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van den Berg JS, Molina NM, Altmäe S, Arends B, Steba GS. A systematic review identifying seminal plasma biomarkers and their predictive ability on IVF and ICSI outcomes. Reprod Biomed Online 2024; 48:103622. [PMID: 38128376 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.103622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
The diverse nature and high molecule concentration of seminal plasma (SP) makes this fluid a good potential source for a potential biomarker that could predict assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes. Currently, semen quality parameters cannot accurately predict ART outcomes. A systematic literature search was conducted to identify human SP biomarkers with potential predictive ability for the outcomes of IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Observational cohort and case-control studies describing the association between biomarkers in human SP and the outcome of infertile men attending for ART were included. Forty-three studies were selected, reporting on 89 potential SP biomarkers (grouped as oxidative stress, proteins glycoproteins, metabolites, immune system components, metals and trace elements and nucleic acids). The present review supports 32 molecules in SP as potentially relevant biomarkers for predicting ART outcomes; 23 molecules were reported once and nine molecules were reported in more than one study; IL-18 and TGF-β1-IL-18 ratio were confirmed in distinct studies. This review presents the most comprehensive overview of relevant SP biomarkers to predict ART outcomes to date, which is of clinical interest for infertility investigations and assisted reproduction; nevertheless, its potential is under-exploited. This review could serve as starting point for designing an all-encompassing study for biomarkers in SP and their predictive ability for ART outcomes, and for developing a non-invasive diagnostic tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonna S van den Berg
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecology, Division Female and Baby, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Nerea M Molina
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
| | - Signe Altmäe
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain; Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Brigitte Arends
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecology, Division Female and Baby, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Gaby Sarina Steba
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecology, Division Female and Baby, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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Mao J, Feng Y, Zhu X, Ma F. The Molecular Mechanisms of HLA-G Regulatory Function on Immune Cells during Early Pregnancy. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1213. [PMID: 37627278 PMCID: PMC10452754 DOI: 10.3390/biom13081213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) is a non-classical human major histocompatibility complex (MHC-I) molecule with the membrane-bound and soluble types. HLA-G is primarily expressed by extravillous cytotrophoblast cells located at the maternal-fetal interface during pregnancy and is essential in establishing immune tolerance. This review provides a comprehensive understanding of the multiple molecular mechanisms by which HLA-G regulates the immune function of NK cells. It highlights that HLA-G binds to microRNA to suppress NK cell cytotoxicity and stimulate the secretion of growth factors to support fetal growth. The interactions between HLA-G and NK cells also activate senescence signaling, promoting spiral artery remodeling and maintaining the balance of maternal-fetal immune responses. In addition, HLA-G can inhibit the function of decidual T cells, dendritic cells, and macrophages. Overall, the interaction between trophoblast cells and immune cells mediated by HLA-G plays a crucial role in understanding immune regulation at the maternal-fetal interface and offers insights into potential treatments for pregnancy-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Mao
- Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China;
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Ying Feng
- Department of Histology, Embryology and Neurobiology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China;
| | - Xiaofeng Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Fang Ma
- Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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Hu L, He D, Zeng H. Association of parental HLA-G polymorphisms with soluble HLA-G expressions and their roles on recurrent implantation failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:988370. [PMID: 36532068 PMCID: PMC9751038 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.988370] [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: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction HLA-G plays a central role in immune tolerance at the maternal-fetal interface. The HLA-G gene is characterized by low allelic polymorphism and restricted tissue expression compared with classical HLA genes. HLA-G polymorphism is associated with HLA-G expression and linked to pregnancy complications. However, the association of parental HLA-G polymorphisms with soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G) expression and their roles in recurrent implantation failure (RIF) is unclear. The study aims to systematically review the association of HLA-G polymorphisms with RIF, the association of sHLA-G expression with RIF, and the association of HLA-G polymorphisms with sHLA-G expressions in patients attending in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. Methods