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Molecular Mechanisms in Autoimmune Thyroid Disease. Cells 2023; 12:cells12060918. [PMID: 36980259 PMCID: PMC10047067 DOI: 10.3390/cells12060918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The most common cause of acquired thyroid dysfunction is autoimmune thyroid disease, which is an organ-specific autoimmune disease with two presentation phenotypes: hyperthyroidism (Graves-Basedow disease) and hypothyroidism (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis). Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is distinguished by the presence of autoantibodies against thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin. Meanwhile, autoantibodies against the TSH receptor have been found in Graves-Basedow disease. Numerous susceptibility genes, as well as epigenetic and environmental factors, contribute to the pathogenesis of both diseases. This review summarizes the most common genetic, epigenetic, and environmental mechanisms involved in autoimmune thyroid disease.
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Cómitre-Mariano B, Martínez-García M, García-Gálvez B, Paternina-Die M, Desco M, Carmona S, Gómez-Gaviro MV. Feto-maternal microchimerism: Memories from pregnancy. iScience 2022; 25:103664. [PMID: 35072002 PMCID: PMC8762399 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a bidirectional transplacental cell trafficking between mother and fetus during pregnancy in placental mammals. The presence and persistence of fetal cells in maternal tissues are known as fetal microchimerism (FMc). FMc has high multilineage potential with a great ability to differentiate and functionally integrate into maternal tissue. FMc has been found in various maternal tissues in animal models and humans. Its permanence in the maternal body up to decades after delivery suggests it might play an essential role in maternal pathophysiology. Studying the presence, localization, and characteristics of FMc in maternal tissues is key to understanding its impact on the woman's body. Here we comprehensively review the existence of FMc in different species and organs and tissues, aiming to better characterize their possible role in human health and disease. We also highlight several methodological considerations that would optimize the detection, quantification, and functional determination of FMc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blanca Cómitre-Mariano
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón. (IiSGM), C/Doctor Esquerdo 46, 28007 Madrid, Spain
| | - Magdalena Martínez-García
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón. (IiSGM), C/Doctor Esquerdo 46, 28007 Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), C/ Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Pabellón 11, planta baja, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Bárbara García-Gálvez
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón. (IiSGM), C/Doctor Esquerdo 46, 28007 Madrid, Spain
| | - María Paternina-Die
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón. (IiSGM), C/Doctor Esquerdo 46, 28007 Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), C/ Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Pabellón 11, planta baja, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Desco
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón. (IiSGM), C/Doctor Esquerdo 46, 28007 Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), C/ Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Pabellón 11, planta baja, 28029 Madrid, Spain.,Departamento de Bioingeniería e Ingeniería Aeroespacial, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Avenida de la Universidad, 30, 28911 Leganés, Spain.,Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III, CNIC, C/ Melchor Fernandez Almagro 3, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Susanna Carmona
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón. (IiSGM), C/Doctor Esquerdo 46, 28007 Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), C/ Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Pabellón 11, planta baja, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - María Victoria Gómez-Gaviro
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón. (IiSGM), C/Doctor Esquerdo 46, 28007 Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), C/ Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Pabellón 11, planta baja, 28029 Madrid, Spain.,Departamento de Bioingeniería e Ingeniería Aeroespacial, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Avenida de la Universidad, 30, 28911 Leganés, Spain
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Ferrari SM, Fallahi P, Elia G, Ragusa F, Ruffilli I, Paparo SR, Antonelli A. Thyroid autoimmune disorders and cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 64:135-146. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2019.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Abstract
Brazilian-born British biologist Dr. Peter Medawar played an integral role in developing the concepts of immunologic rejection and tolerance, which led to him receiving the Nobel Prize "for the discovery of acquired immunologic tolerance" and eventually made organ transplantation a reality. However, at the time of his early work in tolerance, a paradox to his theories was brought to his attention; how was pregnancy possible? Pregnancy resembles organ transplantation in that the fetus, possessing paternal antigens, is a semi-allogeneic graft that can survive without immunosuppression for 9 months. To answer this question, Medawar proposed three hypotheses of how a mother supports her fetus in utero, now known as "Medawar's Paradox." The mechanisms that govern fetomaternal tolerance are still incompletely understood but may provide critical insight into how to achieve immune tolerance in organ transplantation. Here, we review current understanding of the immune factors responsible for fetomaternal tolerance during pregnancy and discuss the potential implications for advances in transplantation science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Rendell
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Natalie M Bath
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Todd V Brennan
- Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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5
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Jafarinia M, Amoon M, Javid A, Vakili S, Sadeghi E, Azadi D, Alsahebfosoul F. Male microchimerism in peripheral blood from women with multiple sclerosis in Isfahan Province. Int J Immunogenet 2019; 47:175-179. [PMID: 31833227 DOI: 10.1111/iji.12465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 11/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is referred to as an organ-specific T-cell-mediated autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Different genetic and environmental factors increase the risk of developing MS. In recent years, microchimerism (Mc) has been widely studied in autoimmune diseases, although the exact role of this phenomenon in human health is not known well. Microchimerism is the low level presence of DNA or cells from one individual into the tissue or circulation of another individual. In the current study, we evaluated the association of fetal microchimerism (FMc) with MS in Isfahan province. In this study, we enrolled 68 women in four groups. Two groups were MS patients with or without a pregnancy for a son, and the other two groups were MS-negative patients with or without a pregnancy for a son. The presence of the male genome assessed and compared in these groups. Four millilitres of peripheral blood were collected from all subjects in the tube containing EDTA and DNA was extracted. Real-time PCR assay was used for the DAZ (deleted in azoospermia) region Yq 11.23 as a marker for male microchimerism in all subjects. Our results showed that the percentage of DAZ (male genome)-positive women was significantly higher in MS-positive women given birth to a son in comparison with the other three groups. Our results also revealed no significant correlation between the percentage of DAZ-positive women and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score and age of onset in the patients' group. For future studies, we suggest enrolling subjects who MS diagnosis occurred before and after pregnancy with a son. Comparing FMc in these two groups might provide a better understanding of the possible role of FMc in later development of MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morteza Jafarinia
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mina Amoon
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Science and Arts University, Yazd, Iran
| | - Ameneh Javid
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Science and Arts University, Yazd, Iran
| | - Sina Vakili
- Biochemistry Department, Medical School, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Erfan Sadeghi
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.,Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Davood Azadi
- Molecular and Medicine Research Center, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran.,Department of Laboratory Sciences, Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Khomein, Iran
| | - Fereshteh Alsahebfosoul
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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Graham CD, Shieh HF, Brazzo JA, Zurakowski D, Fauza DO. Donor mesenchymal stem cells home to maternal wounds after transamniotic stem cell therapy (TRASCET) in a rodent model. J Pediatr Surg 2017; 52:1006-1009. [PMID: 28363468 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2017.03.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Transamniotic stem cell therapy (TRASCET) with amniotic fluid-derived MSCs (afMSCs) has emerged experimentally as a practical treatment strategy for congenital anomalies. In this study, we sought to determine whether afMSCs migrate to the mother following TRASCET. METHODS Pregnant rat dams were divided into three groups. Two groups received volume-matched injections into all amniotic cavities of either a suspension of afMSCs labeled with a luciferase reporter gene or the luciferase protein alone. In a third group, a suspension of labeled cells was aliquoted onto the serosal surface of the uterus. Maternal samples from the laparotomy scar (fascia and skin separately), bone marrow, and peripheral blood were procured, along with placenta and umbilical cord. Specimens were screened for luminescence via microplate luminometry. RESULTS Luminescence was detected in 60% (9/15) of the fascial scars from the group receiving intraamniotic injection of afMSCs, but in none of the other groups (P<0.001). There was a direct correlation between the presence of donor cells in the placenta and their presence in maternal fascia (Wald test=10.2; P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS Amniotic mesenchymal stem cells migrate to maternal sites of injury after intraamniotic injection. Maternal homing of donor cells must be considered in the setting of transamniotic stem cell therapy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE N/A (animal and laboratory study).
