1
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Stope MB, Mustea A, Sänger N, Einenkel R. Immune Cell Functionality during Decidualization and Potential Clinical Application. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13051097. [PMID: 37240742 DOI: 10.3390/life13051097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to a vast influx in the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle, leukocytes represent 40-50% of the decidua at the time of implantation. Their importance for the implantation, maintenance of pregnancy, and parturition are known yet not fully understood. Thus, in idiopathic infertility, decidual immune-related factors are speculated to be the cause. In this review, the immune cell functions in the decidua were summarized, and clinical diagnostics, as well as interventions, were discussed. There is a rising number of commercially available diagnostic tools. However, the intervention options are still limited and/or poorly studied. In order for us to make big steps towards the proper use of reproductive immunology findings, we need to understand the mechanisms and especially support translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias B Stope
- Department of Gynecology and Gynecological Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Alexander Mustea
- Department of Gynecology and Gynecological Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Nicole Sänger
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Rebekka Einenkel
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
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2
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Mascarenhas M, Jeve Y, Polanski L, Sharpe A, Yasmin E, Bhandari HM. Management of recurrent implantation failure: British Fertility Society policy and practice guideline. HUM FERTIL 2022; 25:813-837. [PMID: 33820476 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2021.1905886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) is defined as the absence of a positive pregnancy test after three consecutive transfers of good quality embryos. There remains significant variation in clinical practice in the management of RIF. This British Fertility Society (BFS) Policy and Practice guideline analyses the evidence for investigations and therapies that are employed in RIF and provides recommendations for clinical practice and for further research. Evidence for investigations of sperm and egg quality, uterine and adnexal factors, immunological factors and thrombophilia, endocrine conditions and genetic factors and for associated therapies have been evaluated. This guideline has been devised to assist reproductive medicine specialists and patients in making shared decisions concerning management of RIF. Finally, suggestions for research towards improving understanding and management of RIF have also been provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariano Mascarenhas
- Leeds Fertility, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK.,Glasgow Centre for Reproductive Medicine, The Fertility Partnership, Glasgow, UK
| | - Yadava Jeve
- Birmingham Women's Fertility Centre, Birmingham Women's Hospital, Birmingham, UK
| | - Lukasz Polanski
- Assisted Conception Unit, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Abigail Sharpe
- Leeds Fertility, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Ephia Yasmin
- Department of Women's Health, University College London Hospitals, London, UK
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3
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Kwak-Kim J, AlSubki L, Luu T, Ganieva U, Thees A, Dambaeva S, Gilman-Sachs A. The role of immunologic tests for subfertility in the clinical environment. Fertil Steril 2022; 117:1132-1143. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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4
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Egerup P, Nielsen HS, Andersen AN, Christiansen OB. Live Birth Rate in Women with Recurrent Pregnancy Loss after In Vitro Fertilization with Concomitant Intravenous Immunoglobulin and Prednisone. J Clin Med 2022; 11:1894. [PMID: 35407500 PMCID: PMC9000183 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11071894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy loss after in vitro fertilization (IVF) is at least as common as after spontaneous conception. Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) may often have an immunological background, and it is therefore relevant to test immune-based interventions in these patients. The objective was to investigate the effect of immunotherapy with intravenous immunoglobulin (IvIg) and prednisone (PRS) as concomitant therapy to IVF in women with RPL after earlier IVF treatments. In a cohort study conducted at The Danish RPL Clinic, 41 women with three or more consecutive pregnancy losses after IVF underwent at least one further IVF cycle with concomitant immunotherapy from 2012 to 2017. The immunotherapy with IvIg and PRS was given before embryo transfer and repeatedly in the first trimester when pregnancy was achieved. Fourteen women (34.2%) achieved a live birth after the first embryo transfer with immunotherapy, and a total of 32/41 (78%) achieved a live birth after up to 4 embryo transfers. Baseline characteristics and the presence of autoantibodies were not significantly different among women achieving live birth or not. The observed 34% birth rate in women with RPL after IVF receiving immunotherapy appears higher than the expected 16-19% birth rate without immunotherapy and is similar to findings in a previous cohort from our clinic. Concomitant immunotherapy as described may be a promising intervention for women with RPL after IVF; however, the effect must be tested in a randomized controlled trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Egerup
- The Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Unit, Capital Region, Copenhagen University Hospitals, Hvidovre Hospital and Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; (P.E.); (H.S.N.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Kettegård Alle 30, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Henriette Svarre Nielsen
- The Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Unit, Capital Region, Copenhagen University Hospitals, Hvidovre Hospital and Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; (P.E.); (H.S.N.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Kettegård Alle 30, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Nyboe Andersen
- The Fertility Department, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark;
| | - Ole Bjarne Christiansen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aalborg University Hospital, Reberbansgade 15, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark
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5
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Salazar MD, Wang WJ, Skariah A, He Q, Field K, Nixon M, Reed R, Dambaeva S, Beaman K, Gilman-Sachs A, Kwak-Kim J. Post-hoc evaluation of peripheral blood natural killer cell cytotoxicity in predicting the risk of recurrent pregnancy losses and repeated implantation failures. J Reprod Immunol 2022; 150:103487. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2022.103487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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6
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Sfakianoudis K, Rapani A, Grigoriadis S, Pantou A, Maziotis E, Kokkini G, Tsirligkani C, Bolaris S, Nikolettos K, Chronopoulou M, Pantos K, Simopoulou M. The Role of Uterine Natural Killer Cells on Recurrent Miscarriage and Recurrent Implantation Failure: From Pathophysiology to Treatment. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9101425. [PMID: 34680540 PMCID: PMC8533591 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9101425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Uterine natural killer (uNK) cells constitute a unique uterine leucocyte subpopulation facilitating implantation and maintaining pregnancy. Herein, we critically analyze current evidence regarding the role of uNK cells in the events entailed in recurrent implantation failure (RIF) and recurrent miscarriages (RM). Data suggest an association between RIF and RM with abnormally elevated uNK cells’ numbers, as well as with a defective biological activity leading to cytotoxicity. However, other studies do not concur on these associations. Robust data suggesting a definitive causative relationship between uNK cells and RIF and RM is missing. Considering the possibility of uNK cells involvement on RIF and RM pathophysiology, possible treatments including glucocorticoids, intralipids, and intravenous immunoglobulin administration have been proposed towards addressing uNK related RIF and RM. When considering clinical routine practice, this study indicated that solid evidence is required to report on efficiency and safety of these treatments as there are recommendations that clearly advise against their employment. In conclusion, defining a causative relationship between uNK and RIF–RM pathologies certainly merits investigation. Future studies should serve as a prerequisite prior to proposing the use of uNK as a biomarker or prior to targeting uNK cells for therapeutic purposes addressing RIF and RM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Sfakianoudis
- Centre for Human Reproduction, Genesis Athens Clinic, 14-16, Papanikoli, 15232 Athens, Greece; (K.S.); (A.P.); (M.C.); (K.P.)
| | - Anna Rapani
- Laboratory of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75, Mikras Asias, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.R.); (S.G.); (E.M.); (G.K.); (C.T.)
| | - Sokratis Grigoriadis
- Laboratory of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75, Mikras Asias, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.R.); (S.G.); (E.M.); (G.K.); (C.T.)
- Assisted Conception Unit, Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 76, Vasilisis Sofias Avenue, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Agni Pantou
- Centre for Human Reproduction, Genesis Athens Clinic, 14-16, Papanikoli, 15232 Athens, Greece; (K.S.); (A.P.); (M.C.); (K.P.)
- Laboratory of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75, Mikras Asias, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.R.); (S.G.); (E.M.); (G.K.); (C.T.)
| | - Evangelos Maziotis
- Laboratory of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75, Mikras Asias, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.R.); (S.G.); (E.M.); (G.K.); (C.T.)
