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Kumar D, Kaur G, Chawla SK, Singh H. A Rare Case of Postpartum Paraplegia: A Case Report. JOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND BIOALLIED SCIENCES 2024; 16:S979-S982. [PMID: 38595578 PMCID: PMC11001067 DOI: 10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_915_23] [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: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
In this case report, a 27-year-old woman who had pre-eclampsia in the past and had a cesarean section as a result of the condition presents with an uncommon and difficult form of postpartum paraplegia. She experienced bilateral lower limb paralysis and urine incontinence soon after the surgery, which quickly led to unconsciousness and required mechanical ventilator support and intensive care treatment. Comprehensive diagnostic testing, which included magnetic resonance imaging scans of the brain and spinal cord, identified signs typical of "Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES)" and spinal cord infarction affecting segments C3 to D2. "Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome (APLA)" was identified by laboratory testing, highlighting the significance of taking a thorough approach to comprehending this uncommon clinical condition. Treatment included anticoagulant therapy, high-dose steroid therapy, and antihypertensive drugs, emphasizing the crucial importance of inter-disciplinary care in handling such complex situations. Even if the patient's symptoms have partially improved, their condition is still being closely monitored in the intensive care unit. In the context of postpartum neurological problems and the complex interplay between pre-eclampsia, spinal cord infarction, and related clinical symptoms, this case emphasizes the need for increased awareness and prompt management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh Kumar
- Sri Guru Ram Das Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Amritsar, Punjab, India
| | - Gursimran Kaur
- Sri Guru Ram Das Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Amritsar, Punjab, India
| | - Suhaavi Kaur Chawla
- Sri Guru Ram Das Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Amritsar, Punjab, India
| | - Harroop Singh
- Sri Guru Ram Das Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Amritsar, Punjab, India
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Wu L, Fang X, Lu F, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Kwak-Kim J. Anticardiolipin and/or anti-β2-glycoprotein-I antibodies are associated with adverse IVF outcomes. Front Immunol 2022; 13:986893. [PMID: 36405731 PMCID: PMC9667022 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.986893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effects of anticardiolipin (aCL) and/or anti-β2-glycoprotein-I (aβ2GPI) antibodies, namely antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL), on in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study group comprised infertile women with aPL undergoing IVF-ET cycles. Controls were infertile women with tubal etiology without aPL. The impact of aPL on reproductive outcomes, such as oocyte quality, embryo quality, and implantation capacity, was compared between the study group and controls. Additionally, peripheral blood T cell subsets, such as T helper (Th)1, Th2, Th17, and T regulatory (Treg) cells and cytokines, were analyzed by the flow cytometry. Differences between the study group and controls were analyzed. RESULTS A total of 132 infertile women, including 44 women with aPL, and 88 controls were sequentially recruited for this study. Women with aPL had lower numbers of total and perfect/available embryos and lower rates of MII oocytes, blastocyst formation, perfect and available embryos, implantation, clinical pregnancy, and take-home baby. Additionally, imbalanced Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg ratios, significantly higher levels of serum IL-2, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-17A, and a significantly lower serum IL-4 were noticed in women with aPL compared to controls. CONCLUSION Women with aPL such as aCL and/or aβ2GPI antibodies were associated with adverse IVF outcomes. Early screening for aPL and appropriate consultation for couples undergoing IVF should be considered. In addition, underlying immunopathology and inflammatory immune mechanisms associated with aPL should be further explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xuhui Fang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Fangting Lu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yanshi Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Joanne Kwak-Kim
- Reproductive Medicine and Immunology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Sciences Department, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Vernon Hills, IL, United States,Center for Cancer Cell Biology, Immunology and Infection Diseases, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States,*Correspondence: Joanne Kwak-Kim,
