Serologic markers of autoimmunity in women with recurrent pregnancy loss

Pregnancy outcomes of patients with positive anticentromere antibodies receiving in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the pregnancy outcomes in patients with positive anti-centromere antibodies (ACA) receiving in vitro fertilization (IVF)-embryo transfer (ET) and natural conception.

METHODS

A case-control study was used to retrospectively analyze the clinical data of 3955 patients who received IVF-ET therapy and had the results of antinuclear antibody (ANA) spectrum at Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital from June 2016 to June 2023. Patients with positive ACA and negative ACA were matched at a ratio of 1∶3 using propensity score matching. Embryo outcomes of IVF were compared between the two groups, and the impact of different fertilization methods and the use of immunosuppressants on pregnancy outcomes were analyzed using self-matching. The natural conception and disease progress were followed up for ACA-positive patients after IVF failure.

RESULTS

The ACA-positive patients accounted for 0.86% of all IVF patients (34/3955) and 2.51% of total ANA-positive IVF patients. Regardless of whether patients received conventional IVF (c-IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), the ACA-positive group exhibited significant differences in oocyte maturity and fertilization compared to the ACA-negative group (both P<0.01). Moreover, the ACA-positive group had a decreased number of D3 suboptimal embryos and D3 optimal embryos (both P<0.05). In 5 cases of ACA-positive patients who underwent ICSI cycles, the two pronucleus (2PN) rate did not increase compared to c-IVF cycles (P>0.05), and there was a decrease in the number of D3 high-quality embryos and D3 suboptimal embryos (both P<0.05). After 1-2 months of immuno-suppressant treatment, 12 ACA-positive patients underwent c-IVF/ICSI again, and there were no changes in egg retrieval and fertilization before and after medication (both P>0.05), but there was an improvement in the 2PN embryo cleavage rate (P<0.05). The number of embryos transferred was similar between the ACA-positive and negative groups, but the ACA-positive group had significantly lower embryo implantation rate and clinical pregnancy rate compared to the ACA-negative group (both P<0.05), with no significant differences in the miscarriage rate between the two groups (P>0.05). Twenty-seven ACA-positive patients attempted natural conception or artificial insemination after IVF failure, resulting in a total of 7 cases of clinical pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum ACA positivity may disrupt oocyte maturation and normal fertilization processes, with no improvement observed with ICSI and immunosuppressant use. However, ACA-positive patients may still achieve natural pregnancy.

Evaluation of platelet parameters, coagulation markers, antiphospholipid syndrome, and thyroid function in palestinian women with recurrent pregnancy loss

BACKGROUND

Multiple etiologies contribute to recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) including immunological, endocrine, anatomical, genetic and infection but more than 50% of cases remain unexplained. Evidences of thrombotic and inflammatory processes were observed at maternal-fetal interface and considered pathological findings in most RPL cases including unexplained cases. This study aimed to evaluate the association between RPL and several risk factors: platelet parameters, coagulation factors, antiphospholipid syndrome, and thyroid function.

METHODS

This is an unmatched case-control study that included 100 RPL and 100 control women. Anthropometric and health data were collected and a gynecologist examined participants to assure fitting the inclusion criteria. Platelet parameters [including Mean Platelet Mass (MPM), Concentration (MPC) and Volume (MPV)] and ratios (MPV/Platelet, MPC/Platelet, MPM/Platelet, Platelet/Mononuclear cells), coagulation markers [Protein C (PC), Protein S (PS), Antithrombin III, D-dimer], antiphospholipid antibodies [Anti-phospholipid (APA), Anti-cardiolipin (ACA) and anti-B2-glycoprotein 1], Lupus anticoagulant, Antinuclear antibodies, and thyroid function (Thyroid stimulating hormone and anti-thyroid peroxidase) were measured.

