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Rezayat F, Esmaeil N, Rezaei A, Sherkat R. Contradictory Effect of Lymphocyte Therapy and Prednisolone Therapy on CD3 +CD8 +CD56 + Natural Killer T Population in Women with Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion. J Hum Reprod Sci 2023; 16:246-256. [PMID: 38045499 PMCID: PMC10688285 DOI: 10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_8_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Natural killer T (NKT) cells are influential immune cells in pregnancy failures, including recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). Different approaches are used for these disorders due to their effects on maternal immunomodulation. Aims In the present study, we compared the effects of two typical immunotherapies (lymphocyte immunotherapy [LIT] and low-dose prednisolone) on CD3+CD56+CD16+ and CD3+CD56+CD8+ cells as two distinct subsets of NKT cells in Women with RSA. Settings and Design This study was a comparative cohort study conducted from 2021 to 2022. One hundred and five women with RSA were distributed into three treatment groups randomly. Materials and Methods Fifty women in the group of low-dose prednisolone therapy, fifty women in the LIT group and five women without any treatment as the control group were included in the study. NK and NKT cell subsets were assessed using flow cytometry. Furthermore, the concentration of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) was measured quantitatively using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. Statistical Analysis Used Normality and comparisons between study groups were performed by non-parametric unpaired Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test, and one-way ANOVA. Results The percentage of CD56dim NK cells was increased after prednisolone therapy, while this population significantly decreased in the LIT group. In contrast to the LIT group, the administration of prednisolone increased CD3+CD8+CD56+ NKT cells (P < 0.0001), which is helpful for pregnancy. The effect of the investigated treatment approaches on the population of peripheral CD3+CD56+CD16+ NKT cells of women with RSA was not adequately significant. The same situation was also observed regarding the serum level of IFN-γ. However, a significant decrease in serum levels of IL-10 and TGF-β was observed after prednisolone therapy. Conclusion The lower capability of LIT in changing the population of NKT cells compared to prednisolone therapy may be due to its mechanism of action, which is related to the production of blocking antibodies. These treatment approaches had different effects on NKT cells, indicating that NKT cell population and function can be affected using LIT and prednisolone therapy distinctly. In addition, prednisolone therapy and LIT in women with normal serum levels of IFN-γ have no harmful effects in changing the production of this critical cytokine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Rezayat
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Nafiseh Esmaeil
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Abbas Rezaei
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Roya Sherkat
- Immunodeficiency Diseases Research Center, Isfahan, Iran
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Meggyes M, Nagy DU, Saad Al Deen I, Parkanyi B, Szereday L. CD8+ and CD8- NKT Cells Exhibit Phenotypic Changes During Pregnancy. Immunol Invest 2023; 52:35-51. [PMID: 36102790 DOI: 10.1080/08820139.2022.2119863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND NKT cell population is a relatively well-characterized immune cell subset. Numerous publications have characterized the phenotypical features of its subpopulations even in human pregnancy. Nevertheless, there have not been studies investigating the distribution of the NKT cells based on the surface presence of the CD8 receptor. METHODS Thirty-four pregnant women from the first trimester, 30 from the second, and 36 from the third trimester of pregnancy in addition to 35 healthy non-pregnant women have been involved in the study. PBMCs were isolated from peripheral blood, CD8+ and CD8- NKT cells were then studied by flow cytometry using monoclonal antibodies. Immune checkpoint molecules and intracellular markers were also measured. RESULTS Substantial differences were revealed in the proportions of the NKT cell subpopulations in the healthy control cohort and the pregnant groups. By comparing the investigated groups, significant changes were detected in the expression levels of PD-L1, TIGIT, CD155, and NKG2D. Further associations were observed through examination of the relative expressions of TIGIT and CD226 in the CD8+ NKT subset. CONCLUSION Data suggest that the CD8+ NKT cells are under fine regulation during healthy human pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matyas Meggyes
- Medical School, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary.,Janos Szentagothai Research Centre, Pecs, Hungary
| | - David U Nagy
- Institute of Geobotany/Plant Ecology, Martin-Luther-University, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Iyad Saad Al Deen
- Medical School, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Borbala Parkanyi
- Medical School, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Laszlo Szereday
- Medical School, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary.,Janos Szentagothai Research Centre, Pecs, Hungary
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3
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Alvarez-Sanchez N, Dunn SE. Potential biological contributers to the sex difference in multiple sclerosis progression. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1175874. [PMID: 37122747 PMCID: PMC10140530 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1175874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated disease that targets the myelin sheath of central nervous system (CNS) neurons leading to axon injury, neuronal death, and neurological progression. Though women are more highly susceptible to developing MS, men that develop this disease exhibit greater cognitive impairment and accumulate disability more rapidly than women. Magnetic resonance imaging and pathology studies have revealed that the greater neurological progression seen in males correlates with chronic immune activation and increased iron accumulation at the rims of chronic white matter lesions as well as more intensive whole brain and grey matter atrophy and axon loss. Studies in humans and in animal models of MS suggest that male aged microglia do not have a higher propensity for inflammation, but may become more re-active at the rim of white matter lesions as a result of the presence of pro-inflammatory T cells, greater astrocyte activation or iron release from oligodendrocytes in the males. There is also evidence that remyelination is more efficient in aged female than aged male rodents and that male neurons are more susceptible to oxidative and nitrosative stress. Both sex chromosome complement and sex hormones contribute to these sex differences in biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuria Alvarez-Sanchez