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BushenHuoxue Recipe for the Treatment of Prethrombotic State of ACA-Positive Recurrent Miscarriage via the Regulation of the PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathway. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:2385534. [PMID: 35198031 PMCID: PMC8860511 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2385534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background Although the Bushen Huoxue (BSHX) recipe is commonly used for the effective treatment of the prethrombotic state of recurrent abortions, its mechanism of action is unclear. In this article, we investigated the therapeutic effects of BSHX on anti-cardiolipin antibody (ACA) positive recurrent miscarriage mice and the molecular mechanism involved in the treatment of the prethrombotic state of ACA-positive recurrent miscarriages based on the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, to provide a scientific basis for clinical practice. Methods An ACA-positive recurrent miscarriage mouse model and normal pregnancy mouse model were adopted in this experiment. Seventy CBA/J female mice were induced to establish the ACA-positive recurrent model; the mice were mated with DBA/2 male mice. Of these mice, 50 became pregnant, which were randomly divided into a BSHX high-dose group (BH, 2.52 g/kg), BSHX medium-dose group (BM, 1.26 g/kg), BSHX low-dose group (BL, 0.63 g/kg), model group (M, distilled water), and an aspirin enteric-coated tablet group; each group had 10 mice. In addition, 16 CBA/J female mice were induced to establish the normal pregnant mouse model; the mice were mated with BALB/C male mice. Of these mice, 10 became pregnant, which were used as the blank control group (C) and received distilled water by gavage. Stillbirth and abortion rates were recorded for each group, and the uterine tissue, urine, and serum were collected. The serum expression levels of ACA, interleukin-6 (IL-6), progesterone ,estradiol, and endometrial histological changes were compared between the groups. Metabolomics was performed on the urine and uterine tissues of both groups using UHPLC-QTOF/MS, and the expression levels of PI3K, p-PI3K, AKT, and p-AKT proteins in the uterine tissues were detected using Western blot. Results Compared with the model pregnancy group, the BSHX high-dose group, BSHX medium-dose group, and BSHX low-dose group all had a lower absorption rate of mouse embryos, improved uterine histopathological morphology, significantly reduced serum levels of ACA and IL-6, increased serum levels of progesterone and estradiol, and significantly upregulated uterine levels of p-AKT, PI3K, and p-PI3K proteins. The metabolomic results showed that the metabolic levels in the urine and uterine tissues were significantly altered in the mouse model of ACA-positive recurrent abortion. The results also suggested that the pathogenesis of ACA-positive recurrent abortion may be associated with metabolic pathways, such as pentose, glucuronide, lysine degradation, and steroid hormone biosynthesis. Conclusion The BSHX recipe improved the uterine histopathological morphology of pregnant mice and promoted vascular formation in uterine tissues. The mechanisms involved the reduction in serum ACA and IL-6 levels, the increment in serumprogesterone and estradiol levels, the upregulation of the levels of p-AKT, PI3K, and p-PI3K proteins, and the activation of the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. These data will be useful for effective drug research and development.
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Long Non-Coding RNA ZEB2-AS1 Augments Activity of Trophoblast Cells and Prevents the Development of Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion in Mice Through EZH2-Mediated CST3 Inhibition. Reprod Sci 2022; 29:963-974. [PMID: 35075612 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-00857-7] [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: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is the most common complication of pregnancy where reduced invasion of trophoblasts plays a major role. This work aimed to explore the effect of abnormally expressed long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) ZEB2-AS1 on the occurrence of RSA. Differentially expressed lncRNAs in trophoblast cells between healthy controls and patients with RSA were screened using the GEO database. Female CBA/J mice were allowed to mate with male DBA/2 mice to establish inbred mice with RSA. ZEB2-AS1 was poorly expressed in placental tissues and trophoblast cells in the condition of RSA. ZEB2-AS1 upregulation augmented proliferation, migration, and invasion of trophoblast cells in vitro. ZEB2-AS1 negatively regulated cystatin C (CST3) expression. Further overexpression of CST3 blocked the activity of trophoblast cells. ZEB2-AS1 recruited enhancer of EZH2 to the promoter region of CST3, which increased H3K27me3 modification to suppress CST3 expression. In vivo, overexpression of ZEB2-AS1 reduced embryo resorption rate and increased the weights of fetuses and placentas in mice with RSA. However, the protective roles of ZEB2-AS1 were blocked upon artificial silencing of EZH2 or upregulation of CST3. Taken together, this study demonstrates that ZEB2-AS1 enhances activity of trophoblast cells and prevents RSA development through reducing CST3 expression in an EZH2-dependent manner.
