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Wang J, Nuray U, Yan H, Xu Y, Fang L, Li R, Zhou X, Zhang H. Pyroptosis is involved in the immune microenvironment regulation of unexplained recurrent miscarriage. Mamm Genome 2024; 35:256-279. [PMID: 38538990 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-024-10038-3] [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: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Unexplained recurrent miscarriage (URM) is a common pregnancy complication with few effective therapies. Moreover, little is known regarding the role of pyroptosis in the regulation of the URM immune microenvironment. To address this issue, gene expression profiles of publicly available placental datasets GSE22490 and GSE76862 were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Pyroptosis-related differentially expressed genes were identified and a total of 16 differentially expressed genes associated with pyroptosis were detected, among which 1 was upregulated and 15 were downregulated. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses indicated that the functionally enriched modules and pathways of these genes are closely related to immune and inflammatory responses. Four hub genes were identified: BTK, TLR8, NLRC4, and TNFSF13B. BTK, TLR8, and TNFSF13B were highly connected with immune cells, according to the correlation analysis of four hub genes and 20 different types of immune cells (p < 0.05). The four hub genes were used as research objects to construct the interaction networks. Chorionic villus tissue was used for quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot to confirm the expression levels of hub genes, and the results showed that the expression of the four hub genes was significantly decreased in the chorionic villus tissue in the URM group. Collectively, the present study indicates that perhaps pyroptosis is essential to the diversity and complexity of the URM immune microenvironment, and provides a theoretical basis and research ideas for subsequent target gene verification and mechanism research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | | | - Hongchao Yan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yang Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Lisha Fang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Ranran Li
- First clinical medical college of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Xin Zhou
- First clinical medical college of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
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2
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Zhao X, Jiang Y, Ma X, Yang Q, Ding X, Wang H, Yao X, Jin L, Zhang Q. Demystifying the impact of prenatal tobacco exposure on the placental immune microenvironment: Avoiding the tragedy of mending the fold after death. J Cell Mol Med 2023; 27:3026-3052. [PMID: 37700485 PMCID: PMC10568673 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Prenatal tobacco exposure (PTE) correlates significantly with a surge in adverse pregnancy outcomes, yet its pathological mechanisms remain partially unexplored. This study aims to meticulously examine the repercussions of PTE on placental immune landscapes, employing a coordinated research methodology encompassing bioinformatics, machine learning and animal studies. Concurrently, it aims to screen biomarkers and potential compounds that could sensitively indicate and mitigate placental immune disorders. In the course of this research, two gene expression omnibus (GEO) microarrays, namely GSE27272 and GSE7434, were included. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and immune enrichment investigations on differentially expressed genes (DEGs) indicated that PTE might perturb numerous innate or adaptive immune-related biological processes. A cohort of 52 immune-associated DEGs was acquired by cross-referencing the DEGs with gene sets derived from the ImmPort database. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was subsequently established, from which 10 hub genes were extracted using the maximal clique centrality (MCC) algorithm (JUN, NPY, SST, FLT4, FGF13, HBEGF, NR0B2, AREG, NR1I2, SEMA5B). Moreover, we substantiated the elevated affinity of tobacco reproductive toxicants, specifically nicotine and nitrosamine, with hub genes through molecular docking (JUN, FGF13 and NR1I2). This suggested that these genes could potentially serve as crucial loci for tobacco's influence on the placental immune microenvironment. To further elucidate the immune microenvironment landscape, consistent clustering analysis was conducted, yielding three subtypes, where the abundance of follicular helper T cells (p < 0.05) in subtype A, M2 macrophages (p < 0.01), neutrophils (p < 0.05) in subtype B and CD8+ T cells (p < 0.05), resting NK cells (p < 0.05), M2 macrophages (p < 0.05) in subtype C were significantly different from the control group. Additionally, three pivotal modules, designated as red, blue and green, were identified, each bearing a close association with differentially infiltrated immunocytes, as discerned by the weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Functional enrichment analysis was subsequently conducted on these modules. To further probe into the mechanisms by which immune-associated DEGs are implicated in intercellular communication, 20 genes serving as ligands or receptors and connected to differentially infiltrating immunocytes were isolated. Employing a variety of machine learning techniques, including one-way logistic regression, LASSO regression, random forest and artificial neural networks, we screened 11 signature genes from the intersection of immune-associated DEGs and secretory protein-encoding genes derived from the Human Protein Atlas. Notably, CCL18 and IFNA4 emerged as prospective peripheral