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Immunology, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Shannon E. Dunn
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Immunology, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Shannon E. Dunn,
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4
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Wisgalla A, Ramien C, Streitz M, Schlickeiser S, Lupu AR, Diemert A, Tolosa E, Arck PC, Bellmann-Strobl J, Siebert N, Heesen C, Paul F, Friese MA, Infante-Duarte C, Gold SM. Alterations of NK Cell Phenotype During Pregnancy in Multiple Sclerosis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:907994. [PMID: 35860238 PMCID: PMC9289470 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.907994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In multiple sclerosis (MS), relapse rate is decreased by 70-80% in the third trimester of pregnancy. However, the underlying mechanisms driving this effect are poorly understood. Evidence suggests that CD56bright NK cell frequencies increase during pregnancy. Here, we analyze pregnancy-related NK cell shifts in a large longitudinal cohort of pregnant women with and without MS, and provide in-depth phenotyping of NK cells. In healthy pregnancy and pregnancy in MS, peripheral blood NK cells showed significant frequency shifts, notably an increase of CD56bright NK cells and a decrease of CD56dim NK cells toward the third trimester, indicating a general rather than an MS-specific phenomenon of pregnancy. Additional follow-ups in women with MS showed a reversal of NK cell changes postpartum. Moreover, high-dimensional profiling revealed a specific CD56bright subset with receptor expression related to cytotoxicity and cell activity (e.g., CD16+ NKp46high NKG2Dhigh NKG2Ahigh phenotype) that may drive the expansion of CD56bright NK cells during pregnancy in MS. Our data confirm that pregnancy promotes pronounced shifts of NK cells toward the regulatory CD56bright population. Although exploratory results on in-depth CD56bright phenotype need to be confirmed in larger studies, our findings suggest an increased regulatory NK activity, thereby potentially contributing to disease amelioration of MS during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Wisgalla
- Medizinische Klinik m.S. Psychosomatik, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC) and Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Caren Ramien
- Institut für Neuroimmunologie und Multiple Sklerose (INIMS), Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Mathias Streitz
- Institut für Medizinische Immunologie, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow Klinikum, Berlin, Germany
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow Klinikum, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Experimental Animal Facilities and Biorisk Management, Friedrich-Loeffler Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Stephan Schlickeiser
- Institut für Medizinische Immunologie, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow Klinikum, Berlin, Germany
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow Klinikum, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreea-Roxana Lupu
- Cantacuzino National Military Medical Institute for Research and Development, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anke Diemert
- Klinik für Geburtshilfe und Pränatalmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Eva Tolosa
- Institut für Immunologie, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Petra C. Arck
- Klinik für Geburtshilfe und Pränatalmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Judith Bellmann-Strobl
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC) and Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nadja Siebert
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC) and Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christoph Heesen
- Institut für Neuroimmunologie und Multiple Sklerose (INIMS), Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Friedemann Paul
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC) and Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Manuel A. Friese
- Institut für Neuroimmunologie und Multiple Sklerose (INIMS), Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Carmen Infante-Duarte
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC) and Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan M. Gold
- Medizinische Klinik m.S. Psychosomatik, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
- Institut für Neuroimmunologie und Multiple Sklerose (INIMS), Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
- *Correspondence: Stefan M. Gold,
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Immune Cell Contributors to the Female Sex Bias in Multiple Sclerosis and Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2022; 62:333-373. [PMID: 35467295 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2022_324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, autoimmune, demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that leads to axonal damage and accumulation of disability. Relapsing-remitting MS (RR-MS) is the most frequent presentation of MS and this form of MS is three times more prevalent in females than in males. This female bias in MS is apparent only after puberty, suggesting a role for sex hormones in this regulation; however, very little is known of the biological mechanisms that underpin the sex difference in MS onset. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is an animal model of RR-MS that presents more severely in females in certain mouse strains and thus has been useful to study sex differences in CNS autoimmunity. Here, we overview the immunopathogenesis of MS and EAE and how immune mechanisms in these diseases differ between a male and female. We further describe how females exhibit more robust myelin-specific T helper (Th) 1 immunity in MS and EAE and how this sex bias in Th cells is conveyed by sex hormone effects on the T cells, antigen presenting cells, regulatory T cells, and innate lymphoid cell populations.
