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Ono Y, Wada S, Ota H, Fukushi Y, Tanimura K, Yoshino O, Arase H, Yamada H. Anti-β2-glycoprotein I/HLA-DR antibody in infertility. J Reprod Immunol 2023; 158:103955. [PMID: 37253286 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2023.103955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
To evaluate whether anti-β2-Glycoprotein I/HLA-DR (anti-β2GPI/HLA-DR) antibody is associated with pathophysiology of infertility, 224 women with infertility were enrolled from July 2020 to December 2021 in this prospective study. The serum levels of anti-β2GPI/HLA-DR antibody (normal < 73.3 U) were determined in 224 women with infertility. Backgrounds, causes and clinical factors were compared between women with and without anti-β2GPI/HLA-DR antibody. Forty (17.9 %) of the 224 women tested positive for anti-β2GPI/HLA-DR antibody. The prevalence of endometriosis was higher in women with anti-β2GPI/HLA-DR antibody than in women without the antibody (32.5 %, 13/40 vs. 17.4 %, 32/184; P = 0.048). Logistic regression analyses revealed that, among clinical factors and diseases, endometriosis was associated with anti-β2GPI/HLA-DR antibody positivity in infertile women (adjusted-odds ratio [OR] 3.01, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.30-6.99; P = 0.010). Twenty-three (15.5 %) of 148 women who underwent assisted reproductive technology (ART) tested positive for anti-β2GPI/HLA-DR antibody. The prevalence of recurrent implantation failure (RIF) defined as three or more implantation failures following in vitro fertilization and embryo transfers was higher in women with ART who tested positive for the antibody (43.5 %, 10/23) than in women with ART who tested negative (20.8 %, 26/125; P = 0.032). Logistic regression analyses revealed that RIF was associated with anti-β2GPI/HLA-DR antibody positivity in women with ART (adjusted-OR 2.92, 95 % CI 1.05-8.11; P = 0.040). Anti-β2GPI/HLA-DR antibody may be associated with the pathophysiology of infertility, endometriosis and RIF; and can be a potential therapeutic target in infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosuke Ono
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Yamanashi, 1110 Shimokawahigashi, Chuo City, Yamanashi Prefecture 409-3898, Japan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Teine Keijinkai Hospital, 1-40, 12-chome, Maeda, Teine-ku, Sapporo-shi 006-8555, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Wada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Teine Keijinkai Hospital, 1-40, 12-chome, Maeda, Teine-ku, Sapporo-shi 006-8555, Japan
| | - Hajime Ota
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Teine Keijinkai Hospital, 1-40, 12-chome, Maeda, Teine-ku, Sapporo-shi 006-8555, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Fukushi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Teine Keijinkai Hospital, 1-40, 12-chome, Maeda, Teine-ku, Sapporo-shi 006-8555, Japan
| | - Kenji Tanimura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
| | - Osamu Yoshino
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Yamanashi, 1110 Shimokawahigashi, Chuo City, Yamanashi Prefecture 409-3898, Japan
| | - Hisashi Arase
- World Premier International Immunology Frontier Research Center, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Hideto Yamada
- Center for Recurrent Pregnancy Loss, Teine Keijinkai Hospital, 1-40, 12-chome, Maeda, Teine-ku, Sapporo-shi 006-8555, Japan.