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Wang W, Sung N, Gilman-Sachs A, Kwak-Kim J. T Helper (Th) Cell Profiles in Pregnancy and Recurrent Pregnancy Losses: Th1/Th2/Th9/Th17/Th22/Tfh Cells. Front Immunol 2020; 11:2025. [PMID: 32973809 PMCID: PMC7461801 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.02025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 188] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
During pregnancy, various immune effectors and molecules participating in the immune-microenvironment establish specific maternal tolerance toward the semi-allogeneic fetus. Activated maternal immune effectors by the trophoblast antigens, such as T helper (Th), T cytotoxic (Tc), T regulatory (Treg), and B cells, are involved in the regulation of adaptive immunity. Recognition of active signal through the T cell receptors stimulate the differentiation of naive CD3+CD4+ T cells into specific T cell subsets, such as Th1, Th2, Th9, Th17, Th22, and follicular Th cells (Tfh). Each of these subsets has a significant and distinct role in human pregnancy. Th1 immunity, characterized by immune-inflammatory responses, becomes dominant during the peri-implantation period, and the “controlled” Th1 immunity benefits the invading trophoblasts rather than harm. Quickly after the placental implantation, the early inflammatory Th1 immunity is shifted to the Th2 anti-inflammatory immune responses. The predominant Th2 immunity, which overrules the Th1 immunity at the placental implantation site, protects a fetus by balancing Th1 immunity and accommodate fetal and placental development. Moreover, Treg and Th9 cells regulate local inflammatory immune responses, potentially detrimental to the fetus. Th17 cells induce protective immunity against extracellular microbes during pregnancy. However, excessive Th17 immunity may induce uncontrolled neutrophil infiltration at the maternal-fetal interface. Other Th cell subsets such as Tfh cells, also contribute to pregnancy by setting up favorable humoral immunity during pregnancy. However, dysregulation of Th cell immunity during pregnancy may result in obstetrical complications, such as recurrent pregnancy losses (RPL) and preeclampsia (PE). With this review, we intend to deliver a comprehensive overview of CD4+ Th cell subsets, including Th1, Th2, Th9, Th17, Th22, and Tfh cells, in human pregnancy by reviewing their roles in normal and pathological pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjuan Wang
- Reproductive Medicine and Immunology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States.,Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Nayoung Sung
- Reproductive Medicine and Immunology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Alice Gilman-Sachs
- Center for Cancer Cell Biology, Immunology and Infection, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States.,Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Cell Biology, Immunology and Infection, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Joanne Kwak-Kim
- Reproductive Medicine and Immunology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States.,Center for Cancer Cell Biology, Immunology and Infection, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
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Gibbins KJ, Mumford SL, Sjaarda LA, Branch DW, Perkins NJ, Ye A, Schisterman EF, Silver RM. Preconception antiphospholipid antibodies and risk of subsequent early pregnancy loss. Lupus 2018; 27:1437-1445. [PMID: 29771194 DOI: 10.1177/0961203318776089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Objectives To prospectively estimate the association of preconception antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) with subsequent pregnancy loss using a cohort design. aPL have been associated with recurrent early pregnancy loss (EPL) prior to 10 weeks in previous case-control studies. Prospective ascertainment of pregnancy loss is challenging, as most women do not seek care prior to EPL. Methods Secondary analysis of the Effects of Aspirin in Gestation and Reproduction trial of preconception low-dose aspirin. Preconception anticardiolipin (aCL) and anti-β2-glycoprotein-I (a-β2-I) were assessed in 1208 women with one or two prior pregnancy losses and no more than two prior live births. Comparison cohorts were defined by positive aPL (+aPL) or negative aPL (-aPL) status. All women were followed for six menstrual cycles while trying to conceive; if successful, they underwent an ultrasound at 6-7 weeks' gestation. EPL was defined as loss prior to 10 weeks' gestation; embryonic loss was loss after visualization of an embryo but prior to 10 weeks; clinical loss was any loss after visualization of an embryo (with or without fetal cardiac activity detected). Results In total, 14/1208 (1%) tested positive for +aPL. 786/1208 (65%) women had positive human chorionic gonadotropin during the study period, of which 9/786 (1%) had +aPL. Of the 786 pregnant women, 589 (75%) had live births and 24% had pregnancy losses. Women with +aPL experienced EPL at similar rates as women with -aPL, 44% vs 21% (aRR 2.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.5-10.9). Embryonic loss was more common in women with +aCL IgM (aRR 4.8, 95% CI 1.0-23.0) and in women with two positive aPL. Clinical pregnancy loss was more common in women with positive a-β2-I IgM (50% vs 16.5%, aRR 3.7, 95% CI 1.3-10.8). Conclusion Positive levels of aPL are rare in women with one or two prior pregnancy losses and are not clearly associated with an increased rate of subsequent loss. Clinical trial registration The original source study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (#NCT00467363).