Studies that evaluated the association of HLA-G polymorphisms with RIF, the association between sHLA-G expression with RIF, and the association between HLA-G polymorphisms with sHLA-G expressions in patients attending IVF treatment were included. Meta-analysis was performed by random-effect models. Sensitivity analysis was performed by excluding one study each time. Subgroup analysis was performed based on ethnicity. Results HLA-G 14bp ins variant is associated with a lower expression of sHLA-G in seminal or blood plasma of couples attending IVF treatment. The maternal HLA-G*010101 and paternal HLA-G*010102 alleles are associated with RIF risk compared to other alleles. However, single maternal HLA-G 14bp ins/del polymorphism, HLA-G -725 C>G/T polymorphism, or circulating sHLA-G concentration was not significantly associated with RIF in the general population. HLA-G 14bp ins/ins homozygous genotype or ins variant was associated with a higher risk of RIF in the Caucasian population. Discussion Specific HLA-G alleles or HLA-G polymorphisms are associated with sHLA-G expression in couples attending IVF treatment. Several HLA-G polymorphisms may be related to RIF, considering different ethnic backgrounds. A combined genetic effect should be considered in future studies to confirm the association of HLA-G polymorphisms and sHLA-G expressions in relation to RIF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lian Hu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Fourth Changsha Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Dongmei He
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hong Zeng
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Foshan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China,Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China,*Correspondence: Hong Zeng,
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Piekarska K, Radwan P, Tarnowska A, Wiśniewski A, Krasiński R, Radwan M, Wilczyński JR, Malinowski A, Nowak I. The Association of HLA-G Gene Polymorphism and Its Soluble Form With Male Infertility. Front Immunol 2022; 12:791399. [PMID: 35111159 PMCID: PMC8801424 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.791399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful reproduction depends on many factors. Male factors contribute to infertility in approximately 50% of couples who fail to conceive. Seminal plasma consists of secretions from different accessory glands containing a mixture of various cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors, which together can induce a local immune response that might impact on a male’s as well as a female’s fertility. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G expression has been suggested as an immunomodulatory molecule that influences pregnancy outcome. The HLA-G gene encodes either membrane-bound or/and soluble proteins. The aim of this study was the evaluation of HLA-G polymorphisms and their impact on soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G) production. We tested the HLA-G polymorphism in three positions: rs1632947: c.-964G>A; rs1233334: c.-725G>C/T in the promoter region; rs371194629: c.∗65_∗66insATTTGTTCATGCCT in the 3′ untranslated region. We tested two cohorts of men: 663 who participated in in vitro fertilization (test material was blood or sperm), and 320 fertile controls who possessed children born after natural conception (test material was blood). Since 50% of men visiting assisted reproductive clinics have abnormal semen parameters, we wondered if men with normal sperm parameters differ from those with abnormal parameters in terms of HLA-G polymorphism and secretion of sHLA-G into semen. We found that certain rs1632947-rs1233334-rs371194629 HLA-G haplotypes and diplotypes were associated with male infertility, while others were protective. Normozoospermic men with the A-C-del haplotype and A-C-del/A-C-del diplotype secreted the most sHLA-G into semen (574.1 IU/mL and 1047.0 IU/mL, respectively), while those with the G-C-ins haplotype and G-C-ins/G-C-ins diplotype – the least (80.8 IU/mL and 75.7 IU/mL, respectively). Men with the remaining haplotypes/diplotypes secreted sHLA-G at an intermediate level. However, only in one haplotype, namely G-C-ins, did we observe strong significant differences in the concentration of sHLA-G in the semen of men with teratozoospermia compared to men with normal sperm parameters (p = 0.009). In conclusion, fertile men differ in the profile of HLA-G polymorphism from men participating in IVF. Among all HLA-G haplotypes, the most unfavorable for male fertility is the G-C-ins haplotype, which determines the secretion of the lowest concentration of the soluble HLA-G molecule. This haplotype may reduce sperm parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Piekarska
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Laboratory of Immunogenetics and Tissue Immunology, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Paweł Radwan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Gameta Hospital, Rzgów, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Tarnowska
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Laboratory of Immunogenetics and Tissue Immunology, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Andrzej Wiśniewski
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Laboratory of Immunogenetics and Tissue Immunology, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Rafał Krasiński
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Gameta Hospital, Rzgów, Poland
| | - Michał Radwan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Gameta Hospital, Rzgów, Poland.,Faculty of Health Sciences, The State University of Applied Sciences in Płock, Płock, Poland
| | - Jacek R Wilczyński