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Chen S, Li X, Guo Q, Wang B, Lan J, Qian H, Liu Y, Shi G. Association between antinuclear antibody and female infertility: A meta-analysis. Scand J Immunol 2023; 98:e13285. [PMID: 38441210 DOI: 10.1111/sji.13285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Autoimmunity is reported involving in reproductive failures, and antinuclear antibody (ANA) positivity has been regarded as a typical feature of autoimmunity. Published studies on the association of ANA with reproductive failures including infertility are controversial. The aim of this meta-analysis was to analyse whether the presence of ANA positivity increases the risk of infertility in women. We searched the PubMed and Embase databases for relevant literature without any restrictions prior to April 28, 2021. All analyses were performed using the RevMan 5.3 software. Twelve studies with 2734 participants, including 1482 patients with infertility, met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The total positivity rate of ANA was 23.8% (353/1482) in all infertile patients and 8.5% (107/1252) in the control group. Infertile females had a significantly higher ANA positivity rate than the control group (odds ratio [OR] = 2.90, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.72-4.87, I2 = 65%, P < .0001). Several subgroup analyses were performed to reduce the heterogeneity. ANA positivity was associated with female infertility in studies either performed by indirect immunofluorescence (OR = 2.26, 95% CI:1.67-3.06, P < .00001) or by ELISA (OR = 10.76, 95% CI:1.82-63.64, P < .00001). ANA was significantly associated with increased risk of women infertility either after the definite exclusion of individuals with autoimmune diseases (AID) or without exclusion [(OR = 1.99, 95% CI:1.29-3.06, P = .002), (OR = 2.76, 95% CI:1.56-4.88, P = .0005), respectively]. This meta-analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the prevalence of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in infertile women and suggests that ANA positivity increases the risk of infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiju Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xiaodong Li
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Qiwei Guo
- United Diagnostic and Research Center for Clinical Genetics, Women and Children's Hospital, School of Medicine & School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jingying Lan
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Hongyan Qian
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Guixiu Shi
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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Shibahara H, Wakimoto Y, Fukui A, Hasegawa A. Anti‐sperm antibodies and reproductive failures. Am J Reprod Immunol 2020; 85:e13337. [DOI: 10.1111/aji.13337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Shibahara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Hyogo College of Medicine Nishinomiya Japan
| | - Yu Wakimoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Hyogo College of Medicine Nishinomiya Japan
| | - Atsushi Fukui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Hyogo College of Medicine Nishinomiya Japan
| | - Akiko Hasegawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Hyogo College of Medicine Nishinomiya Japan
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Abstract
Antiphospholipid syndrome is a systemic autoimmune disease associated with obstetric complications along with vascular events affecting multiple organ systems in patients having positive titers of antiphospholipid antibodies. Eight to 20% of infertility cases have an unknown cause, part of which could be due to antiphospholipid syndrome. Although still debatable, many studies have addressed the relation between reproductive failure and antiphospholipid antibodies through the relation between antiphospholipid antibodies and unexplained infertility as well as the effect of antiphospholipid antibodies on the outcome of in vitro fertilization–embryo transfer. Few studies and cases have associated the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies with male infertility, describing morphofunctional penile abnormalities and testicular infarction. There are not enough data to support the routine practice of testing antiphospholipid antibodies in patients with infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- G El Hasbani
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | - I Uthman
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
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A. S. V, Dhama K, Chakraborty S, Abdul Samad H, K. Latheef S, Sharun K, Khurana SK, K. A, Tiwari R, Bhatt P, K. V, Chaicumpa W. Role of Antisperm Antibodies in Infertility, Pregnancy, and Potential forContraceptive and Antifertility Vaccine Designs: Research Progress and Pioneering Vision. Vaccines (Basel) 2019; 7:E116. [PMID: 31527552 PMCID: PMC6789593 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines7030116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm of humans, non-human primates, and other mammalian subjects is considered to be antigenic. The effect of changes in autoimmunity on reproductive cells such as spermatozoa and oocytes play a critical but indistinct role in fertility. Antisperm antibodies (ASAs) are invariably present in both females and males. However, the degree of ASA occurrence may vary according to individual and gender. Although the extent