databases, Factual
- Estrogens/metabolism
- Female
- Glioblastoma/immunology
- Glioblastoma/mortality
- Glioblastoma/pathology
- Humans
- Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/genetics
- Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/metabolism
- Kaplan-Meier Estimate
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/immunology
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/metabolism
- Male
- Microglia/immunology
- Microglia/metabolism
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1, Group F, Member 3/genetics
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1, Group F, Member 3/metabolism
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/metabolism
- Tumor Microenvironment
- Tumor-Associated Macrophages/immunology
- Tumor-Associated Macrophages/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Martyn A. Sharpe
- Kenneth R. Peak Brain and Pituitary Tumor Treatment Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Neurological Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital and Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (D.S.B.); (A.V.J.); (A.M.B.)
| | - David S. Baskin
- Kenneth R. Peak Brain and Pituitary Tumor Treatment Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Neurological Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital and Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (D.S.B.); (A.V.J.); (A.M.B.)
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Amanda V. Jenson
- Kenneth R. Peak Brain and Pituitary Tumor Treatment Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Neurological Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital and Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (D.S.B.); (A.V.J.); (A.M.B.)
| | - Alexandra M. Baskin
- Kenneth R. Peak Brain and Pituitary Tumor Treatment Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Neurological Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital and Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (D.S.B.); (A.V.J.); (A.M.B.)
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18
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Aleahmad M, Bozorgmehr M, Nikoo S, Ghanavatinejad A, Shokri MR, Montazeri S, Shokri F, Zarnani AH. Endometrial mesenchymal stem/stromal cells: The Enigma to code messages for generation of functionally active regulatory T cells. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:536. [PMID: 34627370 PMCID: PMC8502414 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02603-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play an important role in fine-tuning of immune responses and are pivotal for a successful pregnancy. Recently, the importance of mesenchymal stem cells in regulation of immune responses in general and Tregs in particular has been highlighted. Here, we hypothesized that menstrual stromal/stem cells (MenSCs) contribute to uterine immune system regulation through induction of functionally active Tregs. Methods MenSCs were collected from 18 apparently healthy women and characterized. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) served as a control. The effect of MenSCs on proliferation of anti-CD3/CD28-stimulated T CD4 + cells and generation of Tregs with or without pre-treatment with mitomycin C, IFN-γ and IL-1β was evaluated by flow cytometry. The potential role of IDO, PGE2, IL-6, IL-10, and TGF-β on proliferation of T CD4 + cells and generation of Tregs was assessed using blocking antibodies or agents. IDO activity was evaluated in MenSCs and BMSCs culture supernatants by a colorimetric assay. IL-10 and IFN-γ production in MenSCs-primed T CD4 + was measured using intracellular staining. To investigate the functional properties of Tregs induced by MenSCs, Treg cells were isolated and their functional property to inhibit proliferation of anti-CD3/CD28-stimulated PBMCs was assessed by flow cytometry. Results According to the results, proliferation of T CD4 + lymphocytes was enhanced in the presence of MenSCs, while pre-treatment of MenSCs with pro-inflammatory cytokines reversed this effect. PGE2 and IDO were the major players in MenSCs-induced T cell proliferation. Non-treated MenSCs decreased the frequency of Tregs, whereas after pre-treatment with IFN-γ and IL-1β, they induced functional Tregs with ability to inhibit the proliferation of anti-CD3/CD28-stimulated PBMCs. This effect was mediated through IL-6, IL-10, TGF-β and IDO. IFN-γ/IL-1β-treated MenSCs induced IL-10 and IFN-γ production in CD4 + T cells. Conclusion Collectively, these findings indicate that immunomodulatory impact of menstrual blood stem cells (MenSCs) on generation of Tregs and inhibition of T cells proliferation is largely dependent on pre-treatment with IFN-γ and IL-1β. This is the first report on immunomodulatory impact of MenSCs on Tregs and highlights the pivotal role of endometrial stem cells in regulation of local endometrial immune responses. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-021-02603-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Aleahmad
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 1417613151, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahmood Bozorgmehr
- Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.,Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shohreh Nikoo
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Ghanavatinejad
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 1417613151, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Reza Shokri
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 1417613151, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samaneh Montazeri
- Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fazel Shokri
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 1417613151, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Amir-Hassan Zarnani
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 1417613151, Tehran, Iran. .,Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran. .,Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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19
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Benner M, Lopez-Rincon A, Thijssen S, Garssen J, Ferwerda G, Joosten I, van der Molen RG, Hogenkamp A. Antibiotic Intervention Affects Maternal Immunity During Gestation in Mice. Front Immunol 2021; 12:685742. [PMID: 34512624 PMCID: PMC8428513 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.685742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pregnancy is a portentous stage in life, during which countless events are precisely orchestrated to ensure a healthy offspring. Maternal microbial communities are thought to have a profound impact on development. Although antibiotic drugs may interfere in these processes, they constitute the most frequently prescribed medication during pregnancy to prohibit detrimental consequences of infections. Gestational antibiotic intervention is linked to preeclampsia and negative effects on neonatal immunity. Even though perturbations in the immune system of the mother can affect reproductive health, the impact of microbial manipulation on maternal immunity is still unknown. Aim To assess whether antibiotic treatment influences maternal immunity during pregnancy. Methods Pregnant mice were treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics. The maternal gut microbiome was assessed. Numerous immune parameters throughout the maternal body, including placenta and amniotic fluid were investigated and a novel machine-learning ensemble strategy was used to identify immunological parameters that allow distinction between the control and antibiotic-treated group. Results Antibiotic treatment reduced diversity of maternal microbiota, but litter sizes remained unaffected. Effects of antibiotic treatment on immunity reached as far as the placenta. Four immunological features were identified by recursive feature selection to contribute to the most robust classification (splenic T helper 17 cells and CD5+ B cells, CD4+ T cells in mesenteric lymph nodes and RORγT mRNA expression in placenta). Conclusion In the present study, antibiotic treatment was able to affect the carefully coordinated immunity during pregnancy. These findings highlight the importance of inclusion of immunological parameters when studying the effects of medication used during gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilen Benner
- Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Alejandro Lopez-Rincon
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department of Data Science, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Suzan Thijssen
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Johan Garssen
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Division of Immunology, Danone Nutricia Research B.V., Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Gerben Ferwerda
- Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Irma Joosten
- Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Renate G van der Molen
- Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Astrid Hogenkamp
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
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20
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Mngomezulu K, Mzobe G, Mtshali A, Baxter C, Ngcapu S. The use of PSA as a biomarker of recent semen exposure in female reproductive health studies. J Reprod Immunol 2021; 148:103381. [PMID: 34563757 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2021.103381] [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: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Semen contains potent soluble proteins, bacteria, viruses, activated immune cells as well as anti- and pro-inflammatory cytokines that may influence the inflammatory response and alter microbial composition of the female genital tract. The presence of semen in the female genital mucosa may be a significant confounder that most studies have failed to control for in their analysis. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a protein secreted by the prostate into the urethra during ejaculation, is a well-established biomarker of semen exposure. Several studies have demonstrated discordance between self-reports of sexual behavior and the presence of PSA. Recent semen exposure has been shown to promote pro-inflammatory responses, stimulate the recruitment of activated immune cells and decrease Lactobacilli abundance in the female genital mucosa. As a result, it is important to understand the concordance between self-reported consistent condom use and the presence of semen biomarkers. Furthermore, to ensure that the interpretation of data in clinical studies of the immunological and microbial environment in the female genital mucosa are accurate, it is essential to establish whether semen is present in the vaginal fluid. This review explores the impact of semen exposure on the mucosal microenvironment and assesses the use of the PSA as an objective biomarker of semen exposure to reduce reliance on self-reported sexual intercourse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khanyisile Mngomezulu
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Gugulethu Mzobe
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Andile Mtshali
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Cheryl Baxter
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Department of Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Sinaye Ngcapu
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Department of Medical Microbiology, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
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21
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du Fossé NA, Lashley EELO, van Beelen E, Meuleman T, le Cessie S, van Lith JMM, Eikmans M, van der Hoorn MLP. Identification of distinct seminal plasma cytokine profiles associated with male age and lifestyle characteristics in unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss. J Reprod Immunol 2021; 147:103349. [PMID: 34246867 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2021.103349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Seminal plasma contains a wide range of cytokines, chemokines and growth factors. Part of these signalling molecules assist in inducing a state of active maternal immune tolerance towards the fetus. Disbalances in seminal plasma content may contribute to pregnancy loss. This study investigated cytokine expression profiles in seminal plasma of male partners of couples with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and the association with clinical and lifestyle characteristics, including smoking, alcohol consumption and body mass index (BMI). METHODS In the seminal plasma of 52 men who visited a specialised RPL clinic the levels of 25 pre-selected cytokines, chemokines and growth factors were measured by Bio-Plex assay or ELISA. Two-way hierarchical cluster analysis was performed. Identified patient clusters were compared on clinical and lifestyle characteristics. RESULTS Two distinct cytokine expression profiles in the seminal plasma were revealed by cluster analysis. Patient cluster I showed relatively higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, IL-18 and TNF-α, compared to Patient cluster II. Men belonging to Patient cluster I were significantly older and had significantly more lifestyle risk factors compared to men in Patient cluster II. CONCLUSION Cluster analysis suggested the existence of a less favourable pro-inflammatory cytokine expression profile, being present in part of men affected by RPL and associated with advanced male age and lifestyle risk factors. These findings may serve as a starting point for further research into underlying mechanisms and ultimately lead to novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for couples with RPL.