- Department of Surgical and Oncological Gynecology, Medical University of Łódź, Łódź, Poland
| | - Andrzej Malinowski
- Department of Surgical, Endoscopic and Oncologic Gynecology, Polish Mothers' Memorial Hospital-Research Institute, Łódź, Poland
| | - Izabela Nowak
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Laboratory of Immunogenetics and Tissue Immunology, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
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Schallmoser A, Bakjaji F, Königsberger S, John J, Färber C, Schmidt E, Breitenbach-Koller H, Allam JP, Verguts J, Sänger N. Effect of mild α-chymotrypsin treatment of highly viscous semen samples on fertilization rates. Transl Androl Urol 2021; 10:448-454. [PMID: 33532332 PMCID: PMC7844487 DOI: 10.21037/tau-20-1013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Highly viscous semen reduces sperm motility significantly and can contribute to infertility. When processing semen samples, few techniques exist to induce liquefaction in case of seminal hyperviscosity such as different washing steps and mechanical treatment. The use of α-chymotrypsin seems controversial due to possible negative effects on fertilisation rates after in vitro fertilization (IVF). The main objective of this study was to examine the influence of mild α-chymotrypsin treatment of semen samples on the fertilisation rate after artificial reproductive treatment (ART). Methods The fertilization rate of 52 ART cycles was examined following IVF using a low dose of α-chymotrypsin to induce liquefaction of highly viscous semen and was compared to a control group of 88 ART cycles. Results There was no significant difference in the fertilization rates of α-chymotrypsin treated semen samples compared to the control group; pregnancy rates were unaffected. Conclusions The use of mild α-chymotrypsin treatment of semen samples in case of hyperviscosity does not appear to impact negatively on the fertilization rates after ART and could be regarded as an additional method to induce liquefaction of highly viscous semen samples in IVF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Schallmoser
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Fadi Bakjaji
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Julia John
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Cara Färber
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Jasper Verguts
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Hospital of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Nicole Sänger
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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Zhu X, Xie T, Zhan X, Liu L, Yang X, Xu X, Ye W, Song Y. Association of seminal angiotensinogen with sperm motility and morphology in male infertility. Andrologia 2019; 51:e13421. [PMID: 31637747 DOI: 10.1111/and.13421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Many researchers have shown that renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is involved in various important aspects of male reproduction. In this study, we assessed whether abnormal levels of seminal angiotensinogen (AGT) may be associated with semen parameters in infertile males. A total of 115 male patients were recruited, and semen parameters, seminal AGT and the electrolytes including K+ , Na+ , Cl- , P and Ca were evaluated. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) 2010 criteria, the patients were divided into two groups: G1 group with normal semen parameters (n = 42) and G2 group with subnormal semen parameters (n = 73). The level of seminal AGT was significantly higher in G2 group compared with G1 group. Moreover, the level of AGT was negatively correlated with the percentage of total motility (r = -.322, p = .000), progressive motility (PR) (r = -.339, p = .000) and morphologically normal forms (r = -.263, p = .004). This study suggests that elevated seminal AGT level is associated with increased risk of asthenospermia and teratozoospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tingting Xie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaomin Zhan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoping Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiya Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenting Ye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yali Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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A role for both HLA-F and HLA-G in reproduction and during pregnancy? Hum Immunol 2019; 81:127-133. [PMID: 31558330 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2019.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The human major histocompatibility complex includes a group of non-classical HLA class I genes, HLA-E, -F and -G. While nearly all focus since the discovery of these class Ib molecules have been on basic biochemistry and molecular biology of HLA-G and HLA-E, as well as their expression patterns, functions in immune modulation and during pregnancy, and also possible implications in a range of diseases, in infertility and pregnancy complications, HLA-F has nearly been ignored. However, recent discoveries show that HLA-F can be expressed as both open conformers binding to a number of KIRs on primarily NK cells, as well as peptide-bound HLA-F binding to ILT2 and ILT4. Furthermore, a number of reports indicate a possible involvement of HLA-F in viral infections, in cancer immunology, and in fertility and reproduction, which may initiate more interest in this rather unknown HLA class I molecule. In this short review, we focus on recent discoveries that indicate a functional role for HLA-F in reproduction and during pregnancy, and the role of HLA-F in relation to HLA-G.
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