of infertility due to ASAs alone is yet to be determined, it has been found in almost 9-12% of patients who are infertile due to different causes. Postcoital presence of spermatozoa in the reproductive tract of women is not a contributory factor in ASA generation. However, ASA generation may be induced by trauma to the vaginal mucosa, or by anal or oral sex resulting in the deposition of sperm inside the digestive tract. It is strongly believed that, in humans and other species, at least some antibodies may bind to sperm antigens, causing infertility. This form of infertility is termed as immunological infertility, which may be accompanied by impairment of fertility, even in individuals with normozoospermia. Researchers target ASAs for two major reasons: (i) to elucidate the association between ASAs and infertility, the reason ASAs causes infertility, and the mechanism underlying ASA-mediated infertility; and (ii) to assess the potential of ASAs as a contraceptive in humans in case ASAs influences infertility. Therefore, this review explores the potential application of ASAs in the development of anti-spermatozoa vaccines for contraceptive purposes. The usefulness of ASAs for diagnosing obstructive azoospermia, salpingitis, and oligoasthenoteratozoospermia has been reviewed extensively. Important patents pertaining to potential candidates for spermatozoa-derived vaccines that may be utilized as contraceptives are discussed in depth. Antifertility vaccines, as well as treatments for ASA-related infertility, are also highlighted. This review will address many unresolved issues regarding mechanisms involving ASAs in the diagnosis, as well as prognoses, of male infertility. More documented scientific reports are cited to support the mechanisms underlying the potential role of ASA in infertility. The usefulness of sperm antigens or ASAs (recombinant) in human and wild or captive animal contraceptive vaccines has been revealed through research but is yet to be validated via clinical testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vickram A. S.
- Department of Biotechnology, Saveetha School of Engineering, Young Scientist DST-SERB, Govt. of India, Saveetha Institute of Technical and Medical Sciences, Chennai 600077, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Kuldeep Dhama
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly 243122, Uttar Pradesh, India;
| | - Sandip Chakraborty
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, R.K. Nagar, West Tripura 799008, India;
| | - Hari Abdul Samad
- Division of Physiology and Climatology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly 243122, Uttar Pradesh, India;
| | - Shyma K. Latheef
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly 243122, Uttar Pradesh, India;
| | - Khan Sharun
- Division of Surgery, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly 243122, Uttar Pradesh, India;
| | - Sandip Kumar Khurana
- ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Sirsa Road, Hisar 125001, Haryana, India;
| | - Archana K.
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India; (A.K.); (V.K.)
| | - Ruchi Tiwari
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Sciences, Deen Dayal Upadhayay Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalay Evum Go-Anusandhan Sansthan (DUVASU), Mathura 281001, India;
| | - Prakash Bhatt
- Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar 263145 (Udham Singh Nagar), Uttarakhand, India;
| | - Vyshali K.
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India; (A.K.); (V.K.)
| | - Wanpen Chaicumpa
- Center of Research Excellence on Therapeutic Proteinsand Antibody Engineering, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
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Impact of presence of antiphospholipid antibodies on in vitro fertilization outcome. Obstet Gynecol Sci 2018; 61:359-366. [PMID: 29780778 PMCID: PMC5956119 DOI: 10.5468/ogs.2018.61.3.359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate prevalence of antiphospholipid antibody (APA) in Korean infertile women undergoing the first in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment and to evaluate the influence of APA on the subsequent IVF outcomes. Method Two hundred nineteen infertile women who destined the first IVF were prospectively enrolled in 2 infertility centers. Male factor or uterine factor infertility and women with past or current endocrine or immunologic disorders were completely excluded. Plasma concentration of lupus anticoagulant was measured by clot-based method, and anticardiolipin antibody (IgG/IgM), and anti-β2-glycoprotein 1 antibody (IgG/IgM) was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method before starting ovarian stimulation for IVF. Results APA was positive in 13 women (5.9%). Lupus anticoagulant was positive in 2 women (0.9%), anticardiolipin antibody was positive in 7 women (3.2%), and anti-β2-glycoprotein 1 antibody was positive in 4 women (1.8%). In 193 women entering embryo transfer, clinical characteristics and stimulation outcomes were comparable between APA-positive (n=12) and APA-negative group (n=181). The clinical pregnancy rate (66.7% vs. 45.9%), ongoing pregnancy rate (58.3% vs. 37.0%), and miscarriage rate (12.5% vs. 19.3%) were all similar between APA-positive and APA-negative group. Conclusion The prevalence of APA is low in Korean infertile women undergoing the first IVF cycle, and the presence of APA appears to neither decrease their first IVF success nor increase abortion rate.