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Affiliation(s)
- N A du Fossé
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - E E L O Lashley
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - E van Beelen
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - T Meuleman
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - S le Cessie
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - J M M van Lith
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - M Eikmans
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - M L P van der Hoorn
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
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22
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Campanile G, Baruselli PS, Limone A, D'Occhio MJ. Local action of cytokines and immune cells in communication between the conceptus and uterus during the critical period of early embryo development, attachment and implantation - Implications for embryo survival in cattle: A review. Theriogenology 2021; 167:1-12. [PMID: 33743503 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Early embryo development, implantation and pregnancy involve a complex dialogue between the embryo and mother. In cattle this dialogue starts as early as days 3-4 when the embryo is still in the oviduct, and it continues to implantation. Immunological processes involving cytokines, mast cells and macrophages form an important part of this dialogue. Amongst the cytokines, interleukin-6 (Il-6) and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) are secreted by both the embryo and uterine endometrium and form part of an ongoing and reciprocating dialogue. Mast cells and macrophages populate the uterine endometrium during embryo development and are involved in achieving the correct balance between inflammatory and anti-inflammatory reactions at the uterus that are associated with embryo attachment and implantation. Embryo loss is the major cause of reproductive wastage in cattle, and livestock generally. A deeper understanding of immunological processes during early embryo development will help to achieve the next step change in the efficiency of natural and assisted breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Campanile
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
| | - Pietro S Baruselli
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Antonio Limone
- Instituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - Michael J D'Occhio
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
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23
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The role of decidual regulatory T cells in the induction and maintenance of fetal antigen-specific tolerance: Imbalance between regulatory and cytotoxic T cells in pregnancy complications. Hum Immunol 2021; 82:346-352. [PMID: 33642099 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2021.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Fetal antigen-specific tolerance is important for maintaining allogeneic pregnancies. Maternal conventional T cells recognize fetal antigens; however, regulatory T (Treg) cells suppress immune reactions against the fetus. Fetal antigen-specific Treg cells are induced in the decidua upon contact with antigen-presenting cells and extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs). Functional alteration of cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) in the decidua also contributes to maintaining the pregnancy. Reduced, dysfunctional, and imbalanced Treg cell distribution likely contributes to the pathogenesis of pregnancy complications, such as miscarriage and preeclampsia. Recent studies have revealed differences in Treg cell characteristics during preeclampsia and miscarriage. Treg cell reduction in the decidua is likely associated with miscarriage. Insufficient expansion of fetal antigen-specific Treg cells in the decidua probably plays a role in preeclampsia pathogenesis. In addition, the balance between Treg cell-mediated tolerance and functional alteration of CTLs is important. Further investigations of functional molecules in Treg cells will contribute to the development of immunotherapy for pregnancy complications.
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24
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Huber WJ, Sauerbrun-Cutler MT, Krueger PM, Sharma S. Novel predictive and therapeutic options for better pregnancy outcome in frozen embryo transfer cycles. Am J Reprod Immunol 2020; 85:e13300. [PMID: 32654307 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Since 1978, in the first decades of in vitro fertilization (IVF), the use of ovarian hyperstimulation allowed for the development and transfer of multiple embryos. As IVF technology improved, the number of multiple pregnancies increased, which led to gradual reduction in the number of embryos that were transferred. Embryo freezing (vitrification) was recommended to allow subsequent transfer if the fresh cycle was unsuccessful. However, experimentation has continued to improve pregnancy outcomes. We discuss here the significance of frozen embryo transfer cycle and the impact of uterine and peripheral immunity dominated by NK cells and regulatory T cells and human chorionic gonadotropin on pregnancy outcome in this innovative mode of IVF therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warren J Huber
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, LSUHSC School of Medicine and The Fertility Institute, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - May-Tal Sauerbrun-Cutler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Women & Infants Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Paula M Krueger
- Department of Pediatrics, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Women & Infants Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Surendra Sharma
- Department of Pediatrics, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Women & Infants Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
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25
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Das A, Uddin AM, Uddin MB, Rahman ANMA, Hossain MK, Atikuzzaman M. Seminal plasma contains TGF-β and CXCL10 but sperm washing before cryopreservation is beneficial for post-thawing sperm motility in Black Bengal goats (Capra hircus). Am J Reprod Immunol 2020; 84:e13301. [PMID: 32659038 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Artificial insemination, which requires cryopreservation of semen, is not completely optimized in goats because bucks discharge a small volume of ejaculate and seminal plasma (SP) contains specific proteins that are detrimental to spermatozoa at cryopreservation. However, it is not known the effects of sperm washing (removal of SP) before cryopreservation on the post-thawing frozen spermatozoa of Black Bengal bucks. Moreover, it is completely unknown whether SP of goats contains TGF-β and CXCL10 that have been proven essential for fertility in other mammals. METHODS Thirty-five ejaculates were collected from six mature Black Bengal bucks at one-week intervals and were subjected to microscopic evaluation for semen characteristics at pre- and post-freezing condition. The concentrations of TGF-β and CXCL10 in the SP using ELISA were determined. SP was harvested with centrifugation of fresh semen at 1500 g for 15 minutes twice at room temperature. RESULTS Semen characteristics were significantly varied between bucks. Seminal plasma of all ejaculates contained TGF-β and CXCL10 while significant variation of concentrations between bucks was observed in case of CXCL10. Cryopreservation of semen reduced total motility and progressive motility, while sperm washing before cryopreservation was beneficial to the total motility and progressive motility of post-thawing spermatozoa. CONCLUSION Black Bengal buck seminal plasma was affluent of TGF-β and CXCL10 and washing of spermatozoa before cryopreservation was beneficial to the post-thawing sperm motility. The results of the current investigation will be helpful for future research on the roles of SP in female reproductive tract and pregnancy in Black Bengal goats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankon Das
- Department of Surgery and Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences (FVABS), Sylhet Agricultural University (SAU), Sylhet, Bangladesh
| | - Ahm Musleh Uddin
- Department of Surgery and Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences (FVABS), Sylhet Agricultural University (SAU), Sylhet, Bangladesh
| | | | - Abu Nasar Md Aminoor Rahman
- Department of Gynaecology, Obstetrics & Reproductive Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammed Kawser Hossain
- Department of Surgery and Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences (FVABS), Sylhet Agricultural University (SAU), Sylhet, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Atikuzzaman
- Department of Surgery and Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences (FVABS), Sylhet Agricultural University (SAU), Sylhet, Bangladesh
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26
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CD52+ regulatory T cells and CD52-expressing sperms downregulated in couples with unexplained infertility: A case-control study. Int J Reprod Biomed 2020; 18:385-387. [PMID: 32637867 PMCID: PMC7306058 DOI: 10.18502/ijrm.v13i5.7159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2018] [Revised: 01/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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Huang N, Chi H, Qiao J. Role of Regulatory T Cells in Regulating Fetal-Maternal Immune Tolerance in Healthy Pregnancies and Reproductive Diseases. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1023. [PMID: 32676072 PMCID: PMC7333773 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a specialized subset of T lymphocytes that function as suppressive immune cells and inhibit various elements of immune response in vitro and in vivo. While there are constraints on the number or function of Tregs which can be exploited to evoke an effective anti-tumor response, sufficient expansion of Tregs is essential for successful organ transplantation and for promoting tolerance of self and foreign antigens. The immune-suppressive property of Tregs equips this T lymphocyte subpopulation with a pivotal role in the establishment and maintenance of maternal tolerance to fetal alloantigens, which is necessary for successful pregnancy. Elevation in the level of pregnancy-related hormones including estrogen, progesterone and human chorionic gonadotropin promotes the recruitment and expansion of Tregs, directly implicating these cells in the regulation of fetal-maternal immune tolerance. Current studies have provided evidence that a defect in the number or function of Tregs contributes to the etiology of several reproductive diseases, such as recurrent spontaneous abortion, endometriosis, and pre-eclampsia. In this review, we provide insight into the underlying mechanism through which Tregs contribute to pregnancy-related immune tolerance and demonstrate the association between deficiencies in Tregs and the development of reproductive diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Huang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hongbin Chi
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Qiao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
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28