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D Graham
- Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Hester F Shieh
- Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Joseph A Brazzo
- Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - David Zurakowski
- Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Dario O Fauza
- Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
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7
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Jackups R, Savage W. Gaps in Research on Adverse Events to Transfusion in Pediatrics. Transfus Med Rev 2016; 30:209-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tmrv.2016.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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Niepiekło-Miniewska W, Baran W, Szepietowski JC, Nowakowska B, Kuśnierczyk P. Lack of detectable fetal microchimerism in psoriasis vulgaris lesions and in non-affected skin in spite of its presence in peripheral blood CD34-positive and CD34-negative cells. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2016; 31:114-118. [PMID: 27520846 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.13781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Accepted: 04/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microchimerism is defined as a stable presence of low numbers of cells derived from a different individual due to cell transfer between twins or between mother and fetus during pregnancy. OBJECTIVE Fetal cells in the organism of the mother (FMc) are postulated to play a role in autoimmune diseases. Psoriasis is a disease which has an autoimmune component, but no study on microchimerism in this disease has been reported. METHODS The easiest way to detect microchimerism is to look for male cells in blood or other tissues of a woman who previously delivered a son. Here, we looked for the presence of male cells in mononuclear cell subpopulations from peripheral blood and in skin samples of women with psoriasis and of healthy women. RESULTS We detected FMc in similar proportions of patients and controls in CD4+, CD8+ and CD34+ cells, whereas in CD34- cells they were present in higher fraction of controls, and similar but non-significant difference was observed in CD19+ cells. No microchimeric cells were detected in patients' skin samples, both from affected and non-affected skin, or in skin tissue from healthy control individuals. CONCLUSION Our result does not prove the involvement of microchimerism in the aetiology of psoriasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Niepiekło-Miniewska
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics and Tissue Immunology, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - W Baran
- Departments of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - J C Szepietowski
- Departments of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - B Nowakowska
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics and Tissue Immunology, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - P Kuśnierczyk
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics and Tissue Immunology, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
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Boddy AM, Fortunato A, Wilson Sayres M, Aktipis A. Fetal microchimerism and maternal health: a review and evolutionary analysis of cooperation and conflict beyond the womb. Bioessays 2015; 37:1106-18. [PMID: 26316378 PMCID: PMC4712643 DOI: 10.1002/bies.201500059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The presence of fetal cells has been associated with both positive and negative effects on maternal health. These paradoxical effects may be due to the fact that maternal and offspring fitness interests are aligned in certain domains and conflicting in others, which may have led to the evolution of fetal microchimeric phenotypes that can manipulate maternal tissues. We use cooperation and conflict theory to generate testable predictions about domains in which fetal microchimerism may enhance maternal health and those in which it may be detrimental. This framework suggests that fetal cells may function both to contribute to maternal somatic maintenance (e.g. wound healing) and to manipulate maternal physiology to enhance resource transmission to offspring (e.g. enhancing milk production). In this review, we use an evolutionary framework to make testable predictions about the role of fetal microchimerism in lactation, thyroid function, autoimmune disease, cancer and maternal emotional, and psychological health. Also watch the Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy M Boddy
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.,Center for Evolution and Cancer, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Angelo Fortunato
- Center for Evolution and Cancer, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Melissa Wilson Sayres
- Center for Evolution and Medicine, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.,School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Athena Aktipis
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.,Center for Evolution and Cancer, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Center for Evolution and Medicine, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
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10
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Cirello V, Rizzo R, Crippa M, Campi I, Bortolotti D, Bolzani S, Colombo C, Vannucchi G, Maffini MA, de Liso F, Ferrero S, Finelli P, Fugazzola L. Fetal cell microchimerism: a protective role in autoimmune thyroid diseases. Eur J Endocrinol 2015; 173:111-8. [PMID: 25916393 DOI: 10.1530/eje-15-0028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2015] [Accepted: 04/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The physiological persistence of fetal cells in the circulation and tissue of a previously pregnant woman is called fetal cell microchimerism (FCM). It has been hypothesized to play a role in systemic autoimmune disease; however, only limited data are available regarding its role in autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD). DESIGN Circulating FCM was analyzed in a large series of previously pregnant women with Graves' disease (GD), Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), or no disease (healthy controls (HCs)). To exclude the possible bias related to placental factors, the polymorphic pattern of human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) gene, which is known to be involved in the tolerance of fetal cells by the maternal immune system, was investigated. METHODS FCM was evaluated by PCR in the peripheral blood, and the Y chromosome was identified by fluorescence in situ hybridization in some GD tissues. HLA-G polymorphism typing was assessed by real-time PCR. RESULTS FCM was significantly more frequent in HC (63.6%) than in GD (33.3%) or HT (27.8%) women (P=0.0004 and P=0.001 respectively). A quantitative analysis confirmed that circulating male DNA was more abundant in HC than it was in GD or HT. Microchimeric cells were documented in vessels and in thyroid follicles. In neither GD/HT patients nor HC women was the HLA-G typing different between FCM-positive and FCM-negative cases. CONCLUSION The higher prevalence of FCM in HC as compared to GD and HT patients suggests that it plays a possible protective role in autoimmune thyroid disorders. Placental factors have been excluded as determinants of the differences found. The vascular and tissue localization of microchimeric cells further highlights the ability of those cells to migrate to damaged tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Cirello
- Endocrine UnitFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Via F. Sforza, 35-20122 Milan, ItalyDepartment of Pathophysiology and TransplantationUniversity of Milan, Milan, ItalySection of Microbiology and Medical GeneticsDepartment of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, ItalyLaboratory of Medical Cytogenetics and Molecular GeneticsIstituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, ItalyDepartment of Clinical Sciences and Community HealthUniversity of Milan, Milan, ItalyLaboratory of Clinical Chemistry and MicrobiologyFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Milan, ItalyDivision of PathologyFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Milan, ItalyDepartments of BiomedicalSurgical and Dental SciencesMedical Biotechnology and Translational MedicineUniversity of Milan, Milan, Italy Endocrine UnitFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Via F. Sforza, 35-20122 Milan, ItalyDepartment of Pathophysiology and TransplantationUniversity of Milan, Milan, ItalySection of Microbiology and Medical GeneticsDepartment of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, ItalyLaboratory of Medical Cytogenetics and Molecular GeneticsIstituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, ItalyDepartment of Clinical Sciences and Community HealthUniversity of Milan, Milan, ItalyLaboratory of Clinical Chemistry and MicrobiologyFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Milan, ItalyDivision of PathologyFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Milan, ItalyDepartments of BiomedicalSurgical and Dental SciencesMedical Biotechnology and Translational MedicineUniversity of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Rizzo
- Endocrine UnitFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Via F. Sforza, 35-20122 Milan, ItalyDepartment of Pathophysiology and TransplantationUniversity of Milan, Milan, ItalySection of Microbiology and Medical GeneticsDepartment of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, ItalyLaboratory of Medical Cytogenetics and Molecular GeneticsIstituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, ItalyDepartment of Clinical Sciences and Community HealthUniversity of Milan, Milan, ItalyLaboratory of Clinical Chemistry and MicrobiologyFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Milan, ItalyDivision of PathologyFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Milan, ItalyDepartments of BiomedicalSurgical and Dental SciencesMedical Biotechnology and Translational MedicineUniversity of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Milena Crippa
- Endocrine UnitFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Via F. Sforza, 35-20122 Milan, ItalyDepartment of Pathophysiology and TransplantationUniversity of Milan, Milan, ItalySection of Microbiology and Medical GeneticsDepartment of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, ItalyLaboratory of Medical Cytogenetics and Molecular GeneticsIstituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, ItalyDepartment of Clinical Sciences and Community HealthUniversity of Milan, Milan, ItalyLaboratory of Clinical Chemistry and MicrobiologyFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Milan, ItalyDivision of PathologyFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Milan, ItalyDepartments of BiomedicalSurgical and Dental SciencesMedical Biotechnology and Translational MedicineUniversity of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Irene Campi
- Endocrine UnitFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Via F. Sforza, 35-20122 Milan, ItalyDepartment of Pathophysiology and TransplantationUniversity of Milan, Milan, ItalySection of Microbiology and Medical GeneticsDepartment of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, ItalyLaboratory of Medical Cytogenetics and Molecular GeneticsIstituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, ItalyDepartment of Clinical Sciences and Community HealthUniversity of Milan, Milan, ItalyLaboratory of Clinical Chemistry and MicrobiologyFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Milan, ItalyDivision of PathologyFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Milan, ItalyDepartments of BiomedicalSurgical and Dental SciencesMedical Biotechnology and Translational MedicineUniversity of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Daria Bortolotti
- Endocrine UnitFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Via F. Sforza, 35-20122 Milan, ItalyDepartment of Pathophysiology and TransplantationUniversity of Milan, Milan, ItalySection of Microbiology and Medical GeneticsDepartment of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, ItalyLaboratory of Medical Cytogenetics and Molecular GeneticsIstituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, ItalyDepartment of Clinical Sciences and Community HealthUniversity of Milan, Milan, ItalyLaboratory of Clinical Chemistry and MicrobiologyFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Milan, ItalyDivision of PathologyFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Milan, ItalyDepartments of BiomedicalSurgical and Dental SciencesMedical Biotechnology and Translational MedicineUniversity of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Bolzani
- Endocrine UnitFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Via F. Sforza, 35-20122 Milan, ItalyDepartment of Pathophysiology and TransplantationUniversity of Milan, Milan, ItalySection of Microbiology and Medical GeneticsDepartment of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, ItalyLaboratory of Medical Cytogenetics and Molecular GeneticsIstituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, ItalyDepartment of Clinical Sciences and Community HealthUniversity of Milan, Milan, ItalyLaboratory of Clinical Chemistry and MicrobiologyFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Milan, ItalyDivision of PathologyFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Milan, ItalyDepartments of BiomedicalSurgical and Dental SciencesMedical Biotechnology and Translational MedicineUniversity of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Carla Colombo