- Assisted Conception Unit, Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 76, Vasilisis Sofias Avenue, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Georgia Kokkini
- Laboratory of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75, Mikras Asias, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.R.); (S.G.); (E.M.); (G.K.); (C.T.)
| | - Chrysanthi Tsirligkani
- Laboratory of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75, Mikras Asias, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.R.); (S.G.); (E.M.); (G.K.); (C.T.)
| | - Stamatis Bolaris
- Assisted Conception Unit, General-Maternity District Hospital "Elena Venizelou", Elenas Venizelou Avenue, 11521 Athens, Greece;
| | - Konstantinos Nikolettos
- Assisted Reproduction Unit of Thrace “Embryokosmogenesis”, Apalos, 68132 Alexandroupoli, Greece;
| | - Margarita Chronopoulou
- Centre for Human Reproduction, Genesis Athens Clinic, 14-16, Papanikoli, 15232 Athens, Greece; (K.S.); (A.P.); (M.C.); (K.P.)
| | - Konstantinos Pantos
- Centre for Human Reproduction, Genesis Athens Clinic, 14-16, Papanikoli, 15232 Athens, Greece; (K.S.); (A.P.); (M.C.); (K.P.)
| | - Mara Simopoulou
- Laboratory of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75, Mikras Asias, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.R.); (S.G.); (E.M.); (G.K.); (C.T.)
- Assisted Conception Unit, Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 76, Vasilisis Sofias Avenue, 11528 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-21-0746-2592
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7
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Lan Y, Li Y, Yang X, Lei L, Liang Y, Wang S. Progesterone-induced blocking factor-mediated Th1/Th2 balance correlates with fetal arrest in women who underwent in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. Clin Immunol 2021; 232:108858. [PMID: 34560282 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2021.108858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The role of progesterone-induced blocking factor (PIBF)-mediated Th1/Th2 balance in delivery outcomes of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) has not been fully elucidated. In this study, 73 infertile women with successful IVF-ET were enrolled (16 fetal arrests and 57 live births). PIBF and IL-4 levels were significantly lower in the fetal arrest group than in the live birth group (p < 0.05). TNF-α level and Th1/Th2 ratios were significantly higher in the fetal arrest group than in the live birth group (p < 0.05). High TNF-α level and Th1/Th2 ratios were risk factors for fetal arrest, whereas increased PIBF and IL-4 levels were protective factors (P < 0.05). Increased TNF-α/IL-4 exhibited relatively strong predictive value for fetal arrest (AUC, 0.855; sensitivity, 93.8%; specificity, 71.9%). In summary, the PIBF-mediated Th1/Th2 balance is closely correlated with delivery outcomes of IVF-ET. TNF-α/IL-4 may be a predictive marker of fetal arrest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonglian Lan
- Department of Human Reproductive Medicine, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Human Reproductive Medicine, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, China
| | - Xiaokui Yang
- Department of Human Reproductive Medicine, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, China
| | - Lingling Lei
- Department of Human Reproductive Medicine, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, China
| | - Yu Liang
- Department of Human Reproductive Medicine, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, China.
| | - Shuyu Wang
- Department of Human Reproductive Medicine, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, China.
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8
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Díaz-Hernández I, Alecsandru D, García-Velasco JA, Domínguez F. Uterine natural killer cells: from foe to friend in reproduction. Hum Reprod Update 2021; 27:720-746. [PMID: 33528013 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recurrent miscarriage and pre-eclampsia are common reproductive disorders, but their causes are often unknown. Recent evidence has provided new insight into immune system influences in reproductive disorders. A subset of lymphocytes of the innate immune system known as uterine natural killer (uNK) cells are now recognized as fundamental to achieving embryo implantation and successful pregnancy, but were initially attributed a bad reputation. Indeed, immune therapies have been developed to treat the 'exaggerated' immune response from uNK cells. These treatments have been based on studies of peripheral blood natural killer (pbNK) cells. However, uNK cells and pbNK cells have different phenotypic and functional characteristics. The functions of uNK cells are closely related to their interactions with the extravillous trophoblast cells (EVTs) and spiral arteries, which underlie an essential role in regulating vascular function, controlling trophoblast invasion and promoting placental development. EVTs express MHC molecules of class I HLA-C/E/G/F, while uNK cells express, among other receptors, killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) that bind to HLA-C or CD94/NKG2A inhibitory receptors, and then bind HLA-E. Associations of certain KIR/HLA-C combinations with recurrent miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, and foetal growth restriction and the interactions between uNK cells, trophoblasts and vascular cells have led to the hypothesis that uNK cells may play a role in embryo implantation. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE Our objective was to review the evolution of our understanding of uNK cells, their functions, and their increasingly relevant role in reproduction. SEARCH METHODS Relevant literature through June 2020 was retrieved using Google Scholar and PubMed. Search terms comprised uNK cells, human pregnancy, reproductive failure, maternal KIR and HLA-C, HLA-E/G/F in EVT cells, angiogenic cytokines, CD56+ NK cells, spiral artery, oestrogen and progesterone receptors, KIR haplotype and paternal HLA-C2. OUTCOMES This review provides key insights into the evolving conceptualization of uNK cells, from their not-so-promising beginnings to now, when they are considered allies in reproduction. We synthesized current knowledge about uNK cells, their involvement in reproduction and their main functions in placental vascular remodeling and trophoblast invasion. One of the issues that this review presents is the enormous complexity involved in studying the immune system in reproduction. The complexity in the immunology of the maternal-foetal interface lies in the great variety of participating molecules, the processes and interactions that occur at different levels (molecular, cellular, tissue, etc.) and the great diversity of genetic combinations that are translated into different types of responses. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Insights into uNK cells could offer an important breakthrough for ART outcomes, since each patient could be assessed based on the combination of HLA and its receptors in their uNK cells, evaluating the critical interactions at the materno-foetal interface. However, owing to the technical challenges in studying uNK cells in vivo, there is still much knowledge to gain, particularly regarding their exact origin and functions. New studies using novel molecular and genetic approaches can facilitate the identification of mechanisms by which uNK cells interact with other cells at the materno-foetal interface, perhaps translating this knowledge into clinical applicability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Diana Alecsandru
- Department of Immunology and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad-Madrid, Rey Juan Carlos University (IVI), Madrid 28023, Spain
| | - Juan Antonio García-Velasco
- Department of Immunology and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad-Madrid, Rey Juan Carlos University (IVI), Madrid 28023, Spain
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9
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Li D, Zheng L, Zhao D, Xu Y, Wang Y. The Role of Immune Cells in Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion. Reprod Sci 2021; 28:3303-3315. [PMID: 34101149 PMCID: PMC8186021 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00599-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Recurrent spontaneous abortion affects approximately 1–2% of women of childbearing, and describes a condition in which women suffer from three or more continuous spontaneous miscarriages. However, the origin of recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) remains unknown, preventing effective treatment and placing stress upon patients. It has been acknowledged that successful pregnancy necessitates balanced immune responses. Therefore, immunological aberrancy may be considered a root cause of poor pregnancy outcomes. Considerable published studies have investigated the relationship between various immune cells and RSA. Here, we review current knowledge on this area, and discuss the five main categories of immune cells involved in RSA; these include innate lymphocytes (ILC), macrophages, decidual dendritic cells (DCs), and T cells. Furthermore, we sought to summarize the impact of the multiple interactions of various immune cells on the emergence of RSA. A good understanding of pregnancy-induced immunological alterations could reveal new therapeutic strategies for favorable pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Li
- Reproductive Medical Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lianwen Zheng
- Reproductive Medical Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | | | - Ying Xu
- Reproductive Medical Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yeling Wang
- Departments of Cardiovascular Medicine, First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, China.