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Seminal Plasma Modulates miRNA Expression by Sow Genital Tract Lining Explants. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10060933. [PMID: 32575588 PMCID: PMC7356309 DOI: 10.3390/biom10060933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The seminal plasma (SP) modulates the female reproductive immune environment after mating, and microRNAs (miRNAs) could participate in the process. Considering that the boar ejaculate is built by fractions differing in SP-composition, this study evaluated whether exposure of mucosal explants of the sow internal genital tract (uterus, utero-tubal junction and isthmus) to different SP-fractions changed the profile of explant-secreted miRNAs. Mucosal explants retrieved from oestrus sows (n = 3) were in vitro exposed to: Medium 199 (M199, Control) or M199 supplemented (1:40 v/v) with SP from the sperm-rich fraction (SRF), the post-SRF or the entire recomposed ejaculate, for 16 h. After, the explants were cultured in M199 for 24 h to finally collect the media for miRNA analyses using GeneChip miRNA 4.0 Array (Affymetrix). Fifteen differentially expressed (False Discovery Rate (FDR) < 0.05 and Fold-change ≥ 2) miRNAs (11 down- versus 4 up-regulated) were identified (the most in the media of uterine explants incubated with SP from post-SRF). Bioinformatics analysis identified that predicted target genes of dysregulated miRNAs, mainly miR-34b, miR-205, miR-4776-3p and miR-574-5p, were involved in functions and pathways related to immune response. In conclusion, SP is able to elicit changes in the miRNAs profile secreted by female genital tract, ultimately depending SP-composition.
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29
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Kanannejad Z, Jahromi BN, Gharesi-Fard B. Seminal plasma and CD4 + T-cell cytokine profiles in the in vitro fertilization success. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN MEDICAL SCIENCES 2020; 25:26. [PMID: 32419783 PMCID: PMC7212999 DOI: 10.4103/jrms.jrms_238_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 08/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Background: Abnormal female immune response is one of the potential causes of unexplained infertility (UI). Seminal plasma (SP) is an important regulator of female immune responses during pregnancy. This study investigated a SP effect on the expression of CD4+ T-cell-related cytokines in a group of UI woman candidates for in vitro fertilization (IVF) and healthy fertile women. Materials and Methods: This was a semi-experimental study that performed on 20 UI couples (ten unsuccessful and ten successful IVF outcomes) and 10 fertile couples as the healthy group. CD4+ T-cells were separated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of women by magnetic-activated cell sorting technique and incubated with (stimulated condition) or without (unstimulated condition) SP of their husbands. After incubation, real-time polymerase chain reaction method was used to investigate interleukin (IL)-23, IL-17, IL-4, IL-10, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, and interferon (IFN)-γ gene expression. Mann–Whitney U-test, Kruskal–Wallis test, and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used for statistical analysis. Results: Baseline TCD4+ mRNA levels of IL-23 (P = 0.03) and TGF-β (P = 0.01) were different between healthy and infertile groups. However, IL-17, IL-4, IFN-γ, and IL-10 were expressed similarly regardless of fertility status. Comparing mRNA expression before and after SP exposure, our results have shown that relative expression of IL-23 significantly increased in successful (P = 0.04) and unsuccessful IVF groups (P = 0.01), whereas IL-10 expression increased only in the IVF failure group (P = 0.01). Conclusion: SP can make a positive effect on IVF outcome through alteration in CD4 + T-cell-related cytokines expression, especially IL-10 and IL-23.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Kanannejad
- Department of Immunology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Bahia Namavar Jahromi
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Infertility Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Behrouz Gharesi-Fard
- Department of Immunology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Infertility Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Mateo-Otero Y, Sánchez JM, Recuero S, Bagés-Arnal S, McDonald M, Kenny DA, Yeste M, Lonergan P, Fernandez-Fuertes B. Effect of Exposure to Seminal Plasma Through Natural Mating in Cattle on Conceptus Length and Gene Expression. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:341. [PMID: 32478076 PMCID: PMC7235327 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A growing body of evidence suggests that paternal factors have an impact on offspring development. These studies have been mainly carried out in mice, where seminal plasma (SP) has been shown to regulate endometrial gene expression and impact embryo development and subsequent offspring health. In cattle, infusion of SP into the uterus also induces changes in endometrial gene expression, however, evidence for an effect of SP on early embryo development is lacking. In addition, during natural mating, the bull ejaculates in the vagina; hence, it is not clear whether any SP reaches the uterus in this species. Thus, the aim of the present study was to determine whether SP exposure leads to improved early embryo survival and developmental rates in cattle. To this end, Day 7 in vitro produced blastocysts were transferred to heifers (12-15 per heifer) previously mated to vasectomized bulls (n = 13 heifers) or left unmated (n = 12 heifers; control). At Day 14, heifers were slaughtered, and conceptuses were recovered to assess size, morphology and expression of candidate genes involved in different developmental pathways. Additionally, CL volume at Day 7, and weight and volume of CL at Day 14 were recorded. No effect of SP on CL volume and weight not on conceptus recovery rate was observed. However, filamentous conceptuses recovered from SP-exposed heifers were longer in comparison to the control group and differed in expression of CALM1, CITED1, DLD, HNRNPDL, PTGS2, and TGFB3. In conclusion, data indicate that female exposure to SP during natural mating can affect conceptus development in cattle. This is probably achieved through modulation of the female reproductive environment at the time of mating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yentel Mateo-Otero
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - José María Sánchez
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sandra Recuero
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Sandra Bagés-Arnal
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Michael McDonald
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - David A. Kenny
- Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc Grange, Dunsany, Ireland
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Pat Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Beatriz Fernandez-Fuertes
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
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31
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Suphaphiphat K, Bernard-Stoecklin S, Gommet C, Delache B, Dereuddre-Bosquet N, Kent SJ, Wines BD, Hogarth PM, Le Grand R, Cavarelli M. Innate and Adaptive Anti-SIV Responses in Macaque Semen: Implications for Infectivity and Risk of Transmission. Front Immunol 2020; 11:850. [PMID: 32528466 PMCID: PMC7247827 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV-1 infection is transmitted primarily by sexual exposure, with semen being the principal contaminated fluid. However, HIV-specific immune response in semen has been understudied. We investigated specific parameters of the innate, cellular, and humoral immune response that may affect semen infectivity in macaques infected with SIVmac251. Serial semen levels of cytokines and chemokines, SIV-specific antibodies, neutralization, and FcγR-mediated functions and SIV-specific T-cell responses were assessed and compared to systemic responses across 53 cynomolgus macaques. SIV infection induced an overall inflammatory state in the semen. Several pro-inflammatory molecules correlated with SIV virus levels. Effector CD8+ T cells were expanded in semen upon infection. SIV-specific CD8+ T-cells that expressed multiple effector molecules (IFN-γ+MIP-1β+TNF+/-) were induced in the semen of a subset of SIV-infected macaques, but this did not correlate with local viral control. SIV-specific IgG, commonly capable of engaging the FcγRIIIa receptor, was detected in most semen samples although this positively correlated with seminal viral load. Several inflammatory immune responses in semen develop in the context of higher levels of SIV seminal plasma viremia. These inflammatory immune responses could play a role in viral transmission and should be considered in the development of preventive and prophylactic vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karunasinee Suphaphiphat
- CEA-Université Paris Sud-INSERM U1184, “Immunology of Viral Infections and Auto-Immune Diseases”, IDMIT Department, IBFJ, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Sibylle Bernard-Stoecklin
- CEA-Université Paris Sud-INSERM U1184, “Immunology of Viral Infections and Auto-Immune Diseases”, IDMIT Department, IBFJ, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Céline Gommet
- CEA-Université Paris Sud-INSERM U1184, “Immunology of Viral Infections and Auto-Immune Diseases”, IDMIT Department, IBFJ, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Benoit Delache
- CEA-Université Paris Sud-INSERM U1184, “Immunology of Viral Infections and Auto-Immune Diseases”, IDMIT Department, IBFJ, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Nathalie Dereuddre-Bosquet
- CEA-Université Paris Sud-INSERM U1184, “Immunology of Viral Infections and Auto-Immune Diseases”, IDMIT Department, IBFJ, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Stephen J. Kent
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre and Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Hospital and Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- ARC Centre for Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Bruce D. Wines
- Immune Therapies Group, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Clinical Pathology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Immunology and Pathology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - P. Mark Hogarth
- Immune Therapies Group, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Clinical Pathology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Immunology and Pathology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Roger Le Grand
- CEA-Université Paris Sud-INSERM U1184, “Immunology of Viral Infections and Auto-Immune Diseases”, IDMIT Department, IBFJ, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Mariangela Cavarelli
- CEA-Université Paris Sud-INSERM U1184, “Immunology of Viral Infections and Auto-Immune Diseases”, IDMIT Department, IBFJ, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
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Abstract
Seminal fluid is often assumed to have just one function in mammalian reproduction, delivering sperm to fertilize oocytes. But seminal fluid also transmits signaling agents that interact with female reproductive tissues to facilitate conception and .pregnancy. Upon seminal fluid contact, female tissues initiate a controlled inflammatory response that affects several aspects of reproductive function to ultimately maximize the chances of a male producing healthy offspring. This effect is best characterized in mice, where the female response involves several steps. Initially, seminal fluid factors cause leukocytes to infiltrate the female reproductive tract, and to selectively target and eliminate excess sperm. Other signals stimulate ovulation, induce an altered transcriptional program in female tract tissues that modulates embryo developmental programming, and initiate immune adaptations to promote receptivity to implantation and placental development. A key result is expansion of the pool of regulatory T cells that assist implantation by suppressing inflammation, mediating tolerance to male transplantation antigens, and promoting uterine vascular adaptation and placental development. Principal signaling agents in seminal fluid include prostaglandins and transforming growth factor-β. The balance of male signals affects the nature of the female response, providing a mechanism of ‟cryptic female choiceˮ that influences female reproductive investment. Male-female seminal fluid signaling is evident in all mammalian species investigated including human, and effects of seminal fluid in invertebrates indicate evolutionarily conserved mechanisms. Understanding the female response to seminal fluid will shed new light on infertility and pregnancy disorders and is critical to defining how events at conception influence offspring health.