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Affiliation(s)
- K J Gibbins
- 1 University of Utah Health and Intermountain Healthcare, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - S L Mumford
- 2 Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - L A Sjaarda
- 2 Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - D W Branch
- 1 University of Utah Health and Intermountain Healthcare, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - N J Perkins
- 2 Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - A Ye
- 2 Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - E F Schisterman
- 2 Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - R M Silver
- 1 University of Utah Health and Intermountain Healthcare, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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Etiologic characteristics and index pregnancy outcomes of recurrent pregnancy losses in Korean women. Obstet Gynecol Sci 2016; 59:379-87. [PMID: 27668201 PMCID: PMC5028645 DOI: 10.5468/ogs.2016.59.5.379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Revised: 04/29/2016] [Accepted: 05/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The goal of this study was to evaluate the etiologies and clinical outcomes of Korean recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) patients. And also, we investigated the differences between primary and secondary RPL patients, between two and three or more pregnancy losses. METHODS One hundred seventy eight women diagnosed as RPL were enrolled. We performed chromosomal analysis, thyroid stimulating hormone, prolactin, blood glucose, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, natural killer cell proportion, anticardiolipin antibodies, antiphospholipid antibodies, lupus anticoagulant, anti-β2glycoprotein-1 antibodies, antinuclear antibody, protein C, protein S, antithrombin III, homocysteine, MTFHR gene, factor V Leiden mutation, and hysterosalphingography/hysteroscopic evaluation. RESULTS The mean age was 34.03±4.30 years, and mean number of miscarriages was 2.69±1.11 (range, 2 to 11). Anatomical cause (13.5%), chromosomal abnormalities (5.6%), and endocrine disorders (34.3%) were observed in RPL women. Elevated natural killer cell and antiphospholipid antibodies were observed in 43.3% and 7.3% each. Among of 178 women, 77 women were pregnant. After management of those women, live birth rate was 84.4% and mean gestational weeks was 37.63±5.12. Women with three or more RPL compared with women with two RPL had more common anatomical cause such as intrauterine adhesions and lower rates of spontaneous pregnancy. Compare with secondary RPL women, immunological abnormalities were more common in primary RPL. However, miscarriage rates were not different. CONCLUSION Immunological factor including autoimmune and alloimmune disorders was most common etiology of RPL. Inherited thrombophilia showed different patterns with other ethnic countries. Miscarriage rates were not different between primary and secondary RPL, or between two and three or more miscarriages group.
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Alvarez AM, Mulla MJ, Chamley LW, Cadavid AP, Abrahams VM. Aspirin-triggered lipoxin prevents antiphospholipid antibody effects on human trophoblast migration and endothelial cell interactions. Arthritis Rheumatol 2015; 67:488-97. [PMID: 25370166 DOI: 10.1002/art.38934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2014] [Accepted: 10/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) interfere with several physiologic functions of human trophoblasts, including reducing their ability to migrate, decreasing their production of angiogenic factors, and inducing an inflammatory response. This may provide the underlying mechanism by which aPL responses lead to recurrent pregnancy loss or preeclampsia in women with obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Although treatment with heparin may reduce the rate of recurrent pregnancy loss, the risk of preeclampsia remains high. Therefore, alternative treatments are needed for the management of pregnant patients with APS. Since aspirin-triggered lipoxins (ATLs) have immune and angiogenic modulatory properties, the objective of this study was to determine the effects of the ATL 15-epi-lipoxin A4 on the function of aPL-altered human trophoblasts in the first trimester of pregnancy. METHODS A first-trimester human trophoblast cell line (HTR8) was treated with mouse anti-human β2 -glycoprotein I monoclonal antibodies (aPL) in the presence or absence of the ATL 15-epi-lipoxin A4 . Trophoblast migration and interactions with endometrial endothelial cells were measured using Transwell and coculture assays. Trophoblast secretion of cytokines and angiogenic factors was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS Treatment of HTR8 cells with ATL reversed the aPL-induced decrease in trophoblast migration, an effect that appeared to be regulated through restoration of interleukin-6 production. Using a model of spiral artery transformation, aPL and sera from APS patients with pregnancy morbidity disrupted trophoblast-endothelial cell interactions, and treatment with ATL restored the stability of the cocultures. In contrast, ATL treatment did not resolve the proinflammatory and antiangiogenic responses of trophoblasts induced by aPL. CONCLUSION These findings indicate that ATLs may have some benefits in terms of preventing the effects of aPL on trophoblast function, which raises the possibility of the use of ATLs as an adjuvant therapy in women with aPL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela M Alvarez