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6
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Sarkesh A, Sorkhabi AD, Ahmadi H, Abdolmohammadi-Vahid S, Parhizkar F, Yousefi M, Aghebati-Maleki L. Allogeneic lymphocytes immunotherapy in female infertility: Lessons learned and the road ahead. Life Sci 2022; 299:120503. [PMID: 35381221 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The endometrium is an essential tissue in the normal immunologic dialogue between the mother and the conceptus, which is necessary for the proper establishment and maintenance of a successful pregnancy. It's become evident that the maternal immune system plays a key role in the normal pregnancy's initiation, maintenance, and termination. In this perspective, the immune system contributes to regulating all stages of pregnancy, thus immunological dysregulation is thought to be one of the major etiologies of implantation failures. Many researchers believe that immune therapies are useful tactics for improving the live births rate in certain situations. Lymphocyte immunotherapy (LIT) is an active form of immunotherapy that, when used on the relevant subgroups of patients, has been shown in multiple trials to dramatically enhance maternal immunological balance and pregnancy outcome. The primary goal of LIT is to regulate the immune system in order to create a favorable tolerogenic immune milieu and tolerance for embryo implantation. However, there are a plethora of influential factors influencing its therapeutic benefits that merit to be addressed. The objective of our study is to discuss the mechanisms and challenges of allogeneic LIT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aila Sarkesh
- Student's Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amin Daei Sorkhabi
- Student's Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hamid Ahmadi
- Department of Medical Biology and Central Electron Microscope Laboratory, Medical School, Pécs University, Pécs, Hungary
| | | | - Forough Parhizkar
- Student's Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mehdi Yousefi
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Leili Aghebati-Maleki
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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7
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Villaverde-González R. Updated Perspectives on the Challenges of Managing Multiple Sclerosis During Pregnancy. Degener Neurol Neuromuscul Dis 2022; 12:1-21. [PMID: 35023987 PMCID: PMC8743861 DOI: 10.2147/dnnd.s203406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic immune-mediated, inflammatory, and degenerative disease that is up to three times more frequent in young women. MS does not alter fertility and has no impact on fetal development, the course of pregnancy, or childbirth. The Pregnancy in Multiple Sclerosis Study in 1998 showed that pregnancy, mostly in untreated women, did not adversely affect MS, as disease activity decreased during pregnancy (although it significantly increased in the first trimester postpartum). These findings, together with the limited information available on the potential risks of fetal exposure to disease modifying treatments (DMTs), meant that women were advised to delay the onset of DMTs, stop them prior to conception, or, in case of unplanned pregnancy, discontinue them when pregnancy was confirmed. Now, many women with MS receive DMTs before pregnancy and, despite being considered a period of MS stability, up to 30% of patients could relapse in the first trimester postpartum. Factors associated with an increased risk of relapse and disability during pregnancy and postpartum include relapses before and during pregnancy, a greater disability at the time of conception, the occurrence of relapses after DMT cessation before conception, and the use of high-efficacy DMTs before conception, especially natalizumab or fingolimod. Strategies to prevent postpartum activity are needed in some patients, but consensus is lacking regarding the therapeutic strategies for women with MS of a fertile age. This, along with the increasing number of DMTs, means that the decision-making processes in aspects related to family planning and therapeutic strategies before, during, and after pregnancy are increasingly more complex. The purpose of this review is to provide an update on pregnancy-related issues in women with MS, including recommendations for counseling, general management, use of DMTs in pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, and postpartum periods, and breastfeeding-related aspects of DMTs.