- Endocrine UnitFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Via F. Sforza, 35-20122 Milan, ItalyDepartment of Pathophysiology and TransplantationUniversity of Milan, Milan, ItalySection of Microbiology and Medical GeneticsDepartment of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, ItalyLaboratory of Medical Cytogenetics and Molecular GeneticsIstituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, ItalyDepartment of Clinical Sciences and Community HealthUniversity of Milan, Milan, ItalyLaboratory of Clinical Chemistry and MicrobiologyFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Milan, ItalyDivision of PathologyFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Milan, ItalyDepartments of BiomedicalSurgical and Dental SciencesMedical Biotechnology and Translational MedicineUniversity of Milan, Milan, Italy Endocrine UnitFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Via F. Sforza, 35-20122 Milan, ItalyDepartment of Pathophysiology and TransplantationUniversity of Milan, Milan, ItalySection of Microbiology and Medical GeneticsDepartment of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, ItalyLaboratory of Medical Cytogenetics and Molecular GeneticsIstituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, ItalyDepartment of Clinical Sciences and Community HealthUniversity of Milan, Milan, ItalyLaboratory of Clinical Chemistry and MicrobiologyFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Milan, ItalyDivision of PathologyFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Milan, ItalyDepartments of BiomedicalSurgical and Dental SciencesMedical Biotechnology and Translational MedicineUniversity of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Guia Vannucchi
- Endocrine UnitFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Via F. Sforza, 35-20122 Milan, ItalyDepartment of Pathophysiology and TransplantationUniversity of Milan, Milan, ItalySection of Microbiology and Medical GeneticsDepartment of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, ItalyLaboratory of Medical Cytogenetics and Molecular GeneticsIstituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, ItalyDepartment of Clinical Sciences and Community HealthUniversity of Milan, Milan, ItalyLaboratory of Clinical Chemistry and MicrobiologyFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Milan, ItalyDivision of PathologyFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Milan, ItalyDepartments of BiomedicalSurgical and Dental SciencesMedical Biotechnology and Translational MedicineUniversity of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Antonia Maffini
- Endocrine UnitFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Via F. Sforza, 35-20122 Milan, ItalyDepartment of Pathophysiology and TransplantationUniversity of Milan, Milan, ItalySection of Microbiology and Medical GeneticsDepartment of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, ItalyLaboratory of Medical Cytogenetics and Molecular GeneticsIstituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, ItalyDepartment of Clinical Sciences and Community HealthUniversity of Milan, Milan, ItalyLaboratory of Clinical Chemistry and MicrobiologyFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Milan, ItalyDivision of PathologyFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Milan, ItalyDepartments of BiomedicalSurgical and Dental SciencesMedical Biotechnology and Translational MedicineUniversity of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica de Liso
- Endocrine UnitFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Via F. Sforza, 35-20122 Milan, ItalyDepartment of Pathophysiology and TransplantationUniversity of Milan, Milan, ItalySection of Microbiology and Medical GeneticsDepartment of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, ItalyLaboratory of Medical Cytogenetics and Molecular GeneticsIstituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, ItalyDepartment of Clinical Sciences and Community HealthUniversity of Milan, Milan, ItalyLaboratory of Clinical Chemistry and MicrobiologyFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Milan, ItalyDivision of PathologyFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Milan, ItalyDepartments of BiomedicalSurgical and Dental SciencesMedical Biotechnology and Translational MedicineUniversity of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Ferrero
- Endocrine UnitFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Via F. Sforza, 35-20122 Milan, ItalyDepartment of Pathophysiology and TransplantationUniversity of Milan, Milan, ItalySection of Microbiology and Medical GeneticsDepartment of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, ItalyLaboratory of Medical Cytogenetics and Molecular GeneticsIstituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, ItalyDepartment of Clinical Sciences and Community HealthUniversity of Milan, Milan, ItalyLaboratory of Clinical Chemistry and MicrobiologyFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Milan, ItalyDivision of PathologyFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Milan, ItalyDepartments of BiomedicalSurgical and Dental SciencesMedical Biotechnology and Translational MedicineUniversity of Milan, Milan, Italy Endocrine UnitFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Via F. Sforza, 35-20122 Milan, ItalyDepartment of Pathophysiology and TransplantationUniversity of Milan, Milan, ItalySection of Microbiology and Medical GeneticsDepartment of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, ItalyLaboratory of Medical Cytogenetics and Molecular GeneticsIstituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, ItalyDepartment of Clinical Sciences and Community HealthUniversity of Milan, Milan, ItalyLaboratory of Clinical Chemistry and MicrobiologyFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Milan, ItalyDivision of PathologyFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Milan, ItalyDepartments of BiomedicalSurgical and Dental SciencesMedical Biotechnology and Translational MedicineUniversity of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Palma Finelli
- Endocrine UnitFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Via F. Sforza, 35-20122 Milan, ItalyDepartment of Pathophysiology and TransplantationUniversity of Milan, Milan, ItalySection of Microbiology and Medical GeneticsDepartment of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, ItalyLaboratory of Medical Cytogenetics and Molecular GeneticsIstituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, ItalyDepartment of Clinical Sciences and Community HealthUniversity of Milan, Milan, ItalyLaboratory of Clinical Chemistry and MicrobiologyFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Milan, ItalyDivision of PathologyFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Milan, ItalyDepartments of BiomedicalSurgical and Dental SciencesMedical Biotechnology and Translational MedicineUniversity of Milan, Milan, Italy Endocrine UnitFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Via F. Sforza, 35-20122 Milan, ItalyDepartment of Pathophysiology and TransplantationUniversity of Milan, Milan, ItalySection of Microbiology and Medical GeneticsDepartment of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, ItalyLaboratory of Medical Cytogenetics and Molecular GeneticsIstituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, ItalyDepartment of Clinical Sciences and Community HealthUniversity of Milan, Milan, ItalyLaboratory of Clinical Chemistry and MicrobiologyFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Milan, ItalyDivision of PathologyFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Milan, ItalyDepartments of BiomedicalSurgical and Dental SciencesMedical Biotechnology and Translational MedicineUniversity of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Fugazzola
- Endocrine UnitFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Via F. Sforza, 35-20122 Milan, ItalyDepartment of Pathophysiology and TransplantationUniversity of Milan, Milan, ItalySection of Microbiology and Medical GeneticsDepartment of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, ItalyLaboratory of Medical Cytogenetics and Molecular GeneticsIstituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, ItalyDepartment of Clinical Sciences and Community HealthUniversity of Milan, Milan, ItalyLaboratory of Clinical Chemistry and MicrobiologyFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Milan, ItalyDivision of PathologyFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Milan, ItalyDepartments of BiomedicalSurgical and Dental SciencesMedical Biotechnology and Translational MedicineUniversity of Milan, Milan, Italy Endocrine UnitFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Via F. Sforza, 35-20122 Milan, ItalyDepartment of Pathophysiology and TransplantationUniversity of Milan, Milan, ItalySection of Microbiology and Medical GeneticsDepartment of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, ItalyLaboratory of Medical Cytogenetics and Molecular GeneticsIstituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, ItalyDepartment of Clinical Sciences and Community HealthUniversity of Milan, Milan, ItalyLaboratory of Clinical Chemistry and MicrobiologyFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Milan, ItalyDivision of PathologyFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Milan, ItalyDepartments of BiomedicalSurgical and Dental SciencesMedical Biotechnology and Translational MedicineUniversity of Milan, Milan, Italy
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11
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Bryan JN. Fetal Microchimerism in Cancer Protection and Promotion: Current Understanding in Dogs and the Implications for Human Health. AAPS JOURNAL 2015; 17:506-12. [PMID: 25693490 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-015-9731-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2014] [Accepted: 02/02/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Fetal microchimerism is the co-existence of small numbers of cells from genetically distinct individuals living within a mother's body following pregnancy. During pregnancy, bi-directional exchange of cells occurs resulting in maternal microchimerism and even sibling microchimerism in offspring. The presence of fetal microchimerism has been identified with lower frequency in patients with cancers such as breast and lymphoma and with higher frequency in patients with colon cancer and autoimmune diseases. Microchimeric cells have been identified in healing and healed tissues as well as normal and tumor tissues. This has led to the hypothesis that fetal microchimerism may play a protective role in some cancers and may provoke other cancers or autoimmune disease. The long periods of risk for these diseases make it a challenge to prospectively study this phenomenon in human populations. Dogs get similar cancers as humans, share our homes and environmental exposures, and live compressed life-spans, allowing easier prospective study of disease development. This review describes the current state of understanding of fetal microchimerism in humans and dogs and highlights the similarities of the common cancers mammary carcinoma, lymphoma, and colon cancer between the two species. Study of fetal microchimerism in dogs might hold the key to characterization of the type and function of microchimeric cells and their role in health and disease. Such an understanding could then be applied to preventing and treating disease in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey N Bryan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri-Columbia, 900 E. Campus Drive, Columbia, Missouri, 65211, United States of America,
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12
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Maternal-fetal cellular trafficking (MFCT) is the bidirectional passage of cells between mother and fetus during pregnancy. This results in the presence of fetal cells in the maternal circulation, known as fetal microchimerism, and maternal cells in the fetal circulation, known as maternal microchimerism. The biologic role of this transplacental cellular trafficking during pregnancy is not known, although it has been implicated in development of the fetal immune system, tolerance mechanisms during pregnancy, tissue repair in autoimmune disease and cancer, and immune surveillance. RECENT FINDINGS Clinical utility of MFCT has been identified in prenatal testing for aneuploidies and prediction of pregnancy complications. Additionally, this transplacental passage of cells has been implicated in the delicate balance between immunologic priming and tolerance, which can influence the occurrence of autoimmune disease and transplantation outcomes. Ongoing studies are evaluating the utility of microchimerism in predicting the risk of graft rejection in transplantation. SUMMARY In this review, we will discuss the clinical implications of MFCT in pregnancy, fetal surgery, autoimmune disease, transplantation, and cancer.