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Delgado Alves J, Radway-Bright EL, Lee S, Grima B, Hothersall J, Ravirajan CT, Isenberg DA. Antiphospholipid antibodies are induced by in vitro fertilization and correlate with paraoxonase activity and total antioxidant capacity of plasma in infertile women. Lupus 2016; 14:373-80. [PMID: 15934437 DOI: 10.1191/0961203305lu2096oa] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to determine whether antiphosholipid antibodies are associated with in vitro fertilization (IVF), and assess the potential biological effects of these antibodies. Sera from seventy infertile women (18 before IVF, 13 submitted to one IVF cycle and 39 after three cycles) and 28 healthy controls were collected. Anticardiolipin (anti-CL) and antiphosphatidylserine (anti-PS) antibodies, paraoxonase (PON) and Total Anti-oxidant Capacity of plasma (TAC) were measured. Anti-CL and anti-PS titres were significantly increased in treated patients compared with patients before treatment or controls ( P < 0.001). There were no differences regarding anti-CL and anti-PS titres between controls and untreated patients nor when different types of infertility were considered. PON activity and TAC were significantly reduced in treated patients when compared to untreated and controls ( P < 0.001; P < 0.002). PON correlated inversely with anti-CL and anti-PS IgG ( r = 20.734; P < 0.001) and directly with TAC ( r = 0.720, P < 0.001). In conclusion PON activity is decreased in women submitted to IVF treatment and is associated with the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies. These factors might contribute to the increased oxidative status found in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Delgado Alves
- Centre for Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Univ. College London, UK.
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Chighizola CB, de Jesus GR, Branch DW. The hidden world of anti-phospholipid antibodies and female infertility: A literature appraisal. Autoimmun Rev 2016; 15:493-500. [PMID: 26827907 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2016.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Even though the association of anti-phospholipid antibodies (aPL) with infertility is debated, infertile women are commonly screened for aPL. To review evidence, a systematic PubMed search was conducted to retrieve papers addressing (i) the association between aPL and infertility, (ii) the positivity rate of criteria and non-criteria aPL in women with infertility, (iii) the association between aPL and assisted reproduction technologies (ART) outcome, (iv) the efficacy of medical treatments on ART outcome, and (v) the effects of ART on thrombotic risk. A total of 46 papers were considered; several limitations emerged: (i) wide heterogeneity in study populations, (ii) non-prospective design in 90% of studies, and (iii) aPL cutoffs not conforming to international guidelines in more than 75% of studies; aPL positivity not confirmed in 89% of studies. Most studies evinced an association between infertility and anti-β2GPI antibodies and almost all non-criteria aPL. The association rate with infertility was below 50% for lupus anti-coagulant, anti-cardiolipin antibodies (aCL), and anti-phosphatidic acid antibodies. According to our estimates, overall positivity rates of criteria and non-criteria aPL tests are 6% and 3% among infertile women, 1% and 2% among controls, respectively. A significant difference in the positivity rate of patients versus controls emerged for aCL only. Five of 18 studies reported a detrimental effect of aPL on ART outcome. Only one of the six studies assessing the effects of treatment on ART outcome among aPL-positive infertile women reported a benefit. All relevant studies reported no increase in the rate of thrombosis among aPL-positive women undergoing ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia B Chighizola
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Experimental Laboratory of Immunology and Rheumatology Researches, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, via Zucchi 18, Cusano Milanino, Milan, Italy
| | - Guilherme R de Jesus
- Department of Obstetrics, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Avenida Professor Manuel de Abreu, 500-1o andar, Vila Isabel CEP, 20550-170, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Department of Obstetrics, Instituto Fernandes Figueira, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - D Ware Branch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah Health Sciences, Intermountain Healthcare, 50 N Medical Dr, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA.