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8
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NKT and NKT-like Cells in Autoimmune Neuroinflammatory Diseases-Multiple Sclerosis, Myasthenia Gravis and Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179520. [PMID: 34502425 PMCID: PMC8431671 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
NKT cells comprise three subsets—type I (invariant, iNKT), type II, and NKT-like cells, of which iNKT cells are the most studied subset. They are capable of rapid cytokine production after the initial stimulus, thus they may be important for polarisation of Th cells. Due to this, they may be an important cell subset in autoimmune diseases. In the current review, we are summarising results of NKT-oriented studies in major neurological autoimmune diseases—multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, and Guillain-Barre syndrome and their corresponding animal models.
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9
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Simionescu AA, Danciu BM, Stanescu AMA. State-of-the-Art Review of Pregnancy-Related Psoriasis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 57:medicina57080804. [PMID: 34441010 PMCID: PMC8402069 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57080804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Psoriasis is a chronic immunologic disease involving inflammation that can target internal organs, the skin, and joints. The peak incidence occurs between the age of 30 and 40 years, which overlaps with the typical reproductive period of women. Because of comorbidities that can accompany psoriasis, including metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular involvement, and major depressive disorders, the condition is a complex one. The role of hormones during pregnancy in the lesion dynamics of psoriasis is unclear, and it is important to resolve the implications of this pathology during pregnancy are. Furthermore, treating pregnant women who have psoriasis represents a challenge as most drugs generally prescribed for this pathology are contraindicated in pregnancy because of teratogenic effects. This review covers the state of the art in psoriasis associated with pregnancy. Careful pregnancy monitoring in moderate-to-severe psoriasis vulgaris is required given the high risk of related complications in pregnancy, including pregnancy-induced hypertensive disorders, low birth weight for gestational age, and gestational diabetes. Topical corticosteroids are safe during pregnancy but effective only for localised forms of psoriasis. Monoclonal antibodies targeting cytokines specifically upregulated in psoriasis, such as ustekinumab (IL-12/23 inhibitor), secukinumab (IL-17 inhibitor) can be effective for the severe form of psoriasis during pregnancy. A multidisciplinary team must choose optimal treatment, taking into account fetal and maternal risks and benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca Angela Simionescu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Filantropia Clinical Hospital, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence: (A.A.S.); (A.M.A.S.)
| | - Bianca Mihaela Danciu
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Neonatology, “Dr. Alfred Rusescu” National Institute for Maternal and Child Health, 127715 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Ana Maria Alexandra Stanescu
- Department of Family Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence: (A.A.S.); (A.M.A.S.)
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McElwain CJ, McCarthy FP, McCarthy CM. Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Maternal Immune Dysregulation: What We Know So Far. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:4261. [PMID: 33923959 PMCID: PMC8073796 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22084261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is an obstetric complication that affects approximately 5-10% of all pregnancies worldwide. GDM is defined as any degree of glucose intolerance with onset or first recognition during pregnancy, and is characterized by exaggerated insulin resistance, a condition which is already pronounced in healthy pregnancies. Maternal hyperglycaemia ensues, instigating a 'glucose stress' response and concurrent systemic inflammation. Previous findings have proposed that both placental and visceral adipose tissue play a part in instigating and mediating this low-grade inflammatory response which involves altered infiltration, differentiation and activation of maternal innate and adaptive immune cells. The resulting maternal immune dysregulation is responsible for exacerbation of the condition and a further reduction in maternal insulin sensitivity. GDM pathology results in maternal and foetal adverse outcomes such as increased susceptibility to diabetes mellitus development and foetal neurological conditions. A clearer understanding of how these pathways originate and evolve will improve therapeutic targeting. In this review, we will explore the existing findings describing maternal immunological adaption in GDM in an attempt to highlight our current understanding of GDM-mediated immune dysregulation and identify areas where further research is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colm J. McElwain
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Western Gateway Building, University College Cork, T12 XF62 Cork, Ireland;
| | - Fergus P. McCarthy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Cork University Maternity Hospital, T12 YE02 Cork, Ireland;
| | - Cathal M. McCarthy
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Western Gateway Building, University College Cork, T12 XF62 Cork, Ireland;
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Maglione A, Rolla S, Mercanti SFD, Cutrupi S, Clerico M. The Adaptive Immune System in Multiple Sclerosis: An Estrogen-Mediated Point of View. Cells 2019; 8:E1280. [PMID: 31635066 PMCID: PMC6829884 DOI: 10.3390/cells8101280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic central nervous system inflammatory disease that leads to demyelination and neurodegeneration. The third trimester of pregnancy, which is characterized by high levels of estrogens, has been shown to be associated with reduced relapse rates compared with the rates before pregnancy. These effects could be related to the anti-inflammatory properties of estrogens, which orchestrate the reshuffling of the immune system toward immunotolerance to allow for fetal growth. The action of these hormones is mediated by the transcriptional regulation activity of estrogen receptors (ERs). Estrogen levels and ER expression define a specific balance of immune cell types. In this review, we explore the role of estradiol (E2) and ERs in the adaptive immune system, with a focus on estrogen-mediated cellular, molecular, and epigenetic mechanisms related to immune tolerance and neuroprotection in MS. The epigenome dynamics of immune systems are described as key molecular mechanisms that act on the regulation of immune cell identity. This is a completely unexplored field, suggesting a future path for more extensive research on estrogen-induced coregulatory complexes and molecular circuitry as targets for therapeutics in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Maglione
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, 10043 Orbassano, Italy.