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10
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Keestra SM, Male V, Salali GD. Out of balance: the role of evolutionary mismatches in the sex disparity in autoimmune disease. Med Hypotheses 2021; 151:110558. [PMID: 33964604 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2021.110558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Over the past century autoimmune disease incidence has increased rapidly in (post-) industrialised, affluent societies, suggesting that changes in ecology and lifestyle are driving this development. Epidemiological studies show that (i) 80% of autoimmune disease patients are female, (ii) autoimmune diseases co-occur more often in women, and (iii) the incidence of some autoimmune diseases is increasing faster in women than in men. The female preponderance in autoimmunity is most pronounced between puberty and menopause, suggesting that diverging sex hormone levels during the reproductive years are implicated in autoimmune disease development. Using an evolutionary perspective, we build on the hypotheses that female immunity is cyclical in menstruating species and that natural selection shaped the female immune system to optimise the implantation and gestation of a semi-allogeneic foetus. We propose that cyclical immunomodulation and female immune tolerance mechanisms are currently out of balance because of a mismatch between the conditions under which they evolved and (post-)industrialised, affluent lifestyles. We suggest that current changes in autoimmune disease prevalence may be caused by increases in lifetime exposure to cyclical immunomodulation and ovarian hormone exposure, reduced immune challenges, increased reproductive lifespan, changed reproductive patterns, and enhanced positive energy balance associated with (post-)industrialised, affluent lifestyles. We discuss proximate mechanisms by which oestrogen and progesterone influence tolerance induction and immunomodulation, and review the effect of the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and contraceptive use on autoimmune disease incidence and symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarai M Keestra
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Global Health & Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK.
| | - Victoria Male
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, UK
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11
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Saab W, Seshadri S, Huang C, Alsubki L, Sung N, Kwak-Kim J. A systemic review of intravenous immunoglobulin G treatment in women with recurrent implantation failures and recurrent pregnancy losses. Am J Reprod Immunol 2021; 85:e13395. [PMID: 33511656 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last few decades, the advancement in reproductive technologies and protocols to improve embryo quality through culture techniques and genetic testing to eliminate chromosomally abnormal embryos resulted in better pregnancy rates and outcomes after fertility treatments. Unfortunately, some patients still struggle with recurrent implantation failures (RIFs) and recurrent pregnancy losses (RPLs). Immune etiologies have been attributed to play an important role in some of those patients. Maintaining a pre-conceptional anti-inflammatory environment for implantation and pregnancy continuation yields superior results. Intravenous immunoglobulin G (IVIG) treatment has been reported to enhance reproductive outcome in patients with RIF and RPL with immune dysregulations. In this systemic review, we analyzed outcomes of IVIG trials for RIF and RPL, its mechanism of action, dosing, administration, side-effects, and evidence for its use in women with RIF and RPL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wael Saab
- Assisted Conception unit, The Centre for Reproductive and Genetic Health, London, UK
| | - Srividya Seshadri
- Assisted Conception unit, The Centre for Reproductive and Genetic Health, London, UK
| | - Changsheng Huang
- Reproductive Medicine and Immunology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Sciences Department, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Vernon Hills, IL, USA.,Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine Rheumatology, Shenzhen Nanshan People's Hospital and The 6th Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Lujain Alsubki
- Reproductive Medicine and Immunology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Sciences Department, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Vernon Hills, IL, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nayoung Sung
- Reproductive Medicine and Immunology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Sciences Department, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Vernon Hills, IL, USA
| | - 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, USA
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12
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Natural killer frequency determines natural killer cytotoxicity directly in accentuated zones and indirectly in "moderate-to-normal frequency" segment. Cent Eur J Immunol 2021; 45:315-324. [PMID: 33437184 DOI: 10.5114/ceji.2020.101263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) frequency and NK cytotoxicity (NKc) are key determining factors of a clinical outcome. In our previous study, we showed the prognostic clinical significance of immune parameters when they are beyond the optimal range (accentuated). In this study, we attempted to explain the disparity of accentuated but physiologically and immunologically normal NK parameters that might serve as negative clinical prognostics indications of failed pregnancies. We have analyzed NK%, NKc levels, and their reciprocal correlation in 2,804 patients with reproductive failures. In the entire clinical population, NK% correlates with NKc. Interestingly, we found this relationship to be strongly dependent on NK level's status. NK%-NKc correlation was the strongest (r = 0.2021, p < 0.0001) in a patient group with high NK% (> 17.5%). Patients with NK% between 15-17.5% manifested lower but still significant correlation NK%-NKc (r = 0.1213, p = 0.0155). Additionally, significant correlation (r = 0.2689, p < < 0.0001) between NK% and NKc was observed in a group of patients with NK levels < 7% (1.7-7%). While patients' groups with NK% (7-15%) did not reveal NK%-NKc association. This led us to hypothesize that the qualitative-quantitative status of NK population is responsible for their cytotoxic activity. Consistent with our hypothesis, the "balanced zone" NK% is tightly controlled, and thus does not correlate directly with NKc. In contrast, the "accentuated zones" of NK% escape this control and directly affecting NKc. Demonstrated phenomena supports our idea about the clinical significance of immune accentuation and explains its novel physiological role.
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13
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Is there a Role of Intravenous Immunoglobulin in Immunologic Recurrent Pregnancy Loss? J Immunol Res 2020; 2020:6672865. [PMID: 33426092 PMCID: PMC7781684 DOI: 10.1155/2020/6672865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) commonly refers to three or more miscarriages that occur before 20 weeks of pregnancy. The immunological cause of RPL could be either an auto- or alloimmune-related event or both. Because of the discovery of immunological abnormalities in RPL patients in clinical practice, several immunomodulatory therapies were introduced to maintain the immune balance at the maternal-fetal interface. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is one of the immunomodulators. In recent years, several studies have analyzed the therapeutic effect of IVIg on RPL patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) or unexplained RPL. However, their results are controversial. IVIg can be used in RPL patients with APS who have previously failed in other treatments. It is recommended that IVIg infusion could be considered used before conception in RPL patients who have cellular immune abnormalities such as increased natural killer (NK) cell counts, NK cell cytotoxicity, or increased T helper (Th)1/Th2 ratio, depending on the cut-off values of each hospital. The aim of this review was to summarize the mechanisms, efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and side effects associated with passive immunization using IVIg in immunologic RPL, according to the literature published in recent years. We hope that more obstetricians will be able to understand the timing and indication of IVIg properly in immunologic RPL patients and effectively enhance pregnancy outcomes for mothers and neonates.