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Abstract
Since the late 1980s some publications have proposed that antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) may have some relationship with infertility, considering reported deleterious effects that aPL exert on trophoblast proliferation and growth. Although not included in current classification criteria for antiphospholipid syndrome, many physicians investigate for aPL in patients with a history of infertility, including antibodies not listed in classification criteria, and most of those patients will receive anticoagulant therapy if any of those antibodies have a result considered positive. A review of literature was conducted searching for studies that investigated the association of aPL and infertility and if aPL positivity alters in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcome. The definition of infertility, routine work-up to exclude other causes of infertility, definition of IVF failure as inclusion criteria and control populations were heterogeneous among studies. Most of them enrolled women over 40 years of age, and exclusion of other confounding factors was also inconsistent. Of 29 studies that assessed aPL positivity rates in infertile women, the majority had small sample sizes, implying a lack of power, and 13 (44.8%) reported higher frequency of aPL in infertile patients compared to controls, but most of them investigated a panel of non-criteria aPL tests, whose clinical significance is highly controversial. Only two studies investigated all three criteria tests, and medium-high titer of anticardiolipin cut-off conforming to international guidelines was used in one study. Considering IVF outcome, there was also disparity in this definition: few studies assessed the live birth rate, others the implantation rate. Of 14 publications that addressed the relationship between aPL and IVF outcome, only two described a detrimental effect of these autoantibodies. In conclusion, available data do not support an association between aPL and infertility, and aPL positivity does not seem to influence IVF outcome. Well-designed clinical studies recruiting women with a clear diagnosis of infertility and a high-risk aPL profile should be performed to test whether clinically relevant aPL do-or not-exert an effect on human fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- C B Chighizola
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Italy Immunorheumatological Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Italy
| | - G R de Jesus
- Department of Obstetrics, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Agenor A, Bhattacharya S. Infertility and miscarriage: common pathways in manifestation and management. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 11:527-41. [PMID: 26238301 DOI: 10.2217/whe.15.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The relationship between miscarriage and fertility is complex. While most healthcare settings treat miscarriage as a problem of subfertility in assisted reproduction units, others believe that miscarriage occurs in super-fertile women. Infertile women undergoing assisted reproduction are at a greater risk of having a miscarriage especially at an advanced age compared with women conceiving naturally. Aberrant expression of immunological factors and chromosomal abnormalities underlie both infertility and miscarriage. Common risk factors include increased maternal age, obesity, smoking, alcohol, pre-existing medical conditions and anatomical abnormalities of the reproductive system. Management pathways of both conditions may be similar with pre-implantation genetic testing and assisted reproductive technology used in both conditions. This paper discusses the synergies and differences between the two conditions in terms of their epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, risk factors and management strategies. The two conditions are related as degrees of severity of reproductive failure with common pathways in manifestation and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angena Agenor
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Aberdeen Medical School, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Sohinee Bhattacharya
- Dugald Baird Centre for Research on Women's Health, Aberdeen Maternity Hospital, Cornhill Road, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZL, UK
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de Jesus GR, Agmon-Levin N, Andrade CA, Andreoli L, Chighizola CB, Porter TF, Salmon J, Silver RM, Tincani A, Branch DW. 14th International Congress on Antiphospholipid Antibodies Task Force report on obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome. Autoimmun Rev 2014; 13:795-813. [PMID: 24650941 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2014.