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Affiliation(s)
- John E Schjenken
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Sarah A Robertson
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
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Faas MM, Liu Y, Borghuis T, van Loo-Bouwman CA, Harmsen H, de Vos P. Microbiota Induced Changes in the Immune Response in Pregnant Mice. Front Immunol 2020; 10:2976. [PMID: 31998293 PMCID: PMC6962187 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy is associated with adaptations of the immune response and with changes in the gutmicrobiota. We hypothesized the gut microbiota are involved in inducing (part of) the immunological adaptations during pregnancy. To test this hypothesis, we collected feces from pregnant conventional mice before and during pregnancy (days 7, 14, and 18) and microbiota were measured using 16S RNA sequencing. At day 18, mice were sacrificed and splenic (various Th cell populations) and blood immune cells (monocyte subsets) were measured by flow cytometry. The data were compared with splenic and blood immune cell populations from pregnant (day 18) germfree mice and non-pregnant conventional and germfree mice. Finally, the abundances of the individual gut bacteria in the microbiota of each conventional pregnant mouse were correlated to the parameters of the immune response of the same mouse. The microbiota of conventional mice were significantly different at the end of pregnancy (day 18) as compared with pre-pregnancy (Permanova, p < 0.05). The Shannon index was decreased and the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio was increased (Friedman followed by Dunn's test, p < 0.05), while abundances of various species (such as Allobaculum stercoricanis, Barnesiella intestihominis, and Roseburia faecis) were significantly different at day 18 compared with pre-pregnancy. In pregnant conventional mice, the percentage of Th1 cells was decreased, while the percentages of Treg cells and Th2 cells were or tended to be increased vs. non-pregnant mice. In germfree mice, only the percentage of Th1 cells was decreased in pregnant vs. non-pregnant mice, with no effect of pregnancy on Treg and Th2 cells. The percentages of monocyte subsets were affected by pregnancy similarly in conventional and germfree mice. However, the activation status of monocytes (expression of CD80 and MHCII) was affected by pregnancy mainly in conventional mice, and not in germfree mice. Correlation (Spearman's coefficient) of pregnancy affected microbiota with pregnancy affected immune cells, i.e., immune cells that were only affected differently in conventional mice and germfree mice, showed 4 clusters of bacteria and 4 clusters of immune cells, some of these clusters were correlated with each other. For instance, the microbiota in cluster 1 and 2 (in which there were various short chain fatty acid producing microbiota) are positively correlated with immune cells in cluster B, containing Treg cells and Th2 cells. Microbiota and immune cells are affected by pregnancy in mice. The different immunological adaptations to pregnancy between conventional and germfree mice, such as the increase in Treg and tendency to an increase in Th2 cells in conventional pregnant mice only, may suggest that the microbiota may play a role in adapting the maternal immune response to pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marijke M Faas
- Immunoendocrinology, Division of Medical Biology, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Yuanrui Liu
- Immunoendocrinology, Division of Medical Biology, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Theo Borghuis
- Immunoendocrinology, Division of Medical Biology, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | | | - Hermie Harmsen
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Paul de Vos
- Immunoendocrinology, Division of Medical Biology, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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Siddiq M, Wang F, Xiao M, Lin XJ, Fatima N, Iqbal S, Iqbal U, Piao XH, Liu L. Inhibition of lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation via the protective role of T regulatory cells in the fetal liver in a late-pregnancy preterm mouse model. Clinics (Sao Paulo) 2020; 75:e1665. [PMID: 33206750 PMCID: PMC7603294 DOI: 10.6061/clinics/2020/e1665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study intended to explore the effect of T regulatory cells (Tregs) in the perinatal liver against LPS-induced inflammation in a preterm birth mouse model. Moreover, the role of adoptive Tregs on the inflammatory response induced by LPS was also studied. METHODS Female BALB/C mice were injected intraperitoneally (IP) with LPS dissolved in normal saline solution at a dose of 50 µg/kg. Spleens from pregnant mice were used to obtain Tregs. The expression of Forkhead family transcription factor-3 (Foxp3), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4), and Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) were assessed from fetal liver tissues by polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. RESULTS LPS administered to mice induced an inflammatory response in the perinatal liver, and this inflammatory response was negatively regulated by Tregs in the experimental group. Maternal-fetal tolerance was maintained by Tregs. Transmission of Tregs was estimated in different experimental groups based on the mRNA expression of TLR-4, IL-6, HO-1, and Foxp3. CONCLUSIONS After analysis of the experimental data, it was determined that Tregs exhibited regulatory potential against LPS-induced inflammatory response. Further, it was concluded that the transmission of Tregs improved the mother's immune tolerance against LPS-induced inflammation in the fetal liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Siddiq
- Department of Neonatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University College of Medicine, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Fan Wang
- Department of Neonatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University College of Medicine, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Mi Xiao
- Department of Neonatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University College of Medicine, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiao Jie Lin
- Department of Neonatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University College of Medicine, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Nazira Fatima
- Department of Biotechnology, Mirpur University of Science & Technology Pakistan, Pakistan and Laboratory Animal Center Xian Jiaotong University Health Science Centre, Xian Shaanxi, China
| | - Sara Iqbal
- Akhtar Saeed Medical & Dental College, Akhtar Saeed Trust Hospital & Farooq Hospital Lahore, Akhtar Saeed Medical & Dental CollegeAkhtar Saeed Trust Hospital & Farooq Hospital LahorePakistanPakistan
| | - Umar Iqbal
- Akhtar Saeed Medical & Dental College, Akhtar Saeed Trust Hospital & Farooq Hospital Lahore, Akhtar Saeed Medical & Dental CollegeAkhtar Saeed Trust Hospital & Farooq Hospital LahorePakistanPakistan
| | - Xian-Hua Piao
- The Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital of Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Neonatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University College of Medicine, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- *Corresponding authors. E-mail:
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Clinical adjuncts in in vitro fertilization: a growing list. Fertil Steril 2019; 112:978-986. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2019.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Abdulhaqq SA, Martinez M, Kang G, Rodriguez IV, Nichols SM, Beaumont D, Joseph J, Azzoni L, Yin X, Wise M, Weiner D, Liu Q, Foulkes A, Münch J, Kirchhoff F, Coutifaris C, Tomaras GD, Sariol C, Marx PA, Li Q, Kraiselburd EN, Montaner LJ. Repeated semen exposure decreases cervicovaginal SIVmac251 infection in rhesus macaques. Nat Commun 2019; 10:3753. [PMID: 31434895 PMCID: PMC6704120 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-11814-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Semen is the vehicle for virion dissemination in the female reproductive tract (FRT) in male-to-female HIV transmission. Recent data suggests that higher frequency semen exposure is associated with activation of anti-HIV mechanisms in HIV negative sex workers. Here, we use a non-human primate (NHP) model to show that repeated vaginal exposure to semen significantly reduces subsequent infection by repeated low-dose vaginal SIVmac251 challenge. Repeated semen exposures result in lower CCR5 expression in circulating CD4+ T-cells, as well as higher expression of Mx1 (in correlation with IFNε expression) and FoxP3 in the cervicovaginal mucosa, and increased infiltration of CD4+ T-cells. Establishing in vivo evidence of competing effects of semen on transmission impacts our basic understanding of what factors may determine HIV infectivity in humans. Our results clearly indicate that repeated semen exposure can profoundly modulate the FRT microenvironment, paradoxically promoting host resistance against HIV acquisition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Melween Martinez
- Caribbean Primate Research Center and Animal Resources Center, University of Puerto Rico (UPR), San Juan, United States
| | - Guobin Kang
- School of Biological Sciences University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Idia V Rodriguez
- Caribbean Primate Research Center and Animal Resources Center, University of Puerto Rico (UPR), San Juan, United States
| | - Stephanie M Nichols
- Caribbean Primate Research Center and Animal Resources Center, University of Puerto Rico (UPR), San Juan, United States
| | - David Beaumont
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute and Department of Surgery, Immunology and Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | | | | | - Megan Wise
- The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Qin Liu
- The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Jan Münch
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Frank Kirchhoff
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Georgia D Tomaras
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute and Department of Surgery, Immunology and Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Carlos Sariol
- Caribbean Primate Research Center and Animal Resources Center, University of Puerto Rico (UPR), San Juan, United States
| | - Preston A Marx
- Tulane National Primate Research Center, and Department of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Qingsheng Li
- School of Biological Sciences University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Edmundo N Kraiselburd
- Caribbean Primate Research Center and Animal Resources Center, University of Puerto Rico (UPR), San Juan, United States
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Schumacher A, Sharkey DJ, Robertson SA, Zenclussen AC. Immune Cells at the Fetomaternal Interface: How the Microenvironment Modulates Immune Cells To Foster Fetal Development. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 201:325-334. [PMID: 29987001 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1800058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Immune cells adapt their phenotypic and functional characteristics in response to the tissue microenvironment within which they traffic and reside. The fetomaternal interface, consisting of placental trophoblasts and the maternal decidua, is a highly specialized tissue with a unique and time-limited function: to nourish and support development of the semiallogeneic fetus and protect it from inflammatory or immune-mediated injury. It is therefore important to understand how immune cells within these tissues are educated and adapt to fulfill their biological functions. This review article focuses on the local regulatory mechanisms ensuring that both innate and adaptive immune cells appropriately support the early events of implantation and placental development through direct involvement in promoting immune tolerance of fetal alloantigens, suppressing inflammation, and remodeling of maternal uterine vessels to facilitate optimal placental function and fetal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Schumacher
- Experimental Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg 39108, Germany; and
| | - David J Sharkey
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Sarah A Robertson
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Ana C Zenclussen
- Experimental Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg 39108, Germany; and
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Yu B, Fritz R, Xie X, Negassa A, Jindal S, Vega M, Buyuk E. The impact of using donor sperm in assisted reproductive technology cycles on perinatal outcomes. Fertil Steril 2019; 110:1285-1289. [PMID: 30503127 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2018.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Revised: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the impact of using donor sperm in assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles on perinatal outcomes. DESIGN Historical cohort study. SETTING US national database from the Society of Assisted Reproductive Technology Clinic Outcome Reporting System (SART CORS) from 2012 to 2013. PATIENT(S) Patients undergoing the first fresh autologous ART cycle using either donor or partner sperm. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Miscarriage, preterm birth, low birthweight rates. RESULTS A total of 134,710 fresh autologous ART cycles were evaluated from the SART CORS database. Following exclusion criteria and after restricting to the first cycle, 2,123 donor sperm and 42,799 partner sperm ART cycles were included in the final analyses. After adjusting for all confounding variables (including maternal age, race, body mass index, smoking status, gravidity, history of preterm birth, highest follicle stimulating hormone count, blastocyst transfer percentage, total embryo transferred, and etiology of infertility), no statistically significant differences in miscarriage rates, preterm births, very preterm births, low birthweight, and very low birthweight were observed. Birthweight was significantly lower in the partner sperm group than in the donor sperm group (3,292 ± 601 and 3,233 ± 592 g in donor and partner sperm groups, respectively, adjusted P value 0.003); however, this small absolute difference (adjusted effect estimate 42 g, 95% CI 14.7-70.9) does not carry clinical significance. CONCLUSIONS The use of donor sperm in fresh autologous ART cycles was not associated with increased miscarriage, preterm births, or low birthweights, as compared to cycles using partner sperm. This information can be used in patient counseling to reassure patients using donor sperm in ART cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.