blood markers capable of identifying PTE-induced immune disorders. These markers demonstrated impressive predictive power, as indicated by the area under the curve (AUC) of 0.713 (0.548-0.857) and 0.780 (0.618-0.914), respectively. Furthermore, we predicted 34 potential compounds, including cyclosporine, oestrogen and so on, which may engage with hub genes and attenuate immune disorders instigated by PTE. The diagnostic performance of these biomarkers, alongside the interventional effect of cyclosporine, was further corroborated in animal studies via ELISA, Western blot and immunofluorescence assays. In summary, this study identifies a disturbance in the placental immune landscape, a secondary effect of PTE, which may underlie multiple pregnancy complications. Importantly, our research contributes to the noninvasive and timely detection of PTE-induced placental immune disorders, while also offering innovative therapeutic strategies for their treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxuan Zhao
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) GynecologyHangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
- Research Institute of Women's Reproductive Health Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
| | | | - Xiao Ma
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Qujia Yang
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Xinyi Ding
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Hanzhi Wang
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Xintong Yao
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Linxi Jin
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Qin Zhang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) GynecologyHangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
- Research Institute of Women's Reproductive Health Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
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3
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Tian Y, Zeng Q, Cheng Y, Wang XH, Cao D, Yeung WSB, Liu Q, Duan YG, Yao YQ. Follicular helper T lymphocytes in the endometria of patients with reproductive failure: Association with pregnancy outcomes and inflammatory status of the endometria. Am J Reprod Immunol 2023:e13708. [PMID: 37095737 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM The phenotypes and functions of B and CD4+ T-helper cell subsets during chronic inflammation of the endometria remain largely unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics and functions of follicular helper T (Tfh) cells to understand the pathological mechanisms of chronic endometritis (CE). METHOD OF STUDY Eighty patients who underwent hysteroscopic and histopathological examinations for CE were divided into three groups-those with positive results for hysteroscopy and CD138 staining (DP), negative results for hysteroscopy but positive CD138 staining (SP), and negative results for hysteroscopy and CD138 staining (DN). The phenotypes of B cells and CD4+ T-cell subsets were analyzed using flow cytometry. RESULTS CD38+ and CD138+ cells were mainly expressed in the non-leukocyte population of the endometria, and the endometrial CD19+ CD138+ B cells were fewer than the CD3+ CD138+ T cells. The percentage of Tfh cells increased with chronic inflammation in the endometria. Additionally, the elevated percentage of Tfh cells correlated with the number of miscarriages. CONCLUSIONS CD4+ T cells, particularly Tfh cells, may be critical in chronic endometrial inflammation and affect its microenvironment, thereby regulating endometrial receptivity, compared to B cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Tian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, the University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qunxiong Zeng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, the University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yanfei Cheng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, the University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiao-Hui Wang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, the University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Dandan Cao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, the University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - William Shu-Biu Yeung
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, the University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qingzhi Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, the University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yong-Gang Duan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, the University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuan-Qing Yao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, the University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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Wu XG, Chen JJ, Zhou HL, Wu Y, Lin F, Shi J, Wu HZ, Xiao HQ, Wang W. Identification and Validation of the Signatures of Infiltrating Immune Cells in the Eutopic Endometrium Endometria of Women With Endometriosis. Front Immunol 2021; 12:671201. [PMID: 34539624 PMCID: PMC8446207 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.671201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is an oestrogen-dependent chronic inflammatory process with primary symptoms including dysmenorrhea, chronic pelvic pain, and infertility. The immune environment of the endometrium is essential for successful embryo implantation and ongoing pregnancy. In this study, we assessed the composition, density, and distribution of infiltrating immune cells in the endometria of women with endometriosis. Gene expression profiles of endometrial samples were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. We found that the TNF signalling pathway, the IL-17 signalling pathway, and the MAPK signalling pathway were significantly enriched in the eutopic endometria of women with endometriosis. The fractions and proportion of infiltrating immune cells were estimated by the CIBERSORT, MCP-counter, and ImmuCellAI methods. We found that the proportions of CD8+ T cells, activated NK cells, and follicular helper T cells were significantly higher in the endometria of women with endometriosis than in the endometria of normal controls, while the proportions of M2 macrophages and resting mast cells were significantly lower in the eutopic endometria. In GSE120103 (n = 36), we found that elevated CD8+ T cells in endometriosis increased the risk of infertility (P = 0.0019). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) of CD8+ T cells to distinguish fertile and infertile endometriosis was 0.914. In clinical samples (n = 40), we found that the proportions of CD8+ T cells and CD56+ NK cells were significantly higher in the eutopic endometria of women with endometriosis than in the endometria of normal controls, while the proportion of CD163+ macrophages were lower in the eutopic endometria. The AUCs of CD8+ T cells and CD163+ macrophages were 0.727 and 0.833, respectively, which indicated that CD8 and CD163 were potential diagnostic markers for endometriosis. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that increased CD8+ T cells and CD56+ NK cells and decreased CD163+ macrophages within the eutopic endometria of women with endometriosis reveal a proinflammatory feature in the endometrial immune environment and that elevated CD8+ T cells increase the risk of infertility in women with the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Guang Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jin-Jiao Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui-Ling Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fei Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Shi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hong-Zhen Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hai-Qun Xiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Hu C, Liu H, Pang B, Wu H, Lin X, Zhen Y, Yi H. Supraphysiological estradiol promotes human T follicular helper cell differentiation and favours humoural immunity during in vitro fertilization. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:6524-6534. [PMID: 34032001 PMCID: PMC8278094 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
During pregnancy, humoural immunity is essential for protection against many extracellular pathogens; however, autoimmune diseases may be induced or aggravated. T follicular helper (Tfh) cells contribute to humoural immunity. The aim of this study was to test whether Tfh cell function can be manipulated via hormones. Seventy‐four women who underwent in vitro fertilization were recruited and divided into four groups: menstrual period (MP), controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH), embryo transfer (ET) and pregnant after embryo transfer (P). A flow cytometry analysis was performed to identify Tfh cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Bioinformatics analysis revealed a possible pathway between Tfh and B cells. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays were used to detect interleukin (IL)‐21 and IL‐6. The quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to quantify BCL‐6, BACH2, XBP‐1, IRF‐4 and G protein‐coupled (GP)ER‐1 mRNA expression. Compared with the MP group, the COH, ET and P groups showed more Tfh and B cells, as well as higher IL‐21, IL‐6, BCL‐6 and BACH2 expression. Furthermore, Tfh cell frequency in PBMCs, as well as serum IL‐21 and IL‐6 levels, were all positively correlated with serum estradiol (E2) levels; the B cell percentage also correlated positively with Tfh cells in PBMCs. Combined with the bioinformatics analysis, XBP‐1, IRF‐4 and GPER‐1 expression was related to E2 levels, both in vivo and in vitro. We speculate that E2 augments Tfh cells and favours humoural immunity. This study indicates that Tfh cell regulation may be a novel target in maintaining the maternal‐foetal immune balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Hu
- Central Laboratory, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Center for Reproductive Medicine, Center for Prenatal Diagnosis, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - HongLei Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Bo Pang
- Central Laboratory, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Department of Cardiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Department of Nephrology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiuying Lin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Jilin Province People's Hospital, Changchun, China
| | - Yu Zhen
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation, Ministry of Education, Changchun, China
| | - Huanfa Yi
- Central Laboratory, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation, Ministry of Education, Changchun, China
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6
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Hu C, Pang B, Ma Z, Yi H. Immunophenotypic Profiles in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Mediators Inflamm 2020; 2020:5894768. [PMID: 32256193 PMCID: PMC7106920 DOI: 10.1155/2020/5894768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) a long-known endocrinopathy and one of the most common endocrine-reproductive-metabolic disorders in women, which can lead to infertility. Although the precise etiology remains unclear, PCOS is considered as a complex genetic trait, with a high degree of heterogeneity. Besides, hormones and immune cells, including both innate and adaptive immune cells, are reportedly a cross talk in PCOS. Chronic low-grade inflammation increases autoimmune disease risk. This proinflammatory condition may, in turn, affect vital physiological processes that ultimately cause infertility, such as ovulation failure and embryo implantation. Here, we review the accumulating evidence linking PCOS with inflammatory status providing an overview of the underlying hormone-mediated dysregulation of immune cells. We mainly focus on the correlational evidence of associations between immune status in women and the increased prevalence of PCOS, along with the specific changes in immune responses. Further recognition and exploration of these interactions may help elucidate PCOS pathophysiology and highlight targets for its treatment and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Hu