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2014] [Accepted: 02/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Pregnancy morbidity is one of the clinical manifestations used for classification criteria of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). During the 14th International Congress on Antiphospholipid Antibodies (aPL), a Task Force with internationally-known experts was created to carry out a critical appraisal of the literature available regarding the association of aPL with obstetric manifestations present in actual classification criteria (recurrent early miscarriage, fetal death, preeclampsia and placental insufficiency) and the quality of the evidence that treatment(s) provide benefit in terms of avoiding recurrent adverse obstetric outcomes. The association of infertility with aPL and the effectiveness of the treatment of patients with infertility and positive aPL was also investigated. This report presents current knowledge and limitations of published studies regarding pregnancy morbidity, infertility and aPL, identifying areas that need better investigative efforts and proposing how critical flaws could be avoided in future studies, as suggested by participants of the Task Force. Except for fetal death, there are limitations in the quality of the data supporting the association of aPL with obstetric complications included in the current APS classification criteria. Recommended treatments for all pregnancy morbidity associated to APS also lack well-designed studies to confirm its efficacy. APL does not seem to be associated with infertility and treatment does not improve the outcomes in infertile patients with aPL. In another section of the Task Force, Dr. Jane Salmon reviewed complement-mediated inflammation in reproductive failure in APS, considering new therapeutic targets to obstetric APS (Ob APS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme R de Jesus
- Department of Obstetrics, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Nancy Agmon-Levin
- The Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Carlos A Andrade
- Instituto de Pesquisa Clinica Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Laura Andreoli
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Spedali Civili, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Cecilia B Chighizola
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Immunorheumatological Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - T Flint Porter
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of UT, Salt Lake City, USA; Intermountain Healthcare, Salt Lake City, USA
| | - Jane Salmon
- Hospital For Special Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, NY, USA; Kirkland Center for Lupus Research, NY, USA; Lupus and APS Center of Excellence, NY, USA
| | - Robert M Silver
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of UT, Salt Lake City, USA
| | - Angela Tincani
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Spedali Civili, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - D Ware Branch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of UT, Salt Lake City, USA; Intermountain Healthcare, Salt Lake City, USA
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Miller PB, Parnell BA, Bushnell G, Tallman N, Forstein DA, Higdon HL, Kitawaki J, Lessey BA. Endometrial receptivity defects during IVF cycles with and without letrozole. Hum Reprod 2012; 27:881-8. [PMID: 22246449 PMCID: PMC3279128 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/der452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2011] [Revised: 11/22/2011] [Accepted: 12/07/2011] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our aim was to study ways to improve IVF success rates in women with suspected endometrial receptivity defects. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study examining the effect of letrozole (aromatase inhibitor) on integrin expression as a marker of endometrial receptivity. We compared IVF outcomes in 97 infertile women who had undergone ανβ3 integrin assessment by immunohistochemistry in mid-luteal endometrial biopsies. Of 79 women undergoing standard IVF, 29 (36.7%) lacked normal integrin expression. Eighteen other women with low integrin were studied after receiving letrozole during early IVF stimulation. An independent set of ανβ3 integrin-negative patients (n = 15) who had undergone repeat endometrial biopsy for integrin testing while taking letrozole were re-evaluated. RESULTS Clinical pregnancy and delivery rates were higher in women with normal ανβ3 integrin expression compared with those who were integrin negative [20/50 (40%) versus 4/29 (13.8%); P = 0.02 and 19/50 (38%) versus 2/29 (7%); P < 0.01, respectively]. In 18 women who received letrozole early in IVF, 11 conceived (61.1%; P < 0.001) compared with integrin-negative patients who did not receive letrozole. In integrin-negative women who were rebiopsied on letrozole, 66.7% reverted to normal integrin expression. Positive endometrial aromatase immunostaining using a polyclonal antibody was a common finding in infertile patients compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS Lack of endometrial ανβ3 integrin expression is associated with a poor prognosis for IVF that might be improved with letrozole co-treatment. Prospective studies are needed to confirm and extend these findings but the data suggest that aromatase expression may contribute to implantation failure in some women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul B. Miller