| | - Rani Fritz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Women's Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York; Montefiore's Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Health, Hartsdale, New York
| | - Xianhong Xie
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Abdissa Negassa
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Sangita Jindal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Women's Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York; Montefiore's Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Health, Hartsdale, New York
| | - Mario Vega
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Women's Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York; Montefiore's Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Health, Hartsdale, New York
| | - Erkan Buyuk
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Women's Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York; Montefiore's Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Health, Hartsdale, New York
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Paktinat S, Hashemi SM, Ghaffari Novin M, Mohammadi-Yeganeh S, Salehpour S, Karamian A, Nazarian H. Seminal exosomes induce interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 secretion by human endometrial stromal cells. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2019; 235:71-76. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2019.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Revised: 01/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Tsuda S, Nakashima A, Shima T, Saito S. New Paradigm in the Role of Regulatory T Cells During Pregnancy. Front Immunol 2019; 10:573. [PMID: 30972068 PMCID: PMC6443934 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Semi-allogenic fetuses are not rejected by the maternal immune system because feto-maternal tolerance induced by CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells is established during pregnancy. Paternal antigen-specific Treg cells accumulate during pregnancy, and seminal plasma priming plays an important role in expanding paternal antigen-specific Treg cells in mouse models. Although paternal-antigen specific Treg cells have not been identified in humans, recent studies suggest that antigen-specific Treg cells exist and expand at the feto-maternal interface in humans. Studies have also revealed that reduction of decidual functional Treg cells occurs during miscarriage with normal fetal chromosomal content, whereas insufficient clonal expansion of decidual Treg cells is observed in preeclampsia. In this review, we will discuss the recent advances in the investigation of mechanisms underlying Treg cell-dependent maintenance of feto-maternal tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayaka Tsuda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Akitoshi Nakashima
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Tomoko Shima
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Shigeru Saito
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
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Bonney EA, Johnson MR. The role of maternal T cell and macrophage activation in preterm birth: Cause or consequence? Placenta 2019; 79:53-61. [PMID: 30929747 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2019.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The role of the immune system in term (TL) and preterm labor (PTL) is unknown. Despite the fact that globally, PTL remains the most important cause of childhood mortality. Infection, typically of the fetal membranes, termed chorioamnionitis, is the best-understood driver of PTL, but the mechanisms underpinning other causes, including idiopathic and stretch-induced PTL, are unclear, but may well involve activation of the maternal immune system. The final common pathway of placental dysfunction, fetal membrane rupture, cervical dilation and uterine contractions are highly complex processes. At term, choriodecidual rather than myometrial inflammation is thought to drive the onset of labor and similar findings are present in different types of PTL including idiopathic PTL. Although accumulated data has confirmed an association between the immune response and preterm birth, there is yet a need to understand if this response is an initiator or a consequence of tissue-level dysregulation. This review focuses on the potential role of macrophages and T cells in innate and adaptive immunity relevant to preterm birth in humans and animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Bonney
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences University of Vermont, Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, VT, USA.
| | - Mark R Johnson
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
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Bromfield EG, Dowland SN, Dunleavy JEM, Dunning KR, Holland OJ, Houston BJ, Pankhurst MW, Richani D, Riepsamen AH, Rose R, Bertoldo MJ. Fifty years of reproductive biology in Australia: highlights from the 50th Annual Meeting of the Society for Reproductive Biology (SRB). Reprod Fertil Dev 2019; 31:829-836. [PMID: 30636191 DOI: 10.1071/rd18436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The 2018 edition of the Society for Reproductive Biology's (SRB) Annual Meeting was a celebration of 50 years of Australian research into reproductive biology. The past 50 years has seen many important contributions to this field, and these advances have led to changes in practice and policy, improvements in the efficiency of animal reproduction and improved health outcomes. This conference review delivers a dedicated summary of the symposia, discussing emerging concepts, raising new questions and proposing directions forward. Notably, the symposia discussed in this review emphasised the impact that reproductive research can have on quality of life and the health trajectories of individuals. The breadth of the research discussed encompasses the central regulation of fertility and cyclicity, life course health and how the environment of gametes and embryos can affect subsequent generations, significant advances in our understanding of placental biology and pregnancy disorders and the implications of assisted reproductive technologies on population health. The importance of a reliable food supply and protection of endangered species is also discussed. The research covered at SRB's 2018 meeting not only recognised the important contributions of its members over the past 50 years, but also highlighted key findings and avenues for innovation moving forward that will enable the SRB to continue making significant contributions for the next 50 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth G Bromfield
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Samson N Dowland
- School of Medical Sciences (Discipline of Anatomy and Histology) and The Bosch Institute, F13 Anderson Stuart Building, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | | | - Kylie R Dunning
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Olivia J Holland
- School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, Qld 5005, Australia
| | - Brendan J Houston
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Vic. 3168, Australia
| | - Michael W Pankhurst
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Dulama Richani
- Fertility and Research Centre, School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW, Randwick 2052, NSW 4222, Australia
| | - Angelique H Riepsamen
- Fertility and Research Centre, School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW, Randwick 2052, NSW 4222, Australia
| | - Ryan Rose
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Michael J Bertoldo
- Fertility and Research Centre, School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW, Randwick 2052, NSW 4222, Australia
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Hadfield JM, Bowdridge EC, Holásková I, Elsasser TH, Dailey RA. Breed-specific differences in the immune response to lipopolysaccharide in ewes. J Anim Sci 2018; 96:4220-4228. [PMID: 30107562 DOI: 10.1093/jas/sky288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Innate immune response to a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge varies among sheep breeds. How different breeds respond to bacterial infections impacts management practices of sheep producers. Hence, clinical response, acute-phase response, and gene expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory markers in peripheral white blood cells (WBCs) were examined after an LPS challenge in Dorset and Suffolk ewes. Ewes received either PBS or 2.5 µg/kg LPS (i.v.) 4 to 5 d after onset of synchronized estrus. Blood was collected via jugular venipuncture intermittently for 24 h to determine WBC counts. Rectal temperatures and observations of behavioral/physical appearances were recorded hourly. After LPS, WBCs decreased the first hour (P = 0.0001) and rectal temperatures (P < 0.0001) increased through 4 h; both returned toward normal 6 h after challenge. Suffolk ewes exhibited greater changes in temperature (P = 0.03) and behavioral/physical responses (P < 0.0001) than Dorset ewes and had an enhanced acute-phase response demonstrated by increased concentrations of plasma haptoglobin (P = 0.04), as well as cortisol concentrations (P = 0.03). Real-time PCR was completed on buffy coat homogenates for expression of pro-inflammatory [CXCL8, IL-6, interferon gamma (IFNG), complement component 3 (C3), toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), prostaglandin synthase 2 (PTGS2)] and anti-inflammatory [IL-10, superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), forkhead box P3 (FOXP3), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG), mannose receptor C type 1 (MRC1), transforming growth factor β (TGFβ)] genes. After LPS treatment, gene expressions increased for CXCL8 (P = 0.0003), TLR4 (P = 0.004), SOD2 (P < 0.0001), and C3 (P = 0.003), while PPARG (P = 0.006) and MRC1 (P = 0.003) decreased. Overall, Dorset ewes had greater expression of TLR4 (P = 0.003), IL-10 (P = 0.045), PPARG (P = 0.002), FOXP3 (P = 0.001), and SOD2 (P = 0.0002), whereas Suffolk ewes had greater expression of IL-6 (P = 0.0007), IFNG (P = 0.02), PTGS2 (P = 0.0002), and C3 (P = 0.008). Suffolk ewes also displayed greater expression of IL-6 (P = 0.002) and C3 (P = 0.0004) in response to LPS. In conclusion, differences in gene expression may explain the enhanced inflammatory response in Suffolk ewes and may predispose Suffolk ewes to be more responsive to bacterial infection than Dorset ewes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessalyn M Hadfield