RESULTS

Mean ages of cases and controls at marriage were 22.5 years for both, and their current ages were 29.4 and 33.0, respectively. 92% of cases and 99% of controls aged blow 30 years at marriage. 75% of cases have 3-4 miscarriages and 9% have ≥ 7 miscarriages. Our results indicated significantly lower male/female age ratio (p = .019), PC (p = .036) and PS (p = .025) in cases compared to controls. Plasma D-dimer (p = .020) and antiphospholipid antibodies [ACA (IgM and IgG), APA (IgM)] were significantly higher in cases compared to controls. No significant differences were observed between cases and controls concerning APA (IgG), anti-B2-glycoprotein 1 (IgM and IgG), Lupus anticoagulant, Antinuclear antibodies, platelet parameters, thyroid markers, family history of miscarriage, consanguineous marriage, and other health data.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study that investigated the association between platelet, coagulation, antiphospholipid, autoimmune and thyroid parameters, and RPL in Palestinian women. Significant associations between male/female age ratio, PC, PS, D-dimer, ACA (IgM, IgG), APA (IgM) and RPL were observed. These markers could be used in evaluating RPL. These findings confirm the heterogeneous nature of RPL and emphasize the need for further studies to find out risk factors for RPL.

Immunological and Metabolic Causes of Infertility in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Infertility has been recognized as a civilizational disease. One of the most common causes of infertility is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Closely interrelated immunometabolic mechanisms underlie the development of this complex syndrome and lead to infertility. The direct cause of infertility in PCOS is ovulation and implantation disorders caused by low-grade inflammation of ovarian tissue and endometrium which, in turn, result from immune and metabolic system disorders. The systemic immune response, in particular the inflammatory response, in conjunction with metabolic disorders, insulin resistance (IR), hyperadrenalism, insufficient secretion of progesterone, and oxidative stress lead not only to cardiovascular diseases, cancer, autoimmunity, and lipid metabolism disorders but also to infertility. Depending on the genetic and environmental conditions as well as certain cultural factors, some diseases may occur immediately, while others may become apparent years after an infertility diagnosis. Each of them alone can be a significant factor contributing to the development of PCOS and infertility. Further research will allow clinical management protocols to be established for PCOS patients experiencing infertility so that a targeted therapy approach can be applied to the factor underlying and driving the "vicious circle" alongside symptomatic treatment and ovulation stimulation. Hence, therapy of fertility for PCOS should be conducted by interdisciplinary teams of specialists as an in-depth understanding of the molecular relationships and clinical implications between the immunological and metabolic factors that trigger reproductive system disorders is necessary to restore the physiology and homeostasis of the body and, thus, fertility, among PCOS patients.

Correlation Between the Presence of Antinuclear Antibodies and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: A Mini Review

In the past decade, the incidence of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) has increased significantly, and immunological disorders have been considered as one of the possible causes contributing to RPL. The presence of antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) is regarded as a typical antibody of autoimmunity. However, the relationship between the presence of ANAs and RPL, the underlying mechanism, and the possible role of immunotherapy is still controversial. The aim of this mini review is to assess the association between ANAs and RPL and the effects of immunotherapy on pregnancy outcomes in women with positive ANAs and a history of RPL from the available data and to provide a relevant reference basis for clinical application in this group of women.

Relevance of systematic anti-nuclear antibodies testing after obstetrical complications

Adverses pregnancy outcomes are commonly encountered with autoimmune disease (AID). Although anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) are often present several years before AID diagnosis, the importance of ANA testing has not been evaluated in this context. The objective of this study was to determine if ANA discovery after obstetrical complications is associated with a diagnosis of AID and improves the prognosis of subsequent pregnancies. All patients presented at the multidisciplinary board meeting (MBM) "Thrombophilia and Pregnancy", whose ANA were discovered after an obstetrical complication, were included in a multicenter descriptive study. All patients were referred to an internal medicine consultation for diagnosis. Data were collected retrospectively by computer chart analysis and updated by phone. A total of 404 patients were included, of which 50 (12.4 %) had a diagnosis of AID related to ANA. Patients with AID had higher ANA levels (p < 0.001), with more frequent specificity (26%, versus 6.7%, p < 0.0001), and more often persistent (84% versus 30.8%, p < 0.0001) compared to patients without AID. Subsequent pregnancy outcomes were not significantly affected by ANA levels and AID diagnoses. Our study shows that the discovery of ANA after obstetrical complications may lead to an early diagnosis of AID. It makes us reconsider the systematic determination of ANA after an obstetrical event because in the case where ANA are found positive, an adapted follow-up would reduce the negative impact of ANA presence on subsequent pregnancies.