- Central Laboratory of the Eastern Division, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation, Ministry of Education, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Center for Prenatal Diagnosis, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Bo Pang
- Central Laboratory of the Eastern Division, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
- Department of Cardiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Zhanchuan Ma
- Central Laboratory of the Eastern Division, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation, Ministry of Education, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Huanfa Yi
- Central Laboratory of the Eastern Division, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation, Ministry of Education, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
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7
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Min Y, Wang X, Chen H, Yin G. The exploration of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis related miscarriage for better treatment modalities. Int J Med Sci 2020; 17:2402-2415. [PMID: 33029083 PMCID: PMC7532476 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.48128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is the most prevalent autoimmune thyroid disease (ATD) worldwide and is strongly associated with miscarriage and even recurrent miscarriage (RM). Moreover, with a deepening understanding, emerging evidence has shown that immune dysfunctions caused by HT conditions, including imbalanced subsets of CD4+ T-helper cells, B regulatory (Breg) cells, high expression levels of CD56dim natural killer (NK) cells, and cytokines, possibly play an important role in impairing maternal tolerance to the fetus. In recent years, unprecedented progress has been made in recognizing the specific changes in immune cells and molecules in patients with HT, which will be helpful in exploring the mechanism of HT-related miscarriage. Based on these findings, research investigating some potentially more effective treatments, such as selenium (Se), vitamin D3, and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), has been well developed over the past few years. In this review, we highlight some of the latest advances in the possible immunological pathogenesis of HT-related miscarriage and focus on the efficacies of treatments that have been widely introduced to clinical trials or practice described in the most recent literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Min
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No.74, Linjiang Rd, Yuzhong Dist, Chongqing 404100, China
| | - Xing Wang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No.74, Linjiang Rd, Yuzhong Dist, Chongqing 404100, China
| | - Hang Chen
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No.74, Linjiang Rd, Yuzhong Dist, Chongqing 404100, China
| | - Guobing Yin
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No.74, Linjiang Rd, Yuzhong Dist, Chongqing 404100, China
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8
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Albaghdadi AJH, Feeley CA, Kan FWK. Low-Dose Tacrolimus Prevents Dysregulated Peri-Conceptional Ovarian and Systemic Immune Cellular Homeostasis in Subjects with PCOS. Sci Rep 2019; 9:6528. [PMID: 31024070 PMCID: PMC6484102 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-42960-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by failure of ovulation and is associated with obesity and chronic inflammation. Recent evidence suggests that anomalous activation of ovarian macrophages and numerical and functional deficits in the Th17 (CD4+IL17A+) and the CD4+CD25+CD127low Tregs plays crucial role in PCOS. We have shown that the pre-pregnancy use of tacrolimus prevents adverse reproductive outcomes in a mouse model of PCOS. Here we used the HFD-NONcNZO mice to test a hypothesized beneficial use of tacrolimus relative to metformin in favorably influencing the ovarian and systemic immune milieux conducive to gestational success in subjects with PCOS. Compared to normative controls, our data revealed an aberrant peri-conceptional suppression of the CD4+CD25+CD127low Tregs together with an overexpression of the Th17 T cells and lack of coordinated activation of ovarian macrophages in untreated HFD-dNONcNZO mice. Significant variances in treatment outcomes favoured the use of tacrolimus over metformin in treated mice. Consistent with the human fertility studies, this investigation reveals a beneficial systemic use of tacrolimus (0.1 mg/kg) in promoting early pregnancy in individuals with PCOS and suggests the need for further research into the selective inhibition of IL17A as a plausibly alternative immunotherapeutic approach in the clinical management of infertile individuals with PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad J H Albaghdadi
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Carolyn Ann Feeley
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Frederick W K Kan
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6, Canada.