| | - Simona Rolla
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, 10043 Orbassano, Italy.
| | | | - Santina Cutrupi
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, 10043 Orbassano, Italy.
| | - Marinella Clerico
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, 10043 Orbassano, Italy.
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12
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Qiu K, He Q, Chen X, Liu H, Deng S, Lu W. Pregnancy-Related Immune Changes and Demyelinating Diseases of the Central Nervous System. Front Neurol 2019; 10:1070. [PMID: 31649614 PMCID: PMC6794637 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.01070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system comprise a heterogeneous group of autoimmune disorders characterized by myelin loss with relative sparing of axons occurring on a background of inflammation. Some of the most common demyelinating diseases are multiple sclerosis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders. Besides showing clinical, radiological, and histopathological features that complicate their diagnosis, demyelinating diseases often involve different immunological processes that produce distinct inflammatory patterns. Evidence of demyelination diseases derives mostly from animal studies of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a model that relies on direct antibody–antigen interactions induced by encephalitogenic T cells. Pregnancy is characterized by non-self-recognition, immunomodulatory changes and an altered Th1/Th2 balance, generally considered a Th2-type immunological state that protects the mother from infections. During pregnancy, the immune response of patients with autoimmune disease complicated with pregnancy is different. Immune tolerance in pregnancy may affect the course of some diseases, which may reach remission or be exacerbated. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on the immune status during pregnancy and discuss the relationship between pregnancy-related immune changes and demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Qiu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qiang He
- Department of Neurology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiqian Chen
- Department of Neurology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shuwen Deng
- Department of Neurology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wei Lu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Alroughani R, Akhtar S, Zeineddine M, El Kouzi Y, El Ayoubi NK, Ahmed SF, Behbehani R, Khoury SJ, Al-Hashel JY, Yamout BI. Risk of relapses during pregnancy among multiple sclerosis patients. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2019; 34:9-13. [PMID: 31202959 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2019.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Relapse rate in women with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is reduced during pregnancy especially in the third trimester according to the previous studies. OBJECTIVES To measure the annual relapse rate (ARR) in women with MS during pregnancy. METHODS A retrospective study was conducted using prospectively collected data from two MS registries in Kuwait and Lebanon. Demographics, clinical characteristics including relapses, disease modifying therapies (DMTs) and their washout periods were extracted. The annual relapse rates pre and post pregnancies were compared and the relationship between relapses and prior use of different DMTs was assessed. RESULTS Data of 164 pregnancies (132 MS patients) was reviewed. Mean age and disease duration at the time of pregnancy confirmation were 32.4 ± 5.3 and 7.8 ± 4.7 years respectively. Most patients (91.7%; n = 121) were on DMTs in the year prior to pregnancy. The pre-pregnancy ARR was 0.10 (95% CI: 0.04 - 0.13), which increased to 0.20 (95% CI: 0.13- 0.29) during pregnancy. Most relapses occurred either during the 1st (ARR = 0.24; 95% CI: 0.12 - 0.44) or 3rd (ARR = 0.32; 95%CI: 0.17 - 0.53) trimesters. Fingolimod (31.8%) and natalizumab (22.7%) were the most commonly prescribed DMTs in patients who sustained relapses during pregnancy. The mean washout period was significantly longer among subjects with relapses (9.3 ± 6.6 vs. 2.5 ± 3.9; p < 0.001) than those of without relapses. CONCLUSIONS Relapse rate during pregnancy was higher than previous studies conducted in patients on platform therapies or untreated. Longer washout period prior to conception was associated with increased relapses especially in fingolimod and natalizumab treated patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raed Alroughani
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Amiri Hospital, Arabian Gulf Street, Sharq 11013, Kuwait.