Immunological Risk Factors in Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: Guidelines Versus Current State of the Art

Around 1-5% of all couples experience recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Established risk factors include anatomical, genetic, endocrine, and hemostatic alterations. With around 50% of idiopathic cases, immunological risk factors are getting into the scientific focus, however international guidelines hardly take them into account. Within this review, the current state of immunological risk factors in RPL in international guidelines of the European Society of Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), German/Austrian/Swiss Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (DGGG/OEGGG/SGGG) and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (RCOG) are evaluated. Special attention was drawn to recommendations in the guidelines regarding diagnostic factors such as autoantibodies, natural killer cells, regulatory T cells, dendritic cells, plasma cells, and human leukocyte antigen system (HLA)-sharing as well as treatment options such as corticosteroids, intralipids, intravenous immunoglobulins, aspirin and heparin in RPL. Finally, the current state of the art focusing on both diagnostic and therapeutic options was summarized.

The pathogenic role of autoantibodies in recurrent pregnancy loss

In the present manuscript, we review the recent research investigating the pathogenic association between most studied autoantibodies and recurrent pregnancy loss. Pregnancy loss represents a common obstetric complication occurring in about 15%-25% of all clinically recognized pregnancies. The recurrence of pregnancy loss identifies a distinct clinical entity, that is recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), affecting about 2%-4% of couples. Several factors, including age, chromosomal abnormalities, uterine anomalies, thrombophilic disorders, endocrinopathies, hormonal and metabolic disorders, infections, sperm quality, and lifestyle issues, are involved in RPL. The role of autoantibodies in RPL is only partially determined. In some cases (antiphospholipid antibodies [aPL]), their involvement is well established. In other cases (anti-thyroid autoantibodies, antinuclear, anti-transglutaminase, and anti-endomysial antibodies), it is still debated, despite multiple, although not fully conclusive, evidences strongly suggest a possible involvement in RPL. Further extensive research is needed to definitively confirm or exclude their actual role.

Upregulation of ADAMTS‑7 and downregulation of COMP are associated with spontaneous abortion

A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 7 (ADAMTS-7) has been revealed to serve an important role in inflammation-associated diseases. However, the role of ADAMTS-7 in spontaneous abortion (SA) remains unclear. In the present study, human and mouse decidual tissues were used to detect the expression of ADAMTS-7 and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) in mice with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced abortion (10 mice/group), and in SA humans and the corresponding control group (21 participants in the SA group and 15 participants in the control group). The results revealed that ADAMTS-7 expression was upregulated and that COMP expression was downregulated in the mouse decidual tissue of the LPS-induced abortion group, when compared with that of the normal control group. The results were further confirmed by western blot analysis and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis, which revealed increased ADAMTS-7 and decreased COMP expression at the protein and mRNA levels in mice treated with LPS. Additionally, the expression of ADAMTS-7 was negatively correlated with the expression of COMP in mice, with a correlation coefficient of −0.936 (P<0.001). In addition, the expression of ADAMTS-7 and COMP exhibited was similar in the decidual tissue of SA patients when compared with the levels observed in the tissues of the normal control participants, as demonstrated by increased ADAMTS-7 expression and decreased COMP expression. Western blotting and RT-qPCR analysis revealed that ADAMTS-7 was increased and COMP was decreased in the decidual tissue of SA subjects. The correlation analysis of ADAMTS-7 and COMP in human decidual tissue also revealed a similar result, with a correlation coefficient of −0.836 (P<0.001). The results of the present study demonstrated that ADAMTS-7 was upregulated and COMP was downregulated in the decidual tissues of humans and mice with SA, and a negative correlation was identified between the expression levels of ADAMTS-7 and COMP, thereby providing novel evidence for a better understanding of the pathogenesis of SA, which may lead to improvements in the clinical pregnancy outcomes of these individuals.