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9
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Kieffer TEC, Laskewitz A, Scherjon SA, Faas MM, Prins JR. Memory T Cells in Pregnancy. Front Immunol 2019; 10:625. [PMID: 31001255 PMCID: PMC6455355 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Adaptations of the maternal immune response are necessary for pregnancy success. Insufficient immune adaption is associated with pregnancy pathologies such as infertility, recurrent miscarriage, fetal growth restriction, spontaneous preterm birth, and preeclampsia. The maternal immune system is continuously exposed to paternal-fetal antigens; through semen exposure from before pregnancy, through fetal cell exposure in pregnancy, and through microchimerism after pregnancy. This results in the generation of paternal-fetal antigen specific memory T cells. Memory T cells have the ability to remember previously encountered antigens to elicit a quicker, more substantial and focused immune response upon antigen reencounter. Such fetal antigen specific memory T cells could be unfavorable in pregnancy as they could potentially drive fetal rejection. However, knowledge on memory T cells in pregnancy has shown that these cells might play a favorable role in fetal-maternal tolerance rather than rejection of the fetus. In recent years, various aspects of immunologic memory in pregnancy have been elucidated and the relevance and working mechanisms of paternal-fetal antigen specific memory T cells in pregnancy have been evaluated. The data indicate that a delicate balance of memory T cells seems necessary for reproductive success and that immunologic memory in reproduction might not be harmful for pregnancy. This review provides an overview of the different memory T cell subtypes and their function in the physiology and in complications of pregnancy. Current findings in the field and possible therapeutic targets are discussed. The findings of our review raise new research questions for further studies regarding the role of memory T cells in immune-associated pregnancy complications. These studies are needed for the identification of possible targets related to memory mechanisms for studies on preventive therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom E C Kieffer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Anne Laskewitz
- Division of Medical Biology, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Sicco A Scherjon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Marijke M Faas
- Division of Medical Biology, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Jelmer R Prins
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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Heydarlou H, Eghabl-Fard S, Ahmadi M, Aghebati-Maleki L, Dolati S, Movassaghpour AA, Jadidi-Niaragh F, Danaei S, Mahmoudilafout F, Talebi M, Rahimifar S, Yousefi M. Investigation of follicular helper T cells, as a novel player, in preeclampsia. J Cell Biochem 2018; 120:3845-3852. [PMID: 30259994 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.27666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is characterized by hypertension and proteinuria. It occurs in an around 3% to 5% of all pregnancies worldwide. The fetus is kind of semiallograft to the maternal host; immune system components encounter fetal antigens and develop adverse immune responses. Recently, it has been observed that the immune system plays an important role in PE. In the current study, we have tried to investigate the role of follicular helper T (Tfh) cells in the pathogenesis of PE. Blood samples of 49 PE women and 50 healthy controls were collected. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated, cells were cultured, and then RNA was extracted. Autoantibody and secretory cytokine levels were analyzed by ELISA. Tfh frequency and transcription levels of the related molecules and cytokine were assessed by flow cytometry and real-time PCR, respectively. The frequency of circulating Tfh cell in PE women was significantly higher compared with the healthy pregnant woman (Tfh cells with CD4+ ICOS + , P = 0.0064 and Tfh cells with CD4 + CXCR5 + , P = 0.029). Moreover, mRNA expression levels of CXCR5, BCL6, IL-21, and IL-6 ( P = 0.0006, P = 0.008, P = 0.0063, and P = 0.027, respectively) were upregulated in PE patients. Furthermore, IL-6 ( P = 0.0014) and IL-21 ( P = 0.0059) levels in both group were assayed and the results showed increased in patient group. We also measured autoantibody levels including antiphospholipid antibodies ( P = 0.0001), anticardiolipin antibodies ( P = 0.0004), anti-TPO ( P = 0.0008), anti-TG ( P = 0.001) in circulation of PE group, which were higher than the control group. This study provided insights into the involvement of Tfh cells in etiology and pathogenesis of PE, probably by developing autoantibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanieh Heydarlou
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Shadi Eghabl-Fard
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Majid Ahmadi
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Sanam Dolati
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Akbar Movassaghpour
- Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Farhad Jadidi-Niaragh
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Shahla Danaei
- Gynecology Department, Eastern Azerbaijan ACECR ART Center, Eastern Azerbaijan Branch of ACECR, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Mehdi Talebi
- Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Mehdi Yousefi
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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