| | - Saeed Akhtar
- Department of Community Medicine and Behavioural Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Jabriya, Kuwait
| | - Maya Zeineddine
- Nehme and Therese Tohme Multiple Sclerosis Center, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Yehya El Kouzi
- Nehme and Therese Tohme Multiple Sclerosis Center, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nabil K El Ayoubi
- Nehme and Therese Tohme Multiple Sclerosis Center, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Samar F Ahmed
- Department of Neurology, Ibn Sina Hospital, Sabah Medical Area, Kuwait; Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Raed Behbehani
- Department of Neuro-Ophthalmology, Al-Bahar Eye Center, Sabah Medical Area, Kuwait
| | - Samia J Khoury
- Nehme and Therese Tohme Multiple Sclerosis Center, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Jasem Y Al-Hashel
- Department of Neurology, Ibn Sina Hospital, Sabah Medical Area, Kuwait; Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Jabriya, Kuwait
| | - Bassem I Yamout
- Nehme and Therese Tohme Multiple Sclerosis Center, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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McCombe PA. The Short and Long-Term Effects of Pregnancy on Multiple Sclerosis and Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis. J Clin Med 2018; 7:jcm7120494. [PMID: 30486504 PMCID: PMC6306813 DOI: 10.3390/jcm7120494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Revised: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of pregnancy in multiple sclerosis (MS) is of importance because many patients with MS are young women in the childbearing age who require information to inform their reproductive decisions. Pregnancy is now well-known to be associated with fewer relapses of MS and reduced activity of autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). However, in women with multiple sclerosis, this benefit is not always sufficient to protect against a rebound of disease activity if disease-modulating therapy is ceased for pregnancy. There is concern that use of assisted reproductive therapies can be associated with relapses of MS, but more data are required. It is thought that the beneficial effects of pregnancy are due to the pregnancy-associated changes in the maternal immune system. There is some evidence of this in human studies and studies of EAE. There is also evidence that having been pregnant leads to better long-term outcome of MS. The mechanism for this is not fully understood but it could result from epigenetic changes resulting from pregnancy or parenthood. Further studies of the mechanisms of the beneficial effects of pregnancy could provide information that might be used to produce new therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela A McCombe
- The University of Queensland, Centre for Clinical Research, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia.
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The Role of Invariant NKT in Autoimmune Liver Disease: Can Vitamin D Act as an Immunomodulator? Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018; 2018:8197937. [PMID: 30046564 PMCID: PMC6038587 DOI: 10.1155/2018/8197937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer T (NKT) cells are a distinct lineage of T cells which express both the T cell receptor (TCR) and natural killer (NK) cell markers. Invariant NKT (iNKT) cells bear an invariant TCR and recognize a small variety of glycolipid antigens presented by CD1d (nonclassical MHC-I). CD1d-restricted iNKT cells are regulators of immune responses and produce cytokines that may be proinflammatory (such as interferon-gamma (IFN-γ)) or anti-inflammatory (such as IL-4). iNKT cells also appear to play a role in B cell regulation and antibody production. Alpha-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer), a derivative of the marine sponge, is a potent stimulator of iNKT cells and has been proposed as a therapeutic iNKT cell activator. Invariant NKT cells have been implicated in the development and perpetuation of several autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Animal models of SLE have shown abnormalities in iNKT cells numbers and function, and an inverse correlation between the frequency of NKT cells and IgG levels has also been observed. The role of iNKT cells in autoimmune liver disease (AiLD) has not been extensively studied. This review discusses the current data with regard to iNKT cells function in AiLD, in addition to providing an overview of iNKT cells function in other autoimmune conditions and animal models. We also discuss data regarding the immunomodulatory effects of vitamin D on iNKT cells, which may serve as a potential therapeutic target, given that deficiencies in vitamin D have been reported in various autoimmune disorders.
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Gianchecchi E, Delfino DV, Fierabracci A. NK cells in autoimmune diseases: Linking innate and adaptive immune responses. Autoimmun Rev 2018; 17:142-154. [DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2017.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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