Association between LRH-1 single nucleotide polymorphisms and unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion in Chinese Han couples

To explore the genetic relationships between LRH-1 (rs2816948), CYP19 (rs727479 and rs700518), and P450scc (rs4077582) as a potential mechanism behind unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortions in a Chinese Han population. A case-control study was used and featured two groups: Patients with unexplained recurrent miscarriage (n = 82, abortion group) and those who voluntary surrendered of a normal early pregnancy (n = 97, control group). Abortion villi samples were obtained from all patients. Genomic DNA was later extracted and sequenced, after which statistical analyses performed to assess the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms and unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortions. There were significant differences in the genotypic and allelic distribution (p < .05) for CYP19 (rs727479) between the abortion and the control groups. There were no significant differences in the genotypic or allelic distributions (p > .05) for either the LRH-1 (rs2816948) or CYP19 (rs700518). There were also significant genotypic differences (p < .05) for P450scc (rs4077582), but no significant differences for its allelic distribution (p > .05). There was a significant correlation between the occurrence of unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion and CYP19 (rs727479) single nucleotide polymorphisms.

Recurrent Miscarriage: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures. Guideline of the DGGG, OEGGG and SGGG (S2k-Level, AWMF Registry Number 015/050)

Purpose

Official guideline of the German Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics (DGGG), the Austrian Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics (ÖGGG) and the Swiss Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics (SGGG). The aim of this guideline was to standardize the diagnosis and treatment of couples with recurrent miscarriage (RM). Recommendations were based on the current literature and the views of the involved committee members.

Methods

Based on the current literature, the committee members developed the statements and recommendations of this guideline in a formalized process which included DELPHI rounds and a formal consensus meeting.

Recommendations

Recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with RM were compiled based on the international literature. Specific established risk factors such as chromosomal, anatomical, endocrine, hemostatic, psychological, infectious and immunological disorders were taken into consideration.

ESHRE guideline: recurrent pregnancy loss

STUDY QUESTION

What is the recommended management of women with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) based on the best available evidence in the literature?

SUMMARY ANSWER

The guideline development group formulated 77 recommendations answering 18 key questions on investigations and treatments for RPL, and on how care should be organized.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

A previous guideline for the investigation and medical treatment of recurrent miscarriage was published in 2006 and is in need of an update.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

The guideline was developed according to the structured methodology for development of ESHRE guidelines. After formulation of key questions by a group of experts, literature searches and assessments were performed. Papers published up to 31 March 2017 and written in English were included. Cumulative live birth rate, live birth rate and pregnancy loss rate (or miscarriage rate) were considered the critical outcomes.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Based on the collected evidence, recommendations were formulated and discussed until consensus was reached within the guideline group. A stakeholder review was organized after finalization of the draft. The final version was approved by the guideline group and the ESHRE Executive Committee.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

The guideline provides 38 recommendations on risk factors, prevention and investigations in couples with RPL, and 39 recommendations on treatments. These include 60 evidence-based recommendations – of which 31 were formulated as strong recommendations and 29 as conditional – and 17 good practice points. The evidence supporting investigations and treatment of couples with RPL is limited and of moderate quality. Of the evidence-based recommendations, only 10 (16.3%) were supported by moderate quality evidence. The remaining recommendations were supported by low (35 recommendations: 57.4%), or very low quality evidence (16 recommendations: 26.2%). There were no recommendations based on high quality evidence. Owing to the lack of evidence-based investigations and treatments in RPL care, the guideline also clearly mentions investigations and treatments that should not be used for couples with RPL.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

Several investigations and treatments are offered to couples with RPL, but most of them are not well studied. For most of these investigations and treatments, a recommendation against the intervention or treatment was formulated based on insufficient evidence. Future studies may require these recommendations to be revised.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

The guideline provides clinicians with clear advice on best practice in RPL, based on the best evidence available. In addition, a list of research recommendations is provided to stimulate further studies in RPL. One of the most important consequences of the limited evidence is the absence of evidence for a definition of RPL.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

The guideline was developed and funded by ESHRE, covering expenses associated with the guideline meetings, with the literature searches and with the dissemination of the guideline. The guideline group members did not receive payment. J.E. reports position funding from CARE Fertility. S.L. reports position funding from SpermComet Ltd. S.M. reports research grants, consulting and speaker’s fees from GSK, BMS/Pfizer, Sanquin, Aspen, Bayer and Daiichi Sankyo. S.Q. reports speaker’s fees from Ferring. The other authors report no conflicts of interest.

ESHRE Pages are not externally peer reviewed. This article has been approved by the Executive Committee of ESHRE.