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14
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Sacks G, Finkelstein E. Natural killer cells and reproductive success. Am J Reprod Immunol 2020; 85:e13291. [DOI: 10.1111/aji.13291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gavin Sacks
- IVFAustralia Sydney Australia
- University of New South Wales Sydney Australia
- St George hospital and Royal Hospital for Women Sydney Australia
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15
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Hou Y, Li J, Liu Q, Zhang L, Chen B, Li Y, Bian Y, Huang L, Qiao C. The optimal timing of immunotherapy may improve pregnancy outcome in women with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss: A perspective follow-up study in northeastern China. Am J Reprod Immunol 2020; 83:e13225. [PMID: 31985860 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM To determine whether patients with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss (URPL) can benefit from pre-conception immunotherapy or on the early phase of the first trimester. METHOD OF STUDY The prospective follow-up study which involved pre-conception patients diagnosed with URPL following rigorous etiology screening in the medical center of recurrent pregnancy loss. In this study, pre-conception immunotherapy included lymphocyte immunotherapy (pre-LIT). Post-conception immunotherapy (post-IM) included LIT or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). Patients were recommended to undergo post-IM immediately from human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) elevation. Autoimmune antibodies (AIA) and anti-paternal lymphocytotoxic antibodies (APLA) were tested before and after pre-LIT. Favorable outcome was defined as pregnancy over 14 weeks. Unfavorable outcomes included biochemical pregnancy loss (BPL) and pregnancy loss with clear implantation location (PLCIL). RESULTS In this study, URPL accounted for 12.9% of recurrent pregnancy loss (217/1682). Frequency of BPL was significantly lower in patients with post-IM than that without post-IM [2.8% vs 28.2%; adjusted relative risk (aRR), 0.06; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.01-0.24]. There was a significant positive conversion in the AIA induced by pre-LIT (0.0% vs 31.0%). Frequency of PLCIL in patients with positive iatrogenic AIA conversion induced by pre-LIT was higher than that in patients without AIA conversion [30.4% vs 5.8%; aRR, 7.53; 95% CI, 1.31-43.34]. CONCLUSION Pre-LIT of patients with URPL contributed to a positive iatrogenic AIA conversion, which was associated with an increased risk of PLCIL. Post-IM immediately initiated from the time of hCG elevation can reduce the incidence of BPL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Hou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jiapo Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Qian Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Liyang Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Bingnan Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yue Bian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ling Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Chong Qiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Abdolmohammadi-Vahid S, Pashazadeh F, Pourmoghaddam Z, Aghebati-Maleki L, Abdollahi-Fard S, Yousefi M. The effectiveness of IVIG therapy in pregnancy and live birth rate of women with recurrent implantation failure (RIF): A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Reprod Immunol 2019; 134-135:28-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2019.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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17
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Clark DA. Oral tolerance and the materno-fetal relationship. J Reprod Immunol 2019; 134-135:36-39. [PMID: 31300171 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2019.07.003] [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: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Oral administration of antigen is a potent route for induction of systemic tolerance. Regulatory T cells and TH3 cellsare generated at intestinal mucosal sites. Oral exposure to antigens in seminal plasma has been suggested to be ableto generate 'tolerance' at the materno-fetal interface that may reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia and recurrent miscarriage. Issues relating to assessing the applicability of oral exposure to seminal plasma antigens in recurrentmiscarriage are discussed. Such tolerance could represent an unappreciated confounder in immunotherapy trials.
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18
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Shariati MBH, Niknafs B, Seghinsara AM, Shokrzadeh N, Alivand MR. Administration of dexamethasone disrupts endometrial receptivity by alteration of expression of miRNA 223, 200a, LIF, Muc1, SGK1, and ENaC via the ERK1/2-mTOR pathway. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:19629-19639. [PMID: 30993706 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2018] [Revised: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Successful implantation of embryos requires endometrial receptivity. Glucocorticoids are one of the factors influencing the implantation window. In this study, 40 female BALB/c mice were used to study the impacts of dexamethasone administration on endometrial receptivity markers during implantation window. The mice mated and were randomly divided into four groups: control (vehicle), dexamethasone (100 μg/kg, IP), PP242 (30 mg/kg, IP), and dexamethasone + PP242 (Dex + PP242). On the Day 4th and 5th of gestation, mice received their respective treatments and were killed on the 5th day. To assess the expression of Muc1, leukemia inflammatory inhibitor (LIF), serum/glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 1 (SGK1), epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC), miRNA 200a, and miRNA 223-3p in the endometrium real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed. Furthermore, using Western blot analysis protein expressions of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1 (4E-BP1) were evaluated. Periodic Acid-Schiff staining was used to examine the histomorphological changes of the uterus. According to the results dexamethasone declined the expression of LIF, whereas upregulated expression of Muc1, SGK1, ENaC mRNA, miRNA 200a, and miRNA 223-3p in the endometrium. In addition, PP242, an mTOR inhibitor, induced mRNA expression of Muc1, miRNA200a, and miRNa223-3p whereas it declined the expression of LIF. Moreover, activity of the ERK1/2-mTOR pathway in the endometrial cells was deterred by dexamethasone and PP242. Nonstop epithelium proliferation and elevated surface glycoproteins layer on epithelium of dexamethasone and/or PP242-received groups were divulged through histochemical analysis. According to the above mentioned results, uterine receptivity during implantation period was declined by dexamethasone, at least in part, through modulation of involved genes in endometrial receptivity and inhibition of the ERK1/2-mTOR pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Behrooz Niknafs
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Abbas Majdi Seghinsara
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Naser Shokrzadeh
- Infertility and Reproductive Health Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Alivand
- Department of Genetic, Facualty of Medcine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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19
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The role of immunotherapy in in vitro fertilization: a guideline. Fertil Steril 2019; 110:387-400. [PMID: 30098685 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2018.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Adjuvant immunotherapy treatments in in vitro fertilization (IVF) aim to improve the outcome of assisted reproductive technology (ART) in both the general ART population as well as subgroups such as patients with recurrent miscarriage or implantation failure. The purpose of this guideline is to evaluate the role of immunomodulating therapy in ART. Unfortunately, many of the evaluated therapies lack robust evidence from well-designed adequately powered randomized controlled trials to support their use. Immunotherapies reviewed in the present document are either not associated with improved live-birth outcome in IVF or have been insufficiently studied to make definitive recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
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- American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama
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20
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Ho YK, Chen HH, Huang CC, Lee CI, Lin PY, Lee MS, Lee TH. Peripheral CD56 +CD16 + NK Cell Populations in the Early Follicular Phase Are Associated With Successful Clinical Outcomes of Intravenous Immunoglobulin Treatment in Women With Repeated Implantation Failure. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:937. [PMID: 32038492 PMCID: PMC6985091 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The percentage of peripheral CD56+CD16+ NK cells in the early follicular phase on days 2-3 of the menstrual cycle in repeated implantation failure (RIF) patients was used to evaluate the impact of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) on ART cycles. A total 283 patients with RIF consisting of at least 3 ART failures and at least 2 high quality embryo transfers were recruited. A logistic regression analysis for the peripheral immunological profile was completed to predict implantation success and compare the implantation and pregnancy rates between groups with ≤10.6 and >10.6% of CD56+CD16+ NK cells in the early follicular phase. The logistic regression and receiving operating curve analyses showed that patients with ≤ 10.6% of peripheral CD56+CD16+ NK cells in the early follicular phase showed a lower pregnancy rate within the RIF group without IVIG. Patients with peripheral CD56+CD16+ NK cells ≤ 10.6% and without IVIG treatment showed significantly lower implantation and pregnancy rates (12.3 and 30.3%, respectively) when compared with the CD56+CD16+ NK cells >10.6% group (24.9 and 48.0%, respectively, p < 0.05). Furthermore, the patients with CD56+CD16+ NK cells ≤ 10.6% given IVIG starting before ET had significantly higher implantation, pregnancy, and live birth rates (27.5, 57.4, and 45.6%, respectively) when compared with the non-IVIG group (12.3, 30.3, and 22.7%, respectively, p < 0.05). Our results showed that a low percentage of peripheral CD56+CD16+ NK cells (≤10.6%) in the early follicular phase is a potential indicator of reduced pregnancy and implantation success rates in RIF patients, and IVIG treatment will likely benefit this patient subgroup.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao-Kai Ho
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hsiu-Hui Chen
- Division of Infertility, Lee Women's Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Chia Huang
- Division of Infertility, Lee Women's Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chun-I Lee
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Division of Infertility, Lee Women's Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Pin-Yao Lin