- University of Antioquia School of Medicine, Medellín, Colombia, and Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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Ulcova-Gallova Z, Bibkova K, Micanova Z, Losan P, Babcova K. Possible Effect of Extended Use of Hormonal Contraception on Increased Levels of Antiphospholipid Antibodies in Infertile Women. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2015; 75:251-254. [PMID: 25914418 DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1545869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2014] [Revised: 02/05/2015] [Accepted: 02/06/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Increased levels of antiphosholipid antibodies (aPLs) are associated with the autoimmune disorder antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and are known to play a role in infertility. We investigated the possible effect of prolonged use of hormonal contraception (HC) on autoimmunity after discontinuing HC in women with infertility problems. Material and Methods: We analyzed hormonal status including ovulation and the humoral autoimmune response to eight phospholipids detected by ELISA in 1190 infertile women aged 21-46 (mean age: 29.3) years. Results: Long-term HC did not affect ovulation, but in the absence of ovulation HC masked the hormonal disorders. The majority of patients taking HC for more than 10 years with fertility failure had significantly higher levels of aPLs of the IgG isotype against phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylserine (p > 0.001) than against β2-glycoprotein I and annexin V. Discussion: Thus, high levels of aPLs are significant for the anticoagulant treatment before and during pregnancy to prevent pregnancy loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Ulcova-Gallova
- Genetics-Pilsen, Pilsen, Czech Republic ; Dept. Gynecology Obstetrics, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - K Bibkova
- Genetics-Pilsen, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | | | - P Losan
- Genetics-Pilsen, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - K Babcova
- Dept. Gynecology Obstetrics, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
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Quaranta M, Erez O, Mastrolia SA, Koifman A, Leron E, Eshkoli T, Mazor M, Holcberg G. The physiologic and therapeutic role of heparin in implantation and placentation. PeerJ 2015; 3:e691. [PMID: 25653897 PMCID: PMC4304855 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 11/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Implantation, trophoblast development and placentation are crucial processes in the establishment and development of normal pregnancy. Abnormalities of these processes can lead to pregnancy complications known as the great obstetrical syndromes: preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, fetal demise, premature prelabor rupture of membranes, preterm labor, and recurrent pregnancy loss. There is mounting evidence regarding the physiological and therapeutic role of heparins in the establishment of normal gestation and as a modality for treatment and prevention of pregnancy complications. In this review, we will summarize the properties and the physiological contributions of heparins to the success of implantation, placentation and normal pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Quaranta
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, Università degli Studi di Verona , Verona , Italy
| | - Offer Erez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, School of Medicine, Ben Gurion University of the Negev , Beer Sheva , Israel
| | - Salvatore Andrea Mastrolia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria Policlinico di Bari, School of Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro" , Bari , Italy
| | - Arie Koifman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, School of Medicine, Ben Gurion University of the Negev , Beer Sheva , Israel
| | - Elad Leron
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, School of Medicine, Ben Gurion University of the Negev , Beer Sheva , Israel
| | - Tamar Eshkoli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, School of Medicine, Ben Gurion University of the Negev , Beer Sheva , Israel
| | - Moshe Mazor
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, School of Medicine, Ben Gurion University of the Negev , Beer Sheva , Israel
| | - Gershon Holcberg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, School of Medicine, Ben Gurion University of the Negev , Beer Sheva , Israel
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Al-Balushi MS, Hasson SS, Said EA, Al-Busaidi JZ, Al-Daihani MS, Othman MS, Sallam TA, Idris MA, Al-Kalbani M, Woodhouse N, Al-Jabri AA. Fluctuation in the Levels of Immunoglobulin M and Immunoglobulin G Antibodies for Cardiolipin and β2-Glycoprotein among Healthy Pregnant Women. Sultan Qaboos Univ Med J 2014; 14:e478-e485. [PMID: 25364550 PMCID: PMC4205059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2014] [Revised: 03/26/2014] [Accepted: 05/11/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Antiphospholipid antibodies fluctuate during a healthy normal pregnancy. This study aimed to investigate the levels of both immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies for cardiolipin and β2-glycoprotein (β2GP) among healthy pregnant women. METHODS This study was conducted between May 2010 and