- Division of Animal and Nutritional Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV
| | - Elizabeth C Bowdridge
- Division of Animal and Nutritional Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV
| | - Ida Holásková
- West Virginia Agriculture and Forestry Experiment Station, Morgantown, WV
| | - Ted H Elsasser
- Agricultural Research Service, Animal Biosciences and Biotechnology Laboratory, USDA, Beltsville, MD
| | - Robert A Dailey
- Division of Animal and Nutritional Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV
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Cumming HE, Bourke NM. Type I IFNs in the female reproductive tract: The first line of defense in an ever-changing battleground. J Leukoc Biol 2018; 105:353-361. [PMID: 30549324 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.mr0318-122rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Revised: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The primary function of the female reproductive tract (FRT) is to enable successful reproduction, yet the biologic mechanisms required to accomplish this, which include fluctuating sex hormones and tolerance of semen and a semi-allogeneic fetus, can leave this unique mucosal environment susceptible to pathogenic challenge. Consequently, the FRT has evolved specialized innate and adaptive immune responses tailored to protecting itself from infection without compromising reproductive success. A family of innate immune cytokines that has emerged as important regulators of these immune responses is the type I IFNs. Type I IFNs are typically rapidly produced in response to pathogenic stimulation and are capable of sculpting pleotropic biologic effects, including immunomodulation, antiproliferative effects, and inducing antiviral and bactericidal molecules. Here, we review what is currently known about type I IFN-mediated immunity in the FRT in human, primate, and murine models and explore their importance with respect to three highly relevant FRT infections: HIV, Zika, and Chlamydia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen E Cumming
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Nollaig M Bourke
- Department of Medical Gerontology, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Seminal plasma (SP) induces a rapid transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1)—independent up-regulation of epithelial–mesenchymal transdifferentiation (EMT) and myofibroblastic metaplasia-markers in endometriotic (EM) and endometrial cells. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2018; 299:173-183. [DOI: 10.1007/s00404-018-4965-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Li Y, Lopez GE, Vazquez J, Sun Y, Chavarria M, Lindner PN, Fredrickson S, Karst N, Stanic AK. Decidual-Placental Immune Landscape During Syngeneic Murine Pregnancy. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2087. [PMID: 30283441 PMCID: PMC6156255 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Adaptive immune system, principally governed by the T cells-dendritic cells (DCs) nexus, is an essential mediator of gestational fetal tolerance and protection against infection. However, the exact composition and dynamics of DCs and T cell subsets in gestational tissues are not well understood. These are controlled in human physiology by a complex interplay of alloantigen distribution and presentation, cellular/humoral active and passive tolerance, hormones/chemokines/angiogenic factors and their gradients, systemic and local microbial communities. Reductive discrimination of these factors in physiology and pathology of model systems and humans requires simplification of the model and increased resolution of interrogative technologies. As a baseline, we have studied the gestational tissue dynamics in the syngeneic C57BL/6 mice, as the simplest immunological environment, and focused on validating the approach to increased data density and computational analysis pipeline afforded by highly polychromatic flow cytometry and machine learning interpretation. We mapped DC and T cell subsets, and comprehensively examined their maternal (decidual)-fetal (placental) interface dynamics. Both frequency and composition of decidual DCs changed across gestation, with a dramatic increase in myeloid DCs in early pregnancy, and exclusion of plasmacytoid DCs. CD4+ T cells, in contrast, were lower at all gestational ages and an unusual CD4-CD8-TCRαβ+group was prominent at mid-pregnancy. Dimensionality reduction with machine learning-aided clustering revealed that CD4-CD8- T cells were phenotypically different from CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Additionally, divergence between maternal decidual and fetal placental compartment was prominent, with absence of DCs from the placenta, but not decidua or embryo. These results provide a novel framework and a syngeneic baseline on which the specific role of alloantigen/tolerance, polymicrobial environment, and models of pregnancy pathology can be precisely modeled and analyzed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Gladys E. Lopez
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Jessica Vazquez
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Yan Sun
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Fujian Provincial Maternity and Children's Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Melina Chavarria
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Payton N. Lindner
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Samantha Fredrickson
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Nathan Karst
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Aleksandar K. Stanic
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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Paternal diet programs offspring health through sperm- and seminal plasma-specific pathways in mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:10064-10069. [PMID: 30150380 PMCID: PMC6176621 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1806333115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Parental health and diet at the time of conception determine the development and life-long disease risk of their offspring. While the association between poor maternal diet and offspring health is well established, the underlying mechanisms linking paternal diet with offspring health are poorly defined. Possible programming pathways include changes in testicular and sperm epigenetic regulation and status, seminal plasma composition, and maternal reproductive tract responses regulating early embryo development. In this study, we demonstrate that paternal low-protein diet induces sperm-DNA hypomethylation in conjunction with blunted female reproductive tract embryotrophic, immunological, and vascular remodeling responses. Furthermore, we identify sperm- and seminal plasma-specific programming effects of paternal diet with elevated offspring adiposity, metabolic dysfunction, and altered gut microbiota. The association between poor paternal diet, perturbed embryonic development, and adult offspring ill health represents a new focus for the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease hypothesis. However, our understanding of the underlying mechanisms remains ill-defined. We have developed a mouse paternal low-protein diet (LPD) model to determine its impact on semen quality, maternal uterine physiology, and adult offspring health. We observed that sperm from LPD-fed male mice displayed global hypomethylation associated with reduced testicular expression of DNA methylation and folate-cycle regulators compared with normal protein diet (NPD) fed males. Furthermore, females mated with LPD males display blunted preimplantation uterine immunological, cell signaling, and vascular remodeling responses compared to controls. These data indicate paternal diet impacts on offspring health through both sperm genomic (epigenetic) and seminal plasma (maternal uterine environment) mechanisms. Extending our model, we defined sperm- and seminal plasma-specific effects on offspring health by combining artificial insemination with vasectomized male mating of dietary-manipulated males. All offspring derived from LPD sperm and/or seminal plasma became heavier with increased adiposity, glucose intolerance, perturbed hepatic gene expression symptomatic of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and altered gut bacterial profiles. These data provide insight into programming mechanisms linking poor paternal diet with semen quality and offspring health.