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Division of Infertility, Lee Women's Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Maw-Sheng Lee
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Division of Infertility, Lee Women's Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- *Correspondence: Maw-Sheng Lee
| | - Tsung-Hsien Lee
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Division of Infertility, Lee Women's Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Tsung-Hsien Lee
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21
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Ahmadi M, Ghaebi M, Abdolmohammadi-Vahid S, Abbaspour-Aghdam S, Hamdi K, Abdollahi-Fard S, Danaii S, Mosapour P, Koushaeian L, Dolati S, Rikhtegar R, Oskouei FD, Aghebati-Maleki L, Nouri M, Yousefi M. NK cell frequency and cytotoxicity in correlation to pregnancy outcome and response to IVIG therapy among women with recurrent pregnancy loss. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:9428-9437. [PMID: 30317625 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recurrent miscarriage (RM) has a multifactorial etiology mainly due to chromosomal abnormalities and immunological factors. Treating RM has remained to be a challenging issue and the role of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in treating RM is still controversial. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study aimed to evaluate the changes in natural killer (NK) cells' frequency and cytotoxicity in patients with RM who received the IVIG therapy. A total of 78 women with a history of three or more recurrent miscarriages were included and their peripheral blood was drawn in case of positive pregnancy test. On the same date, 400 mg/kg of IVIG was administrated intravenously in 38 women and it continued every four weeks through weeks 30-32 of gestation. The remaining 40 patients with RM were included to be the untreated control group. Then, the effects of IVIG on NK cell frequency, cytotoxic activity, and the expression of inhibitory and activating receptors in the patients with RM, pre and posttreatment were assessed. RESULTS NK cells percentage and cytotoxicity were significantly reduced in the IVIG-treated patients after 32 weeks of gestation (p < 0.0001). Expression levels of inhibitory receptors was increased, however, the expression levels of activating receptors were significantly decreased after the IVIG therapy. Pregnancy outcome after the treatment was significantly higher (86.8%) in the IVIG-treated patients than controls (45%; p = 0.0006). CONCLUSION Our results suggested that women with RM may benefit from IVIG as a therapeutic approach and the frequency and functional status of peripheral NK cells may serve as a valuable predictive factor of therapy response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majid Ahmadi
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Student's Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mahnaz Ghaebi
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Samaneh Abdolmohammadi-Vahid
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Sanaz Abbaspour-Aghdam
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Kobra Hamdi
- Reproductive Biology Department, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Sedigheh Abdollahi-Fard
- Department of Gynecology, Eastern Azerbaijan ACECR ART Center, Eastern Azerbaijan Branch of ACECR, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Shahla Danaii
- Department of Gynecology, Eastern Azerbaijan ACECR ART Center, Eastern Azerbaijan Branch of ACECR, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Parisa Mosapour
- Department of Gynecology, Eastern Azerbaijan ACECR ART Center, Eastern Azerbaijan Branch of ACECR, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ladan Koushaeian
- Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Sanam Dolati
- Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Reza Rikhtegar
- Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | | | - Mohammad Nouri
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Reproductive Biology Department, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mehdi Yousefi
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Reproductive Biology Department, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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22
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Han AR, Lee SK. Immune modulation of i.v. immunoglobulin in women with reproductive failure. Reprod Med Biol 2018; 17:115-124. [PMID: 29692668 PMCID: PMC5902469 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The mechanism of maternal immune tolerance of the semi‐allogenic fetus has been explored extensively. The immune reaction to defend from invasion by pathogenic microorganisms should be maintained during pregnancy. An imbalance between the immune tolerance to the fetus and immune activation to the pathogenic organisms is associated with poor pregnancy outcomes. This emphasizes that the immune mechanism of successful reproduction is not just immune suppression, but adequate immune modulation. Methods In this review, the action of i.v. immunoglobulin G (IVIg) on the immune system and its efficacy in reproductive failure (RF) was summarized. Also suggested is the indication of IVIg therapy for women with RF. Main findings (Results) Based on the mechanism of the immune regulation of IVIg and following confirmation of the immune modulation effects of it in various aberrant immune parameters in patients with RF, it is obvious that IVIg is effective in recurrent pregnancy losses and repeated implantation failures with immunologic disturbances. Conclusion The authors recommend IVIg therapy in patients with RF with aberrant cellular immunologic parameters, including a high natural killer cell proportion and its cytotoxicity or elevated T helper 1 to T helper 2 ratio, based on each clinic's cut‐off values. Further clinical studies about the safety of IVIg in the fetus and its efficacy in other immunologic abnormalities of RF are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ae R Han
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Gangseo Mizmedi Hospital Seoul South Korea.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Eulji University College of Medicine Daejeon South Korea
| | - Sung K Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Konyang University College of Medicine Daejeon South Korea
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23
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Ali SB, Jeelall Y, Pennell CE, Hart R, McLean-Tooke A, Lucas M. The role of immunological testing and intervention in reproductive medicine: A fertile collaboration? Am J Reprod Immunol 2017; 79. [DOI: 10.1111/aji.12784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Syed B. Ali
- Department of Clinical Immunology; Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital; Perth WA Australia
| | - Yogesh Jeelall
- School of Medicine and Pharmacology; University of Western Australia; Perth WA Australia
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research; Perth WA Australia
| | - Craig E. Pennell
- School of Women's and Infants’ Health; The University of Western Australia; Perth WA Australia
- The Women and Infants Research Foundation; Perth WA Australia
| | - Roger Hart
- School of Women's and Infants’ Health; The University of Western Australia; Perth WA Australia
- Fertility Specialists of Western; Bethesda Hospital; Claremont WA Australia
| | - Andrew McLean-Tooke
- Department of Clinical Immunology; Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital; Perth WA Australia
- Pathwest Laboratory Medicine; Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre; Perth WA Australia
| | - Michaela Lucas
- Department of Clinical Immunology; Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital; Perth WA Australia
- Pathwest Laboratory Medicine; Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre; Perth WA Australia
- School of Medicine and Pharmacology; School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine; University of Western Australia; Perth WA Australia
- Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases; Murdoch University; Perth WA Australia
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24
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Ahmadi M, Abdolmohammadi-Vahid S, Ghaebi M, Aghebati-Maleki L, Dolati S, Farzadi L, Ghasemzadeh A, Hamdi K, Younesi V, Nouri M, Yousefi M. Regulatory T cells improve pregnancy rate in RIF patients after additional IVIG treatment. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2017; 63:350-359. [DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2017.1390007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Majid Ahmadi
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Samaneh Abdolmohammadi-Vahid
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mahnaz Ghaebi
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute
- 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
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Laya Farzadi
- Reproductive Biology Department, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Aliyeh Ghasemzadeh
- Reproductive Biology Department, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Kobra Hamdi
- Reproductive Biology Department, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Nouri
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, 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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25
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A meta-analysis of atosiban supplementation among patients undergoing assisted reproduction. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2017; 296:623-634. [PMID: 28695395 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-017-4455-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Evidence for the efficacy of atosiban in improving pregnancy outcomes among patients undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) remains inconsistent. METHODS The PubMed, EMBASE, and CNKI databases were searched using keywords such as 'atosiban', 'infertility', and 'ART'. Studies that explored the efficacy of atosiban in the field of ART for patients with embryo transfer (ET) were included if they evaluated pregnancy outcomes. Combing using subgroups and sensitivity analysis were conducted, and risk ratios (RRs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. RESULTS Six studies were included. Atosiban treatment could improve pregnancy outcomes for all patients undergoing ET, especially for the subgroups of patients with repeated implantation failure (RIF) (implantation rate: RR = 1.806, 95% CI = 1.473-2.215; clinical pregnancy rate: RR = 1.725, 95% CI = 1.394-2.135; live birth rate: RR = 2.141, 95% CI = 1.494-3.068), as shown by the comparison with placebo or no-treatment groups. However, no statistical significance was detected in subgroups of patients undergoing their first or second ET cycle. In addition, no significant differences were observed in positive pregnancy tests, miscarriage rates, multiple pregnancy rates, or ectopic pregnancy rates. CONCLUSIONS Supplementation with atosiban has a positive effect on ART and embryo transfer procedure, especially for women undergoing their third or more ET cycle.