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, University Medical Group, Greenville Hospital System, 890 W. Faris Rd, Ste 470, Greenville, SC 29605, USA
| | - Brent A. Parnell
- Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery Department, OB/Gyn Georgia Health Sciences University, 1120 15th Street, BB-7518A, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Greta Bushnell
- Public Health Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
| | | | - David A. Forstein
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, University Medical Group, Greenville Hospital System, 890 W. Faris Rd, Ste 470, Greenville, SC 29605, USA
| | - H. Lee Higdon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, University Medical Group, Greenville Hospital System, 890 W. Faris Rd, Ste 470, Greenville, SC 29605, USA
| | - Jo Kitawaki
- Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Bruce A. Lessey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, University Medical Group, Greenville Hospital System, 890 W. Faris Rd, Ste 470, Greenville, SC 29605, USA
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14
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Buckingham K, Chamley L. A critical assessment of the role of antiphospholipid antibodies in infertility. J Reprod Immunol 2009; 80:132-45. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2008.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2008] [Accepted: 11/07/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Nelson SM. Prophylaxis of VTE in women – during assisted reproductive techniques. Thromb Res 2009; 123 Suppl 3:S8-S15. [DOI: 10.1016/s0049-3848(09)70127-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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17
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Tariverdian N, Theoharides TC, Siedentopf F, Gutiérrez G, Jeschke U, Rabinovich GA, Blois SM, Arck PC. Neuroendocrine-immune disequilibrium and endometriosis: an interdisciplinary approach. Semin Immunopathol 2007; 29:193-210. [PMID: 17621704 PMCID: PMC2668599 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-007-0077-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2007] [Accepted: 04/15/2007] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis, a chronic disease characterized by endometrial tissue located outside the uterine cavity, affects one fourth of young women and is associated with chronic pelvic pain and infertility. However, an in-depth understanding of the pathophysiology and effective treatment strategies of endometriosis is still largely elusive. Inadequate immune and neuroendocrine responses are significantly involved in the pathophysiology of endometriosis, and key findings are summarized in the present review. We discuss here the role of different immune mechanisms particularly adhesion molecules, proteinglycan interactions, and pro-angiogenic mediators in the development and progression of the disease. Finally, we introduce the concept of endometrial dissemination as result of a neuroendocrine-immune disequilibrium in response to high levels of perceived stress caused by cardinal clinical symptoms of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadja Tariverdian
- Center of Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Division of PsychoNeuroImmunology, Charité, University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Theoharis C. Theoharides
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA USA
| | | | - Gabriela Gutiérrez
- Institute of Humoral Immunity Studies-IDEHU (CONICET-UBA), School of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Udo Jeschke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Gabriel A. Rabinovich
- Institute of Biology and Experimental Medicine, IBYME-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sandra M. Blois
- Center of Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Division of PsychoNeuroImmunology, Charité, University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Petra C. Arck
- Center of Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Division of PsychoNeuroImmunology, Charité, University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Biomedizinisches Forschungszentrum, Charité, Campus Virchow, Raum 2.0549, Campus Virchow, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
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Lee SR, Park EJ, Kim SH, Chae H, Kim CH, Kang BM. Influence of antiphospholipid antibodies on pregnancy outcome in women undergoing in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. Am J Reprod Immunol 2007; 57:34-9. [PMID: 17156189 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2006.00437.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Antiphospholipid antibodies (APA) are thought to be involved in recurrent pregnancy loss. Therefore, we investigated the impact of APA on pregnancy outcome in women undergoing in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET). METHOD OF STUDY Blood samples taken from 54 Korean women referred for IVF were tested for the presence of APA, anticardiolipin antibody IgG and IgM and lupus anticoagulant. The standard gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist long protocol was used for ovarian stimulation. RESULTS Nine patients (16.7%) were positive and 45 (83.3%) were negative for APA. There were no significant differences between the two groups in clinical characteristics such as age, infertility duration, and response to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. However, pregnancy outcome significantly differed between the two groups (p < 0.05). The APA positive group and APA negative group had abortion rates of 62.5% and 20.0%, respectively and delivery rates of 37.5% and 80.0%, respectively. CONCLUSION The presence of APA in women undergoing IVF-ET was associated with a poor pregnancy outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sa-Ra Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