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Vogelgesang A, Scapin C, Barone C, Tam E, Blumental Perry A, Dammann CEL. Cigarette smoke exposure during pregnancy alters fetomaternal cell trafficking leading to retention of microchimeric cells in the maternal lung. PLoS One 2014; 9:e88285. [PMID: 24832066 PMCID: PMC4022454 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0088285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2013] [Accepted: 01/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Cigarette smoke exposure causes chronic oxidative lung damage. During pregnancy, fetal microchimeric cells traffic to the mother. Their numbers are increased at the site of acute injury. We hypothesized that milder chronic diffuse smoke injury would attract fetal cells to maternal lungs. We used a green-fluorescent-protein (GFP) mouse model to study the effects of cigarette smoke exposure on fetomaternal cell trafficking. Wild-type female mice were exposed to cigarette smoke for about 4 weeks and bred with homozygote GFP males. Cigarette smoke exposure continued until lungs were harvested and analyzed. Exposure to cigarette smoke led to macrophage accumulation in the maternal lung and significantly lower fetal weights. Cigarette smoke exposure influenced fetomaternal cell trafficking. It was associated with retention of GFP-positive fetal cells in the maternal lung and a significant reduction of fetal cells in maternal livers at gestational day 18, when fetomaternal cell trafficking peaks in the mouse model. Cells quickly clear postpartum, leaving only a few, difficult to detect, persisting microchimeric cells behind. In our study, we confirmed the postpartum clearance of cells in the maternal lungs, with no significant difference in both groups. We conclude that in the mouse model, cigarette smoke exposure during pregnancy leads to a retention of fetal microchimeric cells in the maternal lung, the site of injury. Further studies will be needed to elucidate the effect of cigarette smoke exposure on the phenotypic characteristics and function of these fetal microchimeric cells, and confirm its course in cigarette smoke exposure in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Vogelgesang
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Hanover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Cristina Scapin
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Genetic and Cellular Biology Division, Dibit. San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Caroline Barone
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Elaine Tam
- Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Anna Blumental Perry
- Department of Surgery, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer School of Medicine and Department of Laboratory Oncology Research, Anderson Cancer Institute, Memorial University Medical Center, Savannah, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Christiane E. L. Dammann
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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14
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Kumar SR, Hansen SA, Axiak-Bechtel SM, Bryan JN. The health effects of fetal microchimerism can be modeled in companion dogs. CHIMERISM 2013; 4:139-41. [PMID: 24080551 DOI: 10.4161/chim.26509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Fetal microchimerism (FMC) has been described to have a range of effects on health and disease. Y-chromosomal DNA has been detected in Golden Retrievers suggesting persistent FMC. In that report, nine dogs had evidence of microchimerism without prior pregnancy. To further understand this finding, a dam with prior male live births giving birth to her fourth litter of puppies, all females, was evaluated for FMC along with two of her daughters. All three female dogs had evidence of Y-chromosomal DNA in their blood. This suggests that male cells carried by the dam from previous pregnancy trafficked to her daughters to establish microchimerism in younger siblings. Companion dogs share many of the same cancers as humans, have out-bred genetics, and share the human environment, making them optimal models of human disease. Understanding the impact of FMC on health and disease of dogs could elucidate mechanisms useful for clinical interventions in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Senthil R Kumar
- Comparative Oncology and Epigenetics Laboratory; Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery; University of Missouri; Columbia, MO USA; Harry S. Truman Veterans Hospital; Columbia, MO USA
| | - Sarah A Hansen
- Comparative Oncology and Epigenetics Laboratory; Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery; University of Missouri; Columbia, MO USA
| | - Sandra M Axiak-Bechtel
- Comparative Oncology and Epigenetics Laboratory; Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery; University of Missouri; Columbia, MO USA
| | - Jeffrey N Bryan
- Comparative Oncology and Epigenetics Laboratory; Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery; University of Missouri; Columbia, MO USA
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15
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Lepez T, Vandewoestyne M, Deforce D. Fetal microchimeric cells in blood and thyroid glands of women with an autoimmune thyroid disease. CHIMERISM 2013; 3:21-3. [PMID: 22690269 PMCID: PMC3370926 DOI: 10.4161/chim.19615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Persistence of fetal microchimeric cells may result in the development of autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD) such as Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) or Graves disease (GD). In women, HT and GD show an increased incidence in the years following parturition. Although fetal cells have already been shown to be more common in the thyroid glands of patients with an AITD compared with controls, these cells haven’t been described in blood of these patients. Our study detected fetal cells in blood of all patients with an AITD. Moreover, fetal cells were immune cells potentially capable of initiating a graft vs. host reaction and suggest a potential role of these cells in the pathogenesis of AITD. Our study indicates the value and need for further research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trees Lepez
- Laboratory for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ghent University, Belgium
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16
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Lepez T, Vandewoestyne M, Deforce D. Fetal microchimeric cells in autoimmune thyroid diseases: harmful, beneficial or innocent for the thyroid gland? CHIMERISM 2013; 4:111-8. [PMID: 23723083 PMCID: PMC3921191 DOI: 10.4161/chim.25055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD) show a female predominance, with an increased incidence in the years following parturition. Fetal microchimerism has been suggested to play a role in the pathogenesis of AITD. However, only the presence of fetal microchimeric cells in blood and in the thyroid gland of these patients has been proven, but not an actual active role in AITD. Is fetal microchimerism harmful for the thyroid gland by initiating a Graft versus Host reaction (GvHR) or being the target of a Host versus Graft reaction (HvGR)? Is fetal microchimerism beneficial for the thyroid gland by being a part of tissue repair or are fetal cells just innocent bystanders in the process of autoimmunity? This review explores every hypothesis concerning the role of fetal microchimerism in AITD.
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17
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Bloch EM, Jackman RP, Lee TH, Busch MP. Transfusion-associated microchimerism: the hybrid within. Transfus Med Rev 2013; 27:10-20. [PMID: 23102759 PMCID: PMC3518667 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmrv.2012.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2012] [Revised: 08/17/2012] [Accepted: 08/21/2012] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Microchimerism, the coexistence of genetically disparate populations of cells in a receptive host, is well described in both clinical and physiological settings, including transplantation and pregnancy. Microchimerism can also occur after allogeneic blood transfusion in traumatically injured patients, where donor cells have been observed decades after transfusion. To date, transfusion-associated microchimerism (TA-MC) appears confined to this clinical subset, most likely due to the immune perturbations that occur after severe trauma that allow foreign donor cells to survive. Transfusion-associated microchimerism appears to be unaffected by leukoreduction and has been documented after transfusion with an array of blood products. The only significant predictor of TA-MC to date is the age of red cells, with fresher units associated with higher risk. Thus far, no adverse clinical effect has been observed in limited studies of TA-MC. There are, however, hypothesized links to transfusion-associated graft vs host disease that may be unrecognized and consequently underreported. Microchimerism in other settings has gained increasing attention owing to a plausible link to autoimmune diseases, as well as its diagnostic and therapeutic potential vis-a-vis antenatal testing and adoptive immunotherapy, respectively. Furthermore, microchimerism provides a tool to further our understanding of immune tolerance and regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan M Bloch
- Blood Systems Research Institute, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA.