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26
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Ahmadi M, Abdolmohammadi-Vahid S, Ghaebi M, Aghebati-Maleki L, Afkham A, Danaii S, Abdollahi-Fard S, Heidari L, Jadidi-Niaragh F, Younesi V, Nouri M, Yousefi M. Effect of Intravenous immunoglobulin on Th1 and Th2 lymphocytes and improvement of pregnancy outcome in recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Biomed Pharmacother 2017. [PMID: 28622710 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women with elevated natural killer (NK) cell frequency and function during pregnancy, suffer from recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). In the present study, the possible effect of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) administration on Th1 and Th2 cell frequency, cytokine secretion, and expression of transcription factors is compared between RPL patients and control group. MATERIALS AND METHODS Totally, 44 women with a history of RPL (32 women as treated group and 12 as control group) were enrolled in the study. The frequency of Th1 and Th2 lymphocytes, the expression of transcription factors related to these cells and the serum levels of associated cytokines were assessed by flowcytometry, real-time PCR and ELISA, respectively. All, assessments were performed both before and after treatment with IVIG. RESULTS A significant reduction in Th1 lymphocyte frequency, transcription factor expression and cytokine levels were observed in IVIG-treated group, while all the above parameters indicated a significant increase for Th2 lymphocytes. Th1/Th2 ratio decreased significantly (p value<0.0001) at the end of treatment and 28 out of 32 (87.5%) women in IVIG-treated group had live birth in comparison with 5 out of 12 (41.6%) in untreated group. CONCLUSION IVIG administration proves to be an efficient therapeutic strategy which is able to enhance the success rate of pregnancy through a shift in Th2 responses. Furthermore, IVIG presents efficacy for the treatment of reproduction failures especially in subjects with immune cell abnormalities and increased NK cell level and function.
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MESH Headings
- Abortion, Habitual/blood
- Abortion, Habitual/drug therapy
- Abortion, Habitual/genetics
- Abortion, Habitual/immunology
- Adult
- Case-Control Studies
- Cells, Cultured
- Cytokines/blood
- Cytokines/immunology
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic/drug effects
- Female
- Humans
- Immunoglobulins, Intravenous/administration & dosage
- Immunoglobulins, Intravenous/adverse effects
- Immunologic Factors/administration & dosage
- Immunologic Factors/adverse effects
- Killer Cells, Natural/drug effects
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Killer Cells, Natural/metabolism
- Live Birth
- Lymphocyte Count
- Pregnancy
- Th1 Cells/drug effects
- Th1 Cells/immunology
- Th1 Cells/metabolism
- Th2 Cells/drug effects
- Th2 Cells/immunology
- Th2 Cells/metabolism
- Transcription Factors/genetics
- Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Treatment Outcome
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Affiliation(s)
- Majid Ahmadi
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Samaneh Abdolmohammadi-Vahid
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mahnaz Ghaebi
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Leili Aghebati-Maleki
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amir Afkham
- 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 Danaii
- Gynecology Department, Eastern Azerbaijan ACECR ART Center, Eastern Azerbaijan Branch of ACECR, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Sedigheh Abdollahi-Fard
- Gynecology Department, Eastern Azerbaijan ACECR ART Center, Eastern Azerbaijan Branch of ACECR, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Lida Heidari
- Gynecology Department, Eastern Azerbaijan ACECR ART Center, Eastern Azerbaijan Branch of ACECR, 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
| | | | - Mohammad Nouri
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, 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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Hviid MM, Macklon N. Immune modulation treatments—where is the evidence? Fertil Steril 2017; 107:1284-1293. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2017.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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28
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Sung N, Han AR, Park CW, Park DW, Park JC, Kim NY, Lim KS, Shin JE, Joo CW, Lee SE, Kim JW, Lee SK. Intravenous immunoglobulin G in women with reproductive failure: The Korean Society for Reproductive Immunology practice guidelines. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2017; 44:1-7. [PMID: 28428937 PMCID: PMC5395546 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2017.44.1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2016] [Revised: 01/25/2017] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The task force of the Korean Society for Reproductive Immunology recommends intravenous immunoglobulin G treatment in women with reproductive failure, including recurrent pregnancy loss and/or repeated implantation failure, who show cellular immune factors such as abnormal natural killer cell levels, natural killer cell cytotoxicity, and/or type 1 T helper immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayoung Sung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Korea
| | - Ae Ra Han
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gangseo Mizmedi Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chan Woo Park
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cheil General Hospital and Women's Healthcare Center, Dankook University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dong Wook Park
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cheil General Hospital and Women's Healthcare Center, Dankook University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Joon Cheol Park
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
| | - Na Young Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gangnam Mizmedi Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | | | | | | | - Seung Eun Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bundang CHA Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea
| | | | - Sung Ki Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Konyang University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea
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Chernyshov VP, Dons’koi BV, Sudoma IO, Goncharova YO. Multiple immune deviations predictive for IVF failure as possible markers for IVIG therapy. Immunol Lett 2016; 176:44-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2015.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2015] [Revised: 12/21/2015] [Accepted: 12/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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30
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Dons'koi BV, Chernyshov VP, Osypchuk DV, Baksheev SM. Repeated cupping manipulation temporary decreases natural killer lymphocyte frequency, activity and cytotoxicity. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE-JIM 2016; 14:197-202. [DOI: 10.1016/s2095-4964(16)60250-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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31
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Lee SK, Kim JY, Han AR, Hur SE, Kim CJ, Kim TH, Cho BR, Han JW, Han SG, Na BJ, Kwak-Kim J. Intravenous Immunoglobulin G Improves Pregnancy Outcome in Women with Recurrent Pregnancy Losses with Cellular Immune Abnormalities. Am J Reprod Immunol 2015; 75:59-68. [DOI: 10.1111/aji.12442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2015] [Accepted: 10/05/2015] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sung Ki Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Konyang University Hospital; Daejeon Korea
| | - Jee Yun Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Konyang University Hospital; Daejeon Korea
| | - Ae Ra Han
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Konyang University Hospital; Daejeon Korea
| | - Sung Eun Hur
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Konyang University Hospital; Daejeon Korea
| | - Chul Jung Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Konyang University Hospital; Daejeon Korea
| | - Tae Hyun Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Konyang University Hospital; Daejeon Korea
| | - Bo Ra Cho
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Konyang University Hospital; Daejeon Korea
| | - Jae Won Han
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Konyang University Hospital; Daejeon Korea
| | - Sae Geul Han
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Konyang University Hospital; Daejeon Korea
| | - Baeg Ju Na
- Seoul Metropolitan Seobuk Hosptial; Seoul Korea
| | - Joanne Kwak-Kim
- Reproductive Medicine; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science; North Chicago IL USA
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32
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Sacks G. Enough! Stop the arguments and get on with the science of natural killer cell testing. Hum Reprod 2015; 30:1526-1531. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dev096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/30/2023] Open
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Dons’koi BV. Accentuated hypo- and hyper-NK lymphocyte CD8 expression is a marker of NK subsets’ misbalance and is predictive for reproductive failures. Immunobiology 2015; 220:649-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2014.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2014] [Revised: 11/22/2014] [Accepted: 11/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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34
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Winger EE, Reed JL, Ji X. First-trimester maternal cell microRNA is a superior pregnancy marker to immunological testing for predicting adverse pregnancy outcome. J Reprod Immunol 2015; 110:22-35. [PMID: 25965838 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2015.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2015] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Patients at risk of immune-mediated pregnancy complications have historically relied on the use of peripheral blood immunological assays for diagnosis and pregnancy monitoring. However, these tests often fail to identify many at-risk patients, achieving moderately predictive receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve AUCs of 0.60-0.70. We previously demonstrated that a microRNA panel comprising 30 microRNAs successfully predicts pregnancy outcome in the first trimester. In our current study we constructed a smaller, more clinically useful seven-microRNA panel from the original panel of 30 microRNAs with equivalent sensitivity and specificity. To select optimal microRNAs for a smaller panel, quantitative RT-PCR on 30 microRNAs was first performed on 48 patients (191 samples) with concurrent immunological testing: TNFα/Il-10 ratio, IFNγ/Il-10, CD56+16+%, NK 50:1 cytotoxicity and T regulatory cells. MicroRNAs were separated into clusters associated with: Th1/Th2 response; T regulatory cell percent; pregnancy risk; treatment response. Seven most differentially expressed microRNAs were selected. The seven microRNA scoring system was then applied to 39 patient samples in the first trimester of pregnancy (19 healthy deliveries, 8 miscarriages, 12 preeclampsia [7 late-onset and 5 early-onset]) and 20 samples in the preconception period (2-10 weeks before conception). Predictive value was assessed. ROC curves for the seven-microRNA panel achieved AUC 0.92 for miscarriage and 0.90 for preeclampsia (blood drawn 34.9±19.2 days post-implantation). For samples measured preconception, ROC curve analysis demonstrated AUC 0.81 for adverse pregnancy outcome. Maternal PBMC microRNA can identify high-risk patients likely to benefit from immunotherapy with improved sensitivity and specificity compared with standard immune assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward E Winger
- Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Immunology, 7013 Realm Dr, Ste A, San Jose, CA, USA.
| | - Jane L Reed
- Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Immunology, 7013 Realm Dr, Ste A, San Jose, CA, USA.
| | - Xuhuai Ji
- Stanford University, Human Immune Monitoring Center, CCSR 0128, 1291 Welch Road, Stanford, CA, USA.