December 2012. A total of 75 healthy Omani pregnant women with no history of autoimmune disease were investigated during their pregnancy and 90 days after delivery at the Armed Forces Hospital in Muscat, Oman. A control group of 75 healthy Omani non-pregnant women were also investigated as a comparison. Levels of IgM and IgG antibodies for both anti-cardiolipin antibodies (ACAs) and β2GP were measured using a standard enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS The ACA IgM levels were significantly higher in the control group compared to the pregnant women (P <0.001). No significant differences were observed in the ACA IgM levels between the control group and the pregnant women after delivery. In contrast, ACA IgG levels were significantly higher during pregnancy and after delivery compared with those of the healthy control group (P = 0.007 and 0.002, respectively). The levels of β2GP IgG were significantly higher during pregnancy than after delivery and in the control group (P = 0.001 and <0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION In this study, ACA IgG levels increased during healthy pregnancies and after normal deliveries whereas β2GP IgG levels increased transiently during the pregnancies. Both phenomena were found to be significantly associated with a transient decline in the levels of IgM specific for these antigens. Therefore, the levels of these antibodies may be regulated during a healthy pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sidgi S. Hasson
- Departments of Microbiology & Immunology, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Elias A. Said
- Departments of Microbiology & Immunology, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Juma Z. Al-Busaidi
- Departments of Microbiology & Immunology, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Muna S. Al-Daihani
- Departments of Microbiology & Immunology, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Mohammed S. Othman
- Departments of Microbiology & Immunology, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Talal A. Sallam
- Department of Community Health, Al Baha University, Al Baha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed A. Idris
- Departments of Microbiology & Immunology, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Moza Al-Kalbani
- Obstetrics & Gynaecology, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Nicholas Woodhouse
- Medicine, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Ali A. Al-Jabri
- Departments of Microbiology & Immunology, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
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Future directions of clinical laboratory evaluation of pregnancy. Cell Mol Immunol 2014; 11:582-8. [PMID: 25042633 DOI: 10.1038/cmi.2014.62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2014] [Revised: 06/16/2014] [Accepted: 06/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, our understanding of how the immune system interacts with the developing fetus and placenta has greatly expanded. There are many laboratories that provide tests for diagnosis of pregnancy outcome in women who have recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) or pre-eclampsia. These tests are based on the premise that immune response to the fetus is equivalent to the adaptive immune response to a transplant. New understanding leads to the concept that the activated innate response is vital for pregnancy and this can result in more effective testing and treatment to prevent an abnormal pregnancy in the future. We describe here only three such areas for future testing: one area involves sperm and semen and factors necessary for successful fertilization; another area would determine conditions for production of growth factors necessary for implantation in the uterus; finally, the last area would be to determine conditions necessary for the vascularization of the placenta and growing fetus by activated natural killer (NK) cells (combinations of killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) family genes with HLA-C haplotypes) that lead to capability of secreting angiogenic growth factors. These areas are novel but understanding their role in pregnancy can lead to insight into how to maintain and treat pregnancies with complicating factors.
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Obstetrical antiphospholipid syndrome: from the pathogenesis to the clinical and therapeutic implications. Clin Dev Immunol 2013; 2013:159124. [PMID: 23983765 PMCID: PMC3745904 DOI: 10.1155/2013/159124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2013] [Accepted: 07/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an acquired thrombophilia with clinical manifestations associated with the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) in patient plasma. Obstetrical APS is a complex entity that may affect both mother and fetus throughout the entire pregnancy with high morbidity. Clinical complications are as various as recurrent fetal losses, stillbirth, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and preeclampsia. Pathogenesis of aPL targets trophoblastic cells directly, mainly via proapoptotic, proinflammatory mechanisms, and uncontrolled immunomodulatory responses. Actual first-line treatment is limited to low-dose aspirin (LDA) and low-molecular weight heparin (LMWH) and still failed in 30% of the cases. APS pregnancies should be a major field in obstetrical research, and new therapeutics are still in progress.
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