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Fernández-Llanio N, Alegre-Sancho JJ, Chalmeta-Verdejo C, Fernández-Carballido C, Román-Ivorra JA. [Hormone therapy, fertility and pregnancy in antiphospholipid syndrome]. REUMATOLOGIA CLINICA 2006; 2:90-106. [PMID: 21794309 DOI: 10.1016/s1699-258x(06)73027-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2005] [Accepted: 09/05/2005] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) carries a risk of thrombosis and infertility. Consequently the use of any type of hormone therapy and pregnancy in APS requires special considerations. The present article provides a broad review of all these issues. The use of contraception, hormone replacement therapy and selective estrogen receptor modulators in APS are described. In vitro fertilization/embryo transfer and ovarian induction in these patients are reviewed. Lastly, the possible fetal and maternal complications that can occur during pregnancy are described and, based on the literature, recommendations for the management of pregnancy in women with APS are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Fernández-Llanio
- Sección de Reumatología. Hospital Universitario Dr. Peset. Valencia. España
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20
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Munuce MJ, Quintero I, Caille AM, Ghersevich S, Berta CL. Comparative concentrations of steroid hormones and proteins in human peri-ovulatory peritoneal and follicular fluids. Reprod Biomed Online 2006; 13:202-7. [PMID: 16895633 DOI: 10.1016/s1472-6483(10)60616-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Despite the fact that both peritoneal (PF) and follicular (FF) fluids have a common ovarian origin, FF is a natural inducer of sperm acrosome reaction (AR) while PF is not. To better understand these effects, concentrations of oestradiol, progesterone and proteins in peri-ovulatory PF and FF were determined and compared. PF was aspirated by laparoscopy at the peri-ovulatory stage from women with unexplained infertility. FF was collected from patients undergoing IVF and pooled. PF and FF were tested for the presence of antisperm antibodies. Oestradiol and progesterone were measured by enzyme immunoassay, and total protein concentration was determined and analysed. The AR was determined in spermatozoa that were exposed to PF alone, progesterone-supplemented PF, progesterone, control medium, or ethanol. No antisperm antibodies were found in any fluid tested. Oestradiol and progesterone and concentrations in PF were significantly lower than in FF. Protein concentration was also significantly lower in PF than in FF, but no differences were observed between the electrophoretic patterns. When capacitated spermatozoa were exposed to progesterone-supplemented PF there was a significant increase in the percentage of AR with respect to those in PF, control medium or ethanol. These results suggest that the lack of AR-stimulating activity of PF was related to its lower progesterone concentration compared with FF.
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Affiliation(s)
- María José Munuce
- Laboratorio de Estudios Reproductivos, Area de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Suipacha 531, (2000) Rosario, Argentina.
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21
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Vujisić S, Lepej SZ, Jerković L, Emedi I, Sokolić B. Antisperm Antibodies in Semen, Sera and Follicular Fluids of Infertile Patients: Relation to Reproductive Outcome afterIn VitroFertilization. Am J Reprod Immunol 2005; 54:13-20. [PMID: 15948768 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2005.00274.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Data given in the literature, regarding the influence of antisperm antibodies (ASA) in the semen and/or sera on in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure outcome are controversial. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of ASA in semen, peripheral blood and follicular fluid as well as to determine total immunoglobulin concentration in the serum and follicular fluid. Selected parameters were analyzed with regard to IVF outcome. METHOD OF STUDY The study enrolled 52 married couples. ASA in the semen was determined by direct immunobead mixed antiglobulin reaction (MAR Screen test), while in the peripheral blood and follicular fluid was determined by indirect immunobead MAR Screen test