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35
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Nardo LG, El-Toukhy T, Stewart J, Balen AH, Potdar N. British Fertility Society Policy and Practice Committee: Adjuvants in IVF: Evidence for good clinical practice. HUM FERTIL 2014; 18:2-15. [DOI: 10.3109/14647273.2015.985454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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36
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Mizugishi K, Inoue T, Hatayama H, Bielawski J, Pierce JS, Sato Y, Takaori-Kondo A, Konishi I, Yamashita K. Sphingolipid pathway regulates innate immune responses at the fetomaternal interface during pregnancy. J Biol Chem 2014; 290:2053-68. [PMID: 25505239 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.628867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
For a successful pregnancy, the mother's immune system has to tolerate the semiallogeneic fetus. A deleterious immune attack is avoided by orchestration of cellular, hormonal, and enzymatic factors. However, the precise mechanisms underlying fetomaternal tolerance are not yet completely understood. In this study, we demonstrate that sphingolipid metabolism constitutes a novel signaling pathway that is indispensable for fetomaternal tolerance by regulating innate immune responses at the fetomaternal interface. Perturbation of the sphingolipid pathway by disruption of the sphingosine kinase gene (Sphk) during pregnancy caused unusually high expression of neutrophil chemoattractants, CXCL1 and CXCL2, in the decidua, leading to a massive infiltration of neutrophils into the fetomaternal interface with enhanced oxidative damage, resulting in early fetal death. Sphk-deficient mice also exhibited neutrophilia in the peripheral blood, enhanced generation of granulocytes in the bone marrow, and a decrease in the number of decidual natural killer cells. The blockage of neutrophil influx protected Sphk-deficient mice against pregnancy loss. Notably, a similar result was obtained in human decidual cells, in which Sphk deficiency dramatically increased the secretion of CXCL1 and IL-8. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the sphingolipid metabolic pathway plays a critical role in fetomaternal tolerance by regulating innate immunity at the fetomaternal interface both in mice and humans, and it could provide novel insight into the development of therapeutic strategies to treat idiopathic pregnancy loss in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyomi Mizugishi
- From the Department of Hematology and Oncology, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan, the Department of Pharmacotherapy, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Musashino University, Nishitokyo, Tokyo 202-8585, Japan,
| | - Takuya Inoue
- the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Adachi Hospital, Kyoto 604-0837, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Hatayama
- the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Adachi Hospital, Kyoto 604-0837, Japan
| | - Jacek Bielawski
- the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425, and
| | - Jason S Pierce
- the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425, and
| | - Yukiyasu Sato
- the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Akifumi Takaori-Kondo
- From the Department of Hematology and Oncology, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Ikuo Konishi
- the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Kouhei Yamashita
- From the Department of Hematology and Oncology, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
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37
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Immunomodulatory treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin and prednisone in patients with recurrent miscarriage and implantation failure after in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Fertil Steril 2014; 102:1650-5.e1. [PMID: 25256927 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.08.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2014] [Revised: 08/25/2014] [Accepted: 08/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess outcome in terms of live-birth rate after fresh or frozen IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles where immunomodulation was given to patients with recurrent pregnancy loss after prior ART treatments. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING Tertiary care university hospital. PATIENT(S) Fifty-two patients with a history of at least three consecutive pregnancy losses after ART who underwent at least one further ART cycle with concurrent immunomodulation in 2003-2012. INTERVENTION(S) Immunomodulation with IV immunoglobulin and prednisone starting from before ET and continuing in the first trimester if pregnancy was established. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Live-birth rate per ET and cumulative live-birth rate after up to five ETs. RESULT(S) Nineteen patients (36.5%) achieved a live birth after the first ET with immunomodulation, and a total of 32 patients achieved a live birth in the study period, resulting in a cumulative live-birth rate of 61.5%. There was no significant difference in baseline and immunological parameters between the patients achieving a live birth or not. The live-birth rate after the first immunomodulated ART cycle in our patients is higher than that reported in a previous study. CONCLUSION(S) Immunomodulation with a combination of IV immunoglobulin and prednisone is a promising treatment for recurrent pregnancy loss after ART, but randomized placebo-controlled trials are needed.
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38
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Winger EE, Reed JL, Ji X. First trimester PBMC microRNA predicts adverse pregnancy outcome. Am J Reprod Immunol 2014; 72:515-26. [PMID: 24974972 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2014] [Accepted: 06/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Prior to the end of the first trimester, pathogenic mechanisms may commit pregnancies to adverse outcome such as pre-eclampsia and miscarriage. A long-term search for biomarkers predicting these adverse outcomes has not identified any that reliably succeed prior to the beginning of the second trimester. MicroRNAs, with their important role as regulators of signaling and metabolic pathways within living cells, may offer a new approach. METHODS Optimal maternal PBMC microRNA markers were investigated using a series of sequential experiments, and 30 microRNAs were selected based on these results. Quantitative RT-PCR was then performed on these 30 microRNAs for 39 patients [19 healthy deliveries, 12 pre-eclampsia (seven late onset and five early onset) and eight miscarriages] during the first trimester of pregnancy. Results were scored, and their predictive values assessed. RESULTS MicroRNA quantification in the early first trimester (mean 34.9 ± 19.2 days post-implantation) predicted miscarriage and late pre-eclampsia with a P value of P < 0.0001 and achieved an AUC of 0.90 for miscarriage and 0.90 for late pre-eclampsia. CONCLUSION MicroRNA quantification of maternal blood cells offers the clinician a single test result that is simple to interpret and available much earlier in pregnancy than previously obtainable. In addition, it is the only early pregnancy marker, to date, that can successfully predict late pre-eclampsia. Although the studies that we report are preliminary, we hope that future research will build upon our discoveries and enhance the power of maternal cell microRNA to predict adverse pregnancy outcome in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward E Winger
- Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Immunology, San Jose, CA, USA
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Ozkan ZS, Deveci D, Kumbak B, Simsek M, Ilhan F, Sekercioglu S, Sapmaz E. What is the impact of Th1/Th2 ratio, SOCS3, IL17, and IL35 levels in unexplained infertility? J Reprod Immunol 2014; 103:53-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2013.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2013] [Revised: 11/10/2013] [Accepted: 11/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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40
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Ramos-Medina R, García-Segovia A, Gil J, Carbone J, Aguarón de la Cruz A, Seyfferth A, Alonso B, Alonso J, León JA, Alecsandru D, Meliá E, Carrillo de Albornoz E, Ordoñez D, Santillán I, Verdú V, Garcia Ruiz de Morales JM, López-Hoyos M, López Larios A, Sampalo A, Caballero P, Ortiz Quintana L, Fernández-Cruz E, Sánchez-Ramón S. Experience in IVIg therapy for selected women with recurrent reproductive failure and NK cell expansion. Am J Reprod Immunol 2014; 71:458-66. [PMID: 24612159 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2013] [Accepted: 01/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Recurrent reproductive failure (RRF) has been associated with expansion of circulating NK cells, key cells for maternal tolerance, decidual vasculogenesis and embryo growth. This study reports our experience in intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) therapy of a large cohort of women with RRF with expanded circulating NK and/or NKT-like cells (blood NKT cells are a heterogeneous subset of T cells that share properties of both T cells and NK cells). METHOD OF STUDY Observational study of RRF women with NK or NKT-like expansion (>12% or 10% cutoff levels of total lymphocytes, respectively), treated with IVIg for the next gestation. RESULTS By multivariant logistic regression analysis after adjusting for age, NK cells subsets and other therapies, IVIg significantly improved the live birth rate to 96.3% in women with recurrent miscarriage (RM) compared with 30.6% in case not receiving IVIg (P < 0.0001). In women with recurrent implantation failure (RIF), in comparison with women not receiving IVIg, treatment increased the pregnancy rate from 26.2 to 93.8% (P ≤ 0.0001) and the live birth rate from 17.9 to 80.0% in RIF (P ≤ 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Immunomodulation with IVIg in our selected group of RRF patients with immunologic alterations enhanced clinical pregnancy and live birth rates. Our results may facilitate the design of future clinical trials of IVIg in this pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocio Ramos-Medina
- Unit of Clinical Immunology, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
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41
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Dons’koi BV, Chernyshov VP, Sirenko VY, Strelko GV, Osypchuk DV. Peripheral blood natural killer cells activation status determined by CD69 upregulation predicts implantation outcome in IVF. Immunobiology 2014; 219:167-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2013.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2013] [Revised: 08/25/2013] [Accepted: 09/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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42
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Dons'koĭ BV, Chernyshov VP, Sirenko VI, Strelko HV, Osypchuk DV. Effect of hypo- and hyper- accentuated NK cell activity on embryo implantation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.15407/fz60.01.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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43
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Polanski LT, Barbosa MAP, Martins WP, Baumgarten MN, Campbell B, Brosens J, Quenby S, Raine-Fenning N. Interventions to improve reproductive outcomes in women with elevated natural killer cells undergoing assisted reproduction techniques: a systematic review of literature. Hum Reprod 2013; 29:65-75. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/det414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
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Li J, Chen Y, Liu C, Hu Y, Li L. Intravenous Immunoglobulin Treatment for Repeated IVF/ICSI Failure and Unexplained Infertility: A Systematic Review and a Meta-Analysis. Am J Reprod Immunol 2013; 70:434-47. [PMID: 24238107 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2013] [Accepted: 10/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Li
- Guangxi Reproductive Medical Research Center; First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University; Nanning China
| | - Yang Chen
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine; Guangxi Medical University; Nanning China
- Department of Urology and Nephrology; The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University; Nanning China
| | | | - Yanling Hu
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine; Guangxi Medical University; Nanning China
- Medical Research Center; Guangxi Medical University; Nanning Guangxi China
| | - Liuming Li
- Guangxi Reproductive Medical Research Center; First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University; Nanning China
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45
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Fatemi HM, Popovic-Todorovic B. Implantation in assisted reproduction: a look at endometrial receptivity. Reprod Biomed Online 2013; 27:530-8. [PMID: 23933035 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2013.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2013] [Revised: 04/02/2013] [Accepted: 05/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Implantation failure in assisted reproduction is thought to be mainly due to impaired uterine receptivity. With normal uterine anatomy, changes in endocrine profile during ovarian stimulation and medical conditions of the mother (i.e. thrombophilia and abnormal immunological response) could result in a non-receptive endometrium. High oestradiol concentrations during ovarian stimulation lead to premature progesterone elevation, causing endometrial advancement and hampering implantation, which can be overcome by a freeze-all approach and embryo transfer in natural cycles or by milder stimulation protocols. Patients with recurrent implantation failure (RIF) should be tested for inherited and acquired thrombophilias. Each patient should be individually assessed and counselled regarding therapy with low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH). Empirical treatment with LMWH, aspirin or corticosteroids is not effective for women with RIF who have negative thrombophilic tests. If thrombophilic tests are normal, patients should be tested for immunological causes. If human leukocyte antigen dissimilarity is proven, treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin might be beneficial. Preliminary observational studies using intralipid infusion in the presence of increased natural killer cytotoxic activity are interesting but the proposed rationale is controversial and randomized controlled trials are needed. Hysteroscopy and/or endometrial scratching in the cycle preceding ovarian stimulation should become standard for patients with RIF.
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Affiliation(s)
- H M Fatemi
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
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Natural killer cells and their activation status in normal pregnancy. Int J Reprod Med 2013; 2013:906813. [PMID: 25763390 PMCID: PMC4334074 DOI: 10.1155/2013/906813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2012] [Revised: 02/22/2013] [Accepted: 03/03/2013] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Increased peripheral blood-activated NK cell counts are associated with increased risk of miscarriage and failed in vitro fertilization treatment. However, assessment of activated peripheral NK cells in normal and pathological pregnancies beyond implantation and early miscarriage has not been described. Total CD69 expressing NK cells counts were measured by flow cytometry in healthy women with singleton pregnancies, including 45 at 11+6–13+6 weeks' gestation, 46 at 20+0–22+4 weeks, and 42 at 31+6–33+5 weeks. The number of peripheral blood NK cells decreased, whereas the percentage of activated CD69 expressing NK cells increased from the first to the third trimester of pregnancy. This study shows the course of peripheral blood NK cells and activated CD69 expressing NK cells in uncomplicated nulliparous singleton pregnancies. This is a first step in understanding their implication in pathological pregnancies.
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Aspirin and heparin to improve live birth rate in IVF for unexplained implantation failure? Reprod Biomed Online 2013; 26:538-41. [PMID: 23602681 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2013.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2013] [Accepted: 03/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The data concerning use of aspirin and/or heparin in IVF failure patients is reviewed. A number of methodological and biological problems are identified. A strategy to achieve reliable conclusions is explained.
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Winger EE, Reed JL, Ashoush S, El-Toukhy T, Taranissi M. Die-Off Ratio Correlates with Increased TNF-α:IL-10 Ratio and Decreased IVF Success Rates Correctable with Humira. Am J Reprod Immunol 2012; 68:428-37. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2012.01179.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2012] [Accepted: 06/25/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Edward E. Winger
- Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Immunology; San Francisco; CA; USA
| | - Jane L. Reed
- Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Immunology; San Francisco; CA; USA
| | - Sherif Ashoush
- Assisted Reproduction and Gynaecology Centre; London; UK
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49
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Virro MR, Winger EE, Reed JL. Intravenous Immunoglobulin for Repeated IVF Failure and Unexplained Infertility. Am J Reprod Immunol 2012; 68:218-25. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2012.01169.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2012] [Accepted: 05/30/2012] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Edward E. Winger
- Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Immunology; San Francisco; CA; USA
| | - Jane L. Reed
- Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Immunology; San Francisco; CA; USA
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Beaman KD, Ntrivalas E, Mallers TM, Jaiswal MK, Kwak-Kim J, Gilman-Sachs A. Immune etiology of recurrent pregnancy loss and its diagnosis. Am J Reprod Immunol 2012; 67:319-25. [PMID: 22380608 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2012.01118.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2012] [Accepted: 02/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion of Immunological Origin (RSAI) is currently diagnosed by the occurrence of 2-3 consecutive miscarriages of unknown origin. The psychological trauma incurred by these events is a serious ailment which may be potentially avoided if a method of analysis is derived which may forecast these events and in turn prevent them from occurring. This review intends to examine studies of recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) which use laboratory diagnosis and also studies of RSA that do not use laboratory diagnosis. We believe that when laboratory results are incorporated into the diagnosis of RSA/RSAI that treatment is highly successful whereas the absence of laboratory results severely hinders the effectiveness of treatment. It is worth noting that correlating treatment versus outcome is imprudent because of the multiple variables involved in patient cases. It is not imprudent, however, to say that incorporation of laboratory data is essential when diagnosing RSA/RSAI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth D Beaman
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, USA.
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