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Fox M, Berzuini C, Knapp LA, Glynn LM. Women's Pregnancy Life History and Alzheimer's Risk: Can Immunoregulation Explain the Link? Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 2018; 33:516-526. [PMID: 30060670 DOI: 10.1177/1533317518786447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnancy is associated with improvement in immunoregulation that persists into the geriatric phase. Impaired immunoregulation is implicated in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. Hence, we investigate the relationship between pregnancy and AD. METHODS Cross-sectional cohort of British women (N = 95). Cox proportional hazards modeling assessed the putative effects of cumulative months pregnant on AD risk and the mutually adjusted effects of counts of first and third trimesters on AD risk. RESULTS Cumulative number of months pregnant, was associated with lower AD risk (β = -1.90, exp(β) = 0.15, P = .02). Cumulative number of first trimesters was associated with lower AD risk after adjusting for third trimesters (β = -3.83, exp(β) = 0.02, P < .01), while the latter predictor had no significant effect after adjusting for the former. CONCLUSIONS Our observation that first trimesters (but not third trimesters) conferred protection against AD is more consistent with immunologic effects, which are driven by early gestation, than estrogenic exposures, which are greatest in late gestation. Results may justify future studies with immune biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly Fox
- 1 Department of Anthropology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,2 Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Carlo Berzuini
- 3 Centre for Biostatistics, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Leslie A Knapp
- 4 Department of Anthropology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Laura M Glynn
- 5 Department of Psychology, Chapman University, Orange, CA, USA
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Blazquez A, García D, Vassena R, Figueras F, Rodriguez A. Risk of preeclampsia in pregnancies resulting from double gamete donation and from oocyte donation alone. Pregnancy Hypertens 2018; 13:133-137. [PMID: 30177040 DOI: 10.1016/j.preghy.2018.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Revised: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 06/09/2018] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pregnancies after gamete donation are at higher risk of developing pre-eclampsia (PE) than those achieved by IVF with patient's own gametes. We aim to assess whether pregnancies achieved with both oocyte and sperm donation (double donation, DD) are at an increased risk of developing PE and gestational hypertension (GH) compared to those achieved by oocyte donation alone (OD). MATERIALS AND METHODS Retrospective cohort study of 433 patients who reached the 20th week of gestation with either DD (n = 81) or OD (n = 352) between March 2013 and April 2016 at a fertility clinic. The risk of preterm PE, term PE, and gestational hypertension (GH) are presented as unadjusted and adjusted odds ratio (OR). RESULTS DD have a higher risk of preterm PE than OD, with an OR of 3.02 (95%CI 1.11-8.24; p = 0.031). We found no difference in the risk of term PE (OR 0.26, 95%CI 0.03-1.98; p = 0.19) or of GH (OR 1.23, 95% CI 0.63-2.43; p = 0.55). DISCUSSION Pregnancies with DD are at higher risk of developing preterm PE than OD alone. Patients, and physicians treating them, should be made aware of the elevated risk of PE in these gestations, in order to start prophylactic measures during the first weeks of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Francesc Figueras
- BCNatal - Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine (Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu), IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, and Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBER-ER), Barcelona, Spain
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50
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Sharkey DJ, Tremellen KP, Briggs NE, Dekker GA, Robertson SA. Seminal plasma pro-inflammatory cytokines interferon-γ (IFNG) and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8 (CXCL8) fluctuate over time within men. Hum Reprod 2018; 32:1373-1381. [PMID: 28541460 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dex106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2017] [Accepted: 05/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do seminal plasma pro-inflammatory cytokines interferon-γ (IFNG) and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8 (CXCL8) vary within individual men over time? SUMMARY ANSWER IFNG exhibits substantial variation that is independent of duration of abstinence but correlates with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) content, while CXCL8 varies moderately in association with duration of abstinence. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Pro-inflammatory cytokines IFNG and CXCL8 in seminal fluid can adversely impact male and female fertility. Other cytokines as well as sperm parameters fluctuate considerably within individuals over time, but whether IFNG and CXCL8 vary similarly, and the determinants of variance, are unknown. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Between two and seven semen samples were collected from 14 proven fertile donors at 6-10 week intervals over the course of ~12 months, to assess variation over time in cytokines and LPS, and to investigate relationships with sperm parameters and possible regulatory factors. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The concentrations and total amounts per ejaculate of IFNG and CXCL8 were determined using commercial ELISA. Sperm parameters were assessed according to World Health Organization (WHO) IV standards and LPS was measured by limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) assay. Mixed model analysis was utilized to determine the relative contribution of between- and within-individual factors in explaining variance. Relationships between cytokines, LPS and sperm parameters, as well as effect of age and duration of abstinence, were investigated by correlation analysis. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Within-individual variability contributed to total variance particularly for both IFNG, CXCL8 and LPS, and was a stronger determinant than between-individual variability for IFNG and LPS. Normal sperm motility correlated inversely with CXCL8, and sperm concentration correlated inversely with LPS. Duration of abstinence was a determinant of total CXCL8, but not IFNG or LPS. Associations between LPS, IFNG and CXCL8 suggest IFNG and perhaps CXCL8 are influenced by microbial populations. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION A limited number of donors from a single clinic were investigated. Clinical information on complete microbiology, BMI, nutrition, smoking and other lifestyle factors was unavailable. Further studies are required to determine whether the findings can be generalized to larger populations and different ethnicities. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These data reveal substantial variation over time in pro-inflammatory seminal fluid cytokines and imply existence of microbial or other environmental regulatory factors. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was supported by grants from the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia. The authors have no competing interests to disclose.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Sharkey
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide SA 5005, Australia
| | - Kelton P Tremellen
- School of Medicine, Flinders University, Adelaide SA 5001, Australia.,Repromed Pty Ltd, 180 Fullarton Road, Dulwich SA 5065, Australia
| | - Nancy E Briggs
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide SA 5005, Australia
| | - Gustaaf A Dekker
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide SA 5005, Australia.,Lyell McEwin Hospital, Elizabeth Vale, Adelaide SA 5112, Australia
| | - Sarah A Robertson
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide SA 5005, Australia
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