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18
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Płoski R, Szymański K, Bednarczuk T. The genetic basis of graves' disease. Curr Genomics 2012; 12:542-63. [PMID: 22654555 PMCID: PMC3271308 DOI: 10.2174/138920211798120772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2011] [Revised: 08/05/2011] [Accepted: 08/15/2011] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The presented comprehensive review of current knowledge about genetic factors predisposing to Graves’ disease (GD) put emphasis on functional significance of observed associations. In particular, we discuss recent efforts aimed at refining diseases associations found within the HLA complex and implicating HLA class I as well as HLA-DPB1 loci. We summarize data regarding non-HLA genes such as PTPN22, CTLA4, CD40, TSHR and TG which have been extensively studied in respect to their role in GD. We review recent findings implicating variants of FCRL3 (gene for FC receptor-like-3 protein), SCGB3A2 (gene for secretory uteroglobin-related protein 1- UGRP1) as well as other unverified possible candidate genes for GD selected through their documented association with type 1 diabetes mellitus: Tenr–IL2–IL21, CAPSL (encoding calcyphosine-like protein), IFIH1(gene for interferon-induced helicase C domain 1), AFF3, CD226 and PTPN2. We also review reports on association of skewed X chromosome inactivation and fetal microchimerism with GD. Finally we discuss issues of genotype-phenotype correlations in GD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafał Płoski
- Department of Medical Genetics, Centre for Biostructure, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
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19
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Torres B, Stoffel TJ, Oro D, Rossi EM, de Miranda GB, Houenou LJ, Trott A. Early non-invasive fetal RHD genotyping and sex determination by conventional and multiplex PCR performing a rapid and low-cost cell-free fetal DNA extraction method. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2012; 165:370. [PMID: 22884588 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2012.07.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2012] [Revised: 07/05/2012] [Accepted: 07/25/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Abstract
Microchimerism is the presence of cells from one individual in another genetically distinct individual. Pregnancy is the main cause of natural microchimerism through transplacental bidirectional cell trafficking between mother and fetus. The consequences of pregnancy-related microchimerism are under active investigation. However, many authors have suggested a close relationship linking fetal microchimerism and the development of autoimmune diseases. It has been more than ten years now since the demonstration of the presence of a significant high number of fetal microchimeric cells residing in thyroid glands from operated patients with Graves' disease. This intrathyroidal fetal microchimerism is an attractive candidate mechanism for the modulation of Graves' disease in pregnancy and the postpartum period.
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21
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Lepez T, Vandewoestyne M, Hussain S, Van Nieuwerburgh F, Poppe K, Velkeniers B, Kaufman JM, Deforce D. Fetal microchimeric cells in blood of women with an autoimmune thyroid disease. PLoS One 2011; 6:e29646. [PMID: 22216337 PMCID: PMC3246474 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0029646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2011] [Accepted: 12/02/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Context Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) and Graves' disease (GD), two autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD), occur more frequently in women than in men and show an increased incidence in the years following parturition. Persisting fetal cells could play a role in the development of these diseases. Objective Aim of this study was to detect and characterize fetal cells in blood of postpartum women with and without an AITD. Participants Eleven patients with an AITD and ten healthy volunteers, all given birth to a son maximum 5 years before analysis, and three women who never had been pregnant, were included. None of them had any other disease of the thyroid which could interfere with the results obtained. Methods Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and repeated FISH were used to count the number of male fetal cells. Furthermore, the fetal cells were further characterized. Results In patients with HT, 7 to 11 fetal cells per 1.000.000 maternal cells were detected, compared to 14 to 29 fetal cells in patients with GD (p = 0,0061). In patients with HT, mainly fetal CD8+ T cells were found, while in patients with GD, fetal B and CD4+ T cells were detected. In healthy volunteers with son, 0 to 5 fetal cells were observed, which was significantly less than the number observed in patients (p<0,05). In women who never had been pregnant, no male cells were detected. Conclusion This study shows a clear association between fetal microchimeric cells and autoimmune thyroid diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trees Lepez
- Laboratory for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Mado Vandewoestyne
- Laboratory for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Shahid Hussain
- Laboratory for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Kris Poppe
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital of Brussels (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Brigitte Velkeniers
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital of Brussels (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jean-Marc Kaufman
- Department of Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dieter Deforce
- Laboratory for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- * E-mail:
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Zaletel K, Gaberšček S. Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: From Genes to the Disease. Curr Genomics 2011; 12:576-88. [PMID: 22654557 PMCID: PMC3271310 DOI: 10.2174/138920211798120763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2011] [Revised: 08/27/2011] [Accepted: 08/30/2011] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is the most prevalent autoimmune thyroid disorder. Intrathyroidal lymphocytic infiltration is followed by a gradual destruction of the thyroid gland which may lead to subclinical or overt hypothyroidism. Biochemical markers of the disease are thyroid peroxidase and/or thyroglobulin autoantibodies in the serum which are present with a higher prevalence in females than in males and increase with age. Although exact mechanisms of aetiology and pathogenesis of the disorder are not completely understood, a strong genetic susceptibility to the disease has been confirmed predominantly by family and twin studies. Several genes were shown to be associated with the disease occurrence, progression, and severity. Genes for human leukocyte antigen, cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4, protein tyrosine phosphatase nonreceptor-type 22, thyroglobulin, vitamin D receptor, and cytokines are considered to be of utmost importance. Amongst endogenous factors for the disease development, the attention is focused predominantly on female sex, pregnancy with postpartum period and fetal microchimerism. Environmental factors influencing HT development are iodine intake, drugs, infections and different chemicals. Disturbed self-tolerance accompanied by the increased antigen presentation is a prerequisite for the HT occurrence, whereas proper interaction of thyroid cells, antigen presenting cells, and T cells are necessary for the initiation of thyroid autoimmunity. Secreted cytokines lead predominantly to T-helper type 1 (Th1) response as well as to Th 17 response which has only recently been implicated. Final outcome of HT is thyroid destruction which is mostly a consequence of the apoptotic processes combined with T-cell mediated cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Simona Gaberšček
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Greer LG, Casey BM, Halvorson LM, Spong CY, McIntire DD, Cunningham FG. Antithyroid antibodies and parity: further evidence for microchimerism in autoimmune thyroid disease. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2011; 205:471.e1-4. [PMID: 21944225 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2011.06.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2010] [Revised: 03/25/2011] [Accepted: 06/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Fetal microchimerism may have a role in development of autoimmune thyroid disorders. Using parity as a surrogate for increasing fetal cell exposure, we analyzed its association with thyroid peroxidase antibody levels. STUDY DESIGN Secondary analysis of serum thyroid analytes determined in 17,298 women from a population-based prospective study between 2001 and 2003. Sera were assayed for thyrotropin, free thyroxine, and antithyroid peroxidase antibodies. We analyzed the relationship between thyroid peroxidase antibodies and increasing parity. RESULTS The incidence of abnormally elevated thyroid peroxidase antibody levels (>50 IU/mL) increased with advancing parity, but was not significant after adjustment for maternal characteristics. However, at higher thyroid peroxidase antibody levels (>500 IU/mL), a significant relationship with advancing parity persisted after adjustments (P = .002). CONCLUSION Advancing parity is associated with an increased risk for high serum concentrations of antithyroid peroxidase antibodies. This suggests fetal microchimerism may play a role in development of autoimmune thyroid disorders.
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Boyon C, Collinet P, Boulanger L, Rubod C, Lucot JP, Vinatier D. Fetal microchimerism: benevolence or malevolence for the mother? Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2011; 158:148-52. [PMID: 21664033 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2011.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2011] [Revised: 05/04/2011] [Accepted: 05/10/2011] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
For a long time, the conventional view was that the fetus and maternal vascular system are kept separate. In fact there is a two way traffic of cells through the placenta and the transplacental passage of cells is in fact the norm. The fetal cells can persist in a wide range of woman's tissues following a pregnancy or an abortion and she becomes a chimera. Fetal cells have been found in the maternal circulation and they were shown to persist for the entire life in humans, thus demonstrating long-term engraftment and survival capabilities. Microchimerism is a subject of much interest for a number of reasons. Studies of fetal microchimerism during pregnancy may offer explanations for complications of pregnancy, such as preeclampsia, as well as insights into the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases which usually ameliorate during pregnancy. The impact of the persistence of allogenic cells of fetal origin and of the maternal immunological response to them on the mother's health is still not clear. On the beneficial side, it has been proposed that genetically disparate fetal microchimerism provides protection against some cancers, that fetal microchimerism can afford the mother new mechanisms of protection to some diseases, that fetal microchimerism can enlarge the immunological repertoire of the mother improving her defense against aggressor. Fetal cells are often present at sites of maternal injury and may have an active role in the repair of maternal tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Boyon
- Université Nord de France, Laboratoire de Spectrométrie de Masse Biologique Fondamentale et Appliquée, EA 4550, Université Lille 1, Lille, F-59650 Villeneuve d'Ascq, Service de chirurgie gynécologique, CHU Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
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Immune recognition of transplacentally acquired lymphoid allografts selects for increased major histocompatibility polymorphism. Med Hypotheses 2011; 77:323-5. [PMID: 21605938 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2011.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2010] [Accepted: 05/02/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The extreme polymorphism of mammalian major histocompatibility (MHC) Class I and Class II alleles has been attributed to inbreeding avoidance, heterozygote advantage and pathogen driven selection for rare MHC alleles. However, MHC alleles can be classified into a limited number of allele supertypes based on the specificity of their peptide binding grooves (about 10 supertypes in the case of human MHC Class I alleles). The paradox is that if antigen presentation can be accomplished by a limited number of binding groove motifs, why are these loci so polymorphic? An unexplored driver of this complexity may be selection pressure to enhance the antigenicity and immune recognition of transplacentally acquired lymphoid allografts during pregnancy. The exchange of lymphoid cells between mother and fetus probably occurs in all pregnancies and may lead to fetal and/or maternal lymphoid microchimerism, a known cause of autoimmune disease. Natural selection may have favoured increased polymorphism at MHC Class I and Class II loci in order to improve immune surveillance of these cells and thereby reduce the incidence of maternal and fetal autoimmune disease. At the same time, selection may have favoured the retention of a limited set of allele supertypes which optimally present immunodominant antigens.
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Knippen MA. Microchimerism: sharing genes in illness and in health. ISRN NURSING 2011; 2011:893819. [PMID: 21994897 PMCID: PMC3169192 DOI: 10.5402/2011/893819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2011] [Accepted: 02/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Microchimerism is
defined as the presence of two genetically
distinct cell populations in the same
individual. It can arise from several causes
including the bidirectional transfer of cells
between mother and fetus during pregnancy, twin-to-twin transfer in utero, from organ
transplantation, and blood transfusion.
Recently, scientists have found male fetal cells
from decades earlier imbedded in tissues and
organs of some women with autoimmune diseases.
The significance of these findings as they
relate to real or potential health implications
in autoimmune diseases, graft-versus-host
reactions, and transfusion complications is
discussed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureen A Knippen
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, 5515 Security Lane, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
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Boyon C, Collinet P, Boulanger L, Vinatier D. Microchimérisme fœtal : un bien ou un mal pour le fœtus et sa mère ? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 39:224-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gyobfe.2011.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2010] [Accepted: 12/16/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Kennedy RL, Malabu UH, Jarrod G, Nigam P, Kannan K, Rane A. Thyroid function and pregnancy: before, during and beyond. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2011; 30:774-83. [PMID: 21126112 DOI: 10.3109/01443615.2010.517331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Thyroid disturbances are common in women during the reproductive years of their lives. Autoimmunity and altered iodine status together account for a high proportion of the abnormalities. Autoimmune thyroid disease is present in around 4% of young females, and up to 15% are at risk because they are thyroid antibody-positive. There is a strong relationship between thyroid immunity on the one hand and infertility, miscarriage, and thyroid disturbances in pregnancy and postpartum on the other hand. Suboptimal iodine status affects a large proportion of the world's population, and pregnancy further depletes iodine stores. There is controversy surrounding the degree to which iodine should be supplemented and the duration of supplementation. Recent studies have helped to clarify the relationship between maternal thyroid status and neuropsychological development of the child. The role of other environmental factors including smoking and selenium status is also now recognised. Universal screening for thyroid hormone abnormalities is not routinely recommended at present. However, measurement of thyroid function and autoantibodies should certainly be considered in those who are at high risk of thyroid disease and in those whose pregnancy is otherwise high risk. The practicing clinician needs to be aware of the thyroid changes which accompany pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- R L Kennedy
- James Cook University School of Medicine, Queensland, Australia.
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Boyon C, Vinatier D. [Fetal microchimerism: self and non-self, finally who are we?]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 40:387-98. [PMID: 21354718 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgyn.2011.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2010] [Revised: 01/22/2011] [Accepted: 01/26/2011] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
For a long time, the conventional view was that the fetus and maternal vascular system are kept separate. In fact there is a two-way traffic of immune cells through the placenta and the transplacental passage of cells is in fact the norm. The fetal cells can persist in a wide range of woman's tissue following a pregnancy or an abortion and she becomes a chimera. Fetal cells have been found in the maternal circulation and they were shown to persist for almost three decades in humans, thus demonstrating long-term engraftment and survival capabilities. Microchimerism is a subject of much interest for a number of reasons. Studies of fetal microchimerism during pregnancy may offer explanations for complications of pregnancy, such as preeclampsia, as well as insights into the pathogenesis of autoimmune disease which usually ameliorates during pregnancy. The impact that the persistence of allogenic cells of fetal origin and the maternal immunological response to them has on the mother's health and whether it is detrimental or beneficial to the mother is still not clear. Although microchimerism has been implicated in some autoimmune diseases, fetal microchimerism is common in healthy individuals. On the beneficial side, it has been proposed that genetically disparate fetal microchimerism provides protection against some cancers, that fetal microchimerism can afford the mother new alleles of protection to some diseases she has not, that fetal microchimerism can enlarge the immunological repertoire of the mother improving her defense against aggressor. Fetal cells are often present at sites of maternal injury and may have an active role in the repair of maternal tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Boyon
- FRE 3249 CNRS, cité scientifique, université Lille 1, Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
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Abstract
Fetal cell microchimerism is defined as the persistence of fetal cells in the mother after birth without any apparent rejection. Fetal microchimeric cells (FMCs) engraft into the maternal bone marrow for decades after delivery and are able to migrate to blood and tissues. This phenomenon was hypothesized to have a detrimental role in autoimmune diseases, but data are still controversial and debated. In malignant tumors, fetal cell microchimerism has been postulated to have a positive effect on tumor burden, although some evidence suggests that FMCs may be involved in neoplastic progression. At the peripheral level, circulating FMCs are less frequently detected in patients with thyroid cancer, breast cancer or other solid, hematologic malignancies than in healthy individuals, which suggests a protective role for fetal cell microchimerism. In tissues, FMCs have been found in tumor sections from malignancies such as thyroid, breast, cervix, lung cancers and melanomas and have been shown to differentiate into epithelial, hematopoietic, endothelial and mesenchymal cells. FMCs with hematopoietic differentiation have been postulated to have a role in destroying the tumor, whereas mesenchymal and epithelial cells could participate in repair processes. Endothelial cells, on the other hand, are believed to play a part in tumor progression. This Review provides an overview of the role of fetal cell microchimerism in autoimmune and benign or malignant nonautoimmune diseases. Moreover, the mechanisms by which fetal cell microchimerism is believed to modulate the protection against cancer or tumor progression will be discussed, together with future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Fugazzola
- Endocrine Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy.
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31
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Samura O. [Fetal microchimerism and autoimmune disease]. NIHON RINSHO MEN'EKI GAKKAI KAISHI = JAPANESE JOURNAL OF CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY 2011; 33:293-303. [PMID: 21212581 DOI: 10.2177/jsci.33.293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Microchimerism is defined by the presence of circulating cells, bi-directionally transferred from one genetically distinct individual to another. The acquisition and persistence of fetal cell microchimerism, small numbers of genetically disparate cells from the fetus in the mother, is now a well-recognized consequence of normal pregnancy. Some of the autoimmune diseases that show a predilection for women in their child-bearing years and beyond are linked to fetal microchimerism from previous pregnancies. Microchimerism has been investigated in different autoimmune disorders, such as systemic sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, autoimmune thyroid diseases, and primary biliary cirrhosis. Recent data have demonstrated the promising role of microchimeric cells in the maternal response to tissue injuries by differentiating into many lineages. Therefore, further understanding of fetal-maternal microchimerism may help in anticipating its implications in disease as well as in more general women's health issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osamu Samura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NHO Kure Medical Center and Chugoku Cancer Center, Kure, Japan
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Groër MW, Manion M, Szekeres C, El-Badri NS. Fetal microchimerism and women's health: a new paradigm. Biol Res Nurs 2010; 13:346-50. [PMID: 21112916 DOI: 10.1177/1099800410385840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Pregnancy is associated with transfer of maternal cells to the fetus and fetal cells to the mother. In both cases, the transferred cells are described as microchimeric. Fetal microchimeric cells include semi-allogeneic stem cells, which are few in number and are capable of long-term survival in the "foreign" host. They are recognized by the maternal immune system but not rejected or attacked. These cells appear to survive and even thrive for years in a mother's body, perhaps for her lifetime. Previously regarded as potentially dangerous interlopers that might propagate autoimmune and even malignant disease, fetal microchimeric cells are now increasingly being recognized and analyzed for their healing, reparative, and perhaps regenerative roles. Fetal microchimerism (MC) may make significant and previously unknown positive contributions to women's health, longevity, and risk of disease. This article reviews the history, major discoveries, and current concepts and gaps in knowledge in the field of fetal MC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureen W Groër
- College of Nursing, University of South Florida, 12910 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
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Sgarbi JA, Kasamatsu TS, Matsumura LK, Maciel RMB. Parity is not related to autoimmune thyroid disease in a population-based study of Japanese-Brazilians. Thyroid 2010; 20:1151-6. [PMID: 20883173 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2009.0424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been suggested that the female preponderance for autoimmune thyroid disease might be associated with hormonal differences, abortion, and fetal microchimerism. Findings emerging from the few epidemiological studies on this matter, however, are controversial. In this study, we investigated the hypothesis whether parity, abortion, and the use of estrogens are associated with a higher risk for thyroid autoimmunity. METHODS This cross-sectional population-based study examined 675 women from a Japanese-Brazilian population aged above 30 years. Thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAbs), thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAbs), thyrotropin, and free T₄ were measured by immunofluorimetric assays. Urinary iodine concentration was measured using a colorimetric method. Data were analyzed in logistical regression models to obtain the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS TPOAbs and TgAbs were present in 11.6% and 13.6% of women, respectively. After adjustment for age, smoking, and urinary iodine concentration, the OR for positive TPOAb (OR, 1.22 [95% confidence interval, 0.73–2.02]) and for positive TgAb (OR, 1.01 [0.63–1.62]) among women who had one or more parities did not differ from those who had never given birth. In addition, we found no association between the presence of thyroid antibodies and previous abortions or the use of estrogens. CONCLUSIONS Parity, abortion, and the use of estrogens are not associated with thyroid autoimmunity in this population. These findings reinforce previous reports that advocated against a key role of fetal microchimerism in the pathogenesis of autoimmune thyroid disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- José A Sgarbi
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology, Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Federal University of São Paulo, Rua Pedro de Toledo 669, São Paulo, Brazil
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Gammill HS, Nelson JL. Naturally acquired microchimerism. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2010; 54:531-43. [PMID: 19924635 DOI: 10.1387/ijdb.082767hg] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Bi-directional transplacental trafficking occurs routinely during the course of normal pregnancy, from fetus to mother and from mother to fetus. In addition to a variety of cell-free substances, it is now well recognized that some cells are also exchanged. Microchimerism refers to a small number of cells (or DNA) harbored by one individual that originated in a genetically different individual. While microchimerism can be the result of iatrogenic interventions such as transplantation or transfusion, by far the most common source is naturally acquired microchimerism from maternal-fetal trafficking during pregnancy. Microchimerism is a subject of much current interest for a number of reasons. During pregnancy, fetal microchimerism can be sought from the mothers blood for the purpose of prenatal diagnosis. Moreover, studies of fetal microchimerism during pregnancy may offer insight into complications of pregnancy, such as preeclampsia, as well as insights into the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis which usually ameliorates during pregnancy. Furthermore, it is now known that microchimerism persists decades later, both fetal microchimerism in women who have been pregnant and maternal microchimerism in her progeny. Investigation of the long-term consequences of fetal and maternal microchimerism is another exciting frontier of active study, with initial results pointing both to adverse and beneficial effects. This review will provide an overview of microchimerism during pregnancy and of current knowledge regarding long-term effects of naturally acquired fetal and maternal microchimerism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilary S Gammill
- Department of Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.
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35
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Abstract
During pregnancy there is transplacental traffic of fetal cells into the maternal circulation. Remarkably, cells of fetal origin can then persist for decades in the mother and are detectable in the circulation and in a wide range of tissues. Maternal CD8 T cell responses directed against fetal antigens can also be detected following pregnancy. However, the impact that the persistence of allogenic cells of fetal origin and the maternal immune response towards them has on the mother's health remains unclear and is the subject of considerable investigation. The potentially harmful effects of fetal microchimerism include an association with autoimmune disease and recurrent miscarriage. Beneficial effects that have been explored include the contribution of persistent fetal cells to maternal tissue repair. A link between fetal microchimerism and cancer has also been proposed, with some results supporting a protective role and others, conversely, suggesting a role in tumour development. The phenomenon of fetal microchimerism thus provokes many questions and promises to offer further insights not only into the biology of pregnancy but fields such as autoimmunity, transplantation biology and oncology.
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Fugazzola L, Cirello V, Beck-Peccoz P. Fetal cell microchimerism in human cancers. Cancer Lett 2009; 287:136-41. [PMID: 19541407 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2009.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2009] [Revised: 05/14/2009] [Accepted: 05/15/2009] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The transfer of fetal cells into the maternal circulation occurs normally during pregnancy and the post-partum persistence of these cells in the maternal blood and tissues, known as fetal cell microchimerism, has been clearly demonstrated. However, the long-term consequences of this phenomenon are only beginning to be appreciated. In particular, whether microchimerism could be involved in the carcinogenetic process or whether fetal microchimeric cells could be able to differentiate in host tissues, participating in the maternal response to injury, is still matter of study. In this review, the possible role and the consequences of fetal cell microchimerism, as emerged from studies in animal models and in women with different types of cancer, will be presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Fugazzola
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Milan and Endocrine Unit, Fondazione Policlinico IRCCS, Milan, Italy.
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Parant O, Khosrotehrani K, Aractingi S. Microchimérisme postgestationnel en pathologie humaine. Presse Med 2009; 38:584-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lpm.2008.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2008] [Revised: 05/19/2008] [Accepted: 05/27/2008] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
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38
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Abstract
Chimerism in an individual refers to the coexistence of cells arising from two distinct organisms. It can arise iatrogenically via transplant or blood transfusion, and physiologically via twin to twin transfer, or from trafficking between mother and fetus during pregnancy. Many of the diseases associated with microchimerism affect the endocrine system (e.g., autoimmune thyroid disease and diabetes mellitus type 1). Microchimerism is relevant to endocrine pathology because (a) it is associated with pregnancy, a condition of complex endocrine physiology; (b) materno-fetal and feto-maternal cellular migration must involve the placenta, itself an endocrine organ; and (c) in some species, chimerism results in states of intersexuality, a condition intimately involved with endocrine physiology. Studies of feto-maternal microchimerism in the thyroid have documented the presence of fetal cells in association with Hashimoto thyroiditis, Graves' disease, thyroid adenoma, and papillary thyroid carcinoma. Studies of materno-fetal microchimerism have documented the presence of maternal cells in juvenile diabetes and other pediatric conditions. Microchimerism plays a potential role in the repair of diseased thyroid and pancreatic tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel W Rust
- Department of Pathology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
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39
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O'Donoghue K. Fetal microchimerism and maternal health during and after pregnancy. Obstet Med 2008; 1:56-64. [PMID: 27582787 DOI: 10.1258/om.2008.080008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/18/2008] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Trafficking of fetal cells into the maternal circulation begins very early in pregnancy and the effects of this cell traffic are longlasting. All types of fetal cells, including stem cells, cross the placenta during normal pregnancy to enter maternal blood, from where they may be recovered in pregnancy for the purpose of genetic prenatal diagnosis. Fetal cells can also be located in maternal tissues during and after pregnancy, and persist as microchimeric cells for decades in marrow and other organs. Although persistent fetal cells were first implicated in autoimmune disease, subsequent reports routinely found microchimeric cells in healthy tissues and in non-autoimmune disease. Parallel studies in animal and human pregnancy now suggest instead that microchimeric fetal cells play a role in the response to tissue injury. However, it is still not clear whether microchimeric fetal cells persisting in the mother are an incidental finding, are naturally pathogenic or act as reparative stem cells, and the environmental or biological stimuli that determine microchimeric cell fate are as yet undetermined. Future studies must also focus on investigating whether fetal cells create functional improvement in response to maternal injury and whether this response can be manipulated. The pregnancy-acquired low-grade chimeric state of women could have far-reaching implications, influencing recovery after injury or surgery, ageing, graft survival after transplantation, survival after cancer as well as deciding the protective effect of pregnancy against diseases later in life. Lifelong persistence of fetal cells in maternal tissues may even explain why women live longer than men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keelin O'Donoghue
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , University College Cork, Cork University Maternity Hospital , Wilton, Cork , Republic of Ireland
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40
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Adams Waldorf KM, Nelson JL. Autoimmune disease during pregnancy and the microchimerism legacy of pregnancy. Immunol Invest 2008; 37:631-44. [PMID: 18716941 DOI: 10.1080/08820130802205886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Pregnancy has both short-term effects and long-term consequences on the maternal immune system. For women who have an autoimmune disease and subsequently become pregnant, pregnancy can induce amelioration of the mother's disease, such as in rheumatoid arthritis, while exacerbating or having no effect on other autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus. That pregnancy also leaves a long-term legacy has recently become apparent by the discovery that bi-directional cell trafficking results in persistence of fetal cells in the mother and of maternal cells in her offspring for decades after birth. The long-term persistence of a small number of cells (or DNA) from a genetically disparate individual is referred to as microchimerism. While microchimerism is common in healthy individuals and is likely to have health benefits, microchimerism has been implicated in some autoimmune diseases such as systemic sclerosis. In this paper, we will first discuss short-term effects of pregnancy on women with autoimmune disease. Pregnancy-associated changes will be reviewed for selected autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and autoimmune thyroid disease. The pregnancy-induced amelioration of rheumatoid arthritis presents a window of opportunity for insights into both immunological mechanisms of fetal-maternal tolerance and pathogenic mechanisms in autoimmunity. A mechanistic hypothesis for the pregnancy-induced amelioration of rheumatoid arthritis will be described. We will then discuss the legacy of maternal-fetal cell transfer from the perspective of autoimmune diseases. Fetal and maternal microchimerism will be reviewed with a focus on systemic sclerosis (scleroderma), autoimmune thyroid disease, neonatal lupus and type I diabetes mellitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina M Adams Waldorf
- Division of Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA.
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Hromadnikova I, Zlacka D, Nguyen TTH, Sedlackova L, Zejskova L, Sosna A. Cellules fœtales mésenchymateuses dérivées de tissu synovial et de peau de patients atteints de polyarthrite rhumatoïde. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rhum.2008.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Klintschar M, Reichenpfader B, Saternus KS. A functional polymorphism in the tyrosine hydroxylase gene indicates a role of noradrenalinergic signaling in sudden infant death syndrome. J Pediatr 2008; 153:190-3. [PMID: 18534229 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2008.02.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2007] [Revised: 01/28/2008] [Accepted: 02/18/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Catecholamines may contribute to the cause of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). TH01, a tetrameric short tandem repeat marker in the tyrosine hydroxylase gene, regulates gene expression and catecholamine production. STUDY DESIGN We investigated TH01 in 172 German Caucasian SIDS cases and 390 sex- and age-matched control subjects. RESULTS The *9.3 alleles were more frequent in patients with SIDS than in control subjects (40.12% vs 31.15%; P = .006). For homozygotes the odds ratio was 1.83 (95% confidence interval: 1.09-3.05), for carriers 1.58 (1.09-2.28). Moreover, *9.3 alleles were significantly more frequent during the winter (47.73% vs 35.38% in the warmer seasons), and the frequency of *9.3 alleles varied significantly with the age at death (weeks 7 to 12: 49.04% vs 29.63% within the first 6 weeks). Other risk factors (sleeping position, gestation, smoking) had no significant impact on the frequency of *9.3. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate a relationship between SIDS and TH01 genotype, presumably caused by an impairment of breathing regulation or arousal. We propose that noradrenalinergic neuronal activity contributes to the cause of a major subset of SIDS victims. Moreover, the results further stress that SIDS is a highly heterogenic group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Klintschar
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Georg August University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
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Hromadnikova I, Zlacka D, Hien Nguyen TT, Sedlackova L, Zejskova L, Sosna A. Fetal cells of mesenchymal origin in cultures derived from synovial tissue and skin of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Joint Bone Spine 2008; 75:563-6. [PMID: 18538621 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbspin.2008.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2007] [Accepted: 02/13/2008] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The transplacental cell transfer naturally takes place during pregnancy and occurs bi-directionally between the mother and fetus. Using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay and sex determining region Y (SRY) gene as a marker, we examined the presence of male fetal cells in cell cultures derived from synovial tissues and skin dermis in women with prior pregnancy history suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who underwent synovectomy. Male DNA was detected in synovial cell samples derived from carpal, hip, metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints in five out of 13 (38.5%) patients with RA in a frequency range of 0.02-62.55 (mean 12.17) male cells per 10,000,000 total cells. SRY gene positivity was found as well in skin fibroblast cultures in four out of 10 (40.0%) RA patients in a frequency range of 3.26-43.47 (mean 15.42) male cells per 10,000,000 total cells, respectively. The difference in a frequency of fetal-derived male cells between both the cohorts did not achieve the statistical difference (p=0.77). We conclude that persisting male fetal cells are able to grow from non-inflamed tissues as well as from those which have many features characteristic of a stressed tissue. We conclude that persisting male fetal cells are also able to proliferate in cell culture since their presence was detected even in consecutive passages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilona Hromadnikova
- Department of Molecular Biology and Cell Pathology, 3rd Medical Faculty, Charles University, Ruska 87, Prague 10, Czech Republic.
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is a common cause of goitre and hypothyroidism in children and adolescents. Spontaneous remission may occur in up to 50% patients, but the development of hypothyroidism is possible. OBJECTIVE We investigated the clinical manifestations, course and long-term outcome of HT. METHOD We reviewed charts of 43 children (36 females) with HT, mean age at presentation 12.3 years, and mean follow-up duration 4.6 years. RESULTS HT is five times more common in females. The common complaints leading to referral were goitre in 19 children (44.3%), diffuse in 17 children (89.5%). As to the prevalence of goitre, it accounted for significantly more referrals in females (14 girls, and 5 boys; 73.7% vs 26.3%, t-test; p<0.005). Goitre was either isolated in 15 (34.4%) or associated with other complaints in 4 children: anemia in 7 (16.2%), fatigue in 5 (11.8%), increased appetite in 4 (9.7%), weight gain in 3 (7.0%), growth retardation in 2 children (4.7%), at irregular menses in 3 pubertal girls. Hypothyroidism was present in 18 patients (41.1%), 7 (38.8%) on initial admission, and 11 (61.8%) had the mean follow-up duration of 4.6 years. There were 25 euthyroid HT patients (59.9%). The family history of the thyroid disease was positive in 16 children (37.1%) and 12 of them (71.4%) had hypothyroidism. There were 6 patients (13.9%) in whom the disease was associated with some other autoimmune disease. CONCLUSION HT is five times more common in females. The usual complaints leading to referral were diffuse goitre, which accounted for significantly more referrals in females. A positive family history of autoimmune thyroid disease is associated with a higher risk of hypothyroidism in children with HT. Hypothyroid patients may appear in higher percentage of children and adolescents than previously reported.
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Guarneri F, Benvenga S. Environmental factors and genetic background that interact to cause autoimmune thyroid disease. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes 2007; 14:398-409. [PMID: 17940471 DOI: 10.1097/med.0b013e3282ef1c48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To provide an updated list of genetic and environmental causative factors of autoimmune thyroid disease, and report about the recent discoveries concerning their interaction in the pathogenesis of thyroid autoimmunity. RECENT FINDINGS Although significant discoveries have been made on genetic and environmental factors underlying the development of autoimmune thyroid disease, few data are available about the mechanisms by which they interact. The most interesting news in this field comes from research on molecular mimicry between microbial antigens and thyroid autoantigens. The molecular mimicry model postulates that, in predisposed subjects, a microbial antigen could trigger autoimmunity because of its structural similarity to an autoantigen of the host, and is a paradigmatic example of the multifactorial interaction of several genes and environmental factors to cause autoimmune diseases, including thyroid diseases. SUMMARY Recent findings help us to better understand the functional mechanisms of the immune system, which are still only partially known. Beyond the scientific interest, this knowledge has immediate repercussions on clinical practice because it can suggest possible therapeutic targets for new treatments, as well as better and more specific uses of currently available drugs and resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Guarneri
- Istituto di Dermatologia, Policlinico Gaetano Martino, Messina, Italy.
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Bibliography. Current world literature. Obesity and nutrition. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes 2007; 14:421-6. [PMID: 17940474 DOI: 10.1097/med.0b013e3282f0ca40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Yunis EJ, Zuniga J, Romero V, Yunis EJ. Chimerism and tetragametic chimerism in humans: implications in autoimmunity, allorecognition and tolerance. Immunol Res 2007; 38:213-36. [DOI: 10.1007/s12026-007-0013-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/1999] [Revised: 11/30/1999] [Accepted: 11/30/1999] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Bianchi DW. Robert E. Gross Lecture. Fetomaternal cell trafficking: a story that begins with prenatal diagnosis and may end with stem cell therapy. J Pediatr Surg 2007; 42:12-8. [PMID: 17208534 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2006.09.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Diana W Bianchi
- Division of Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, The Floating Hospital for Children and Tufts-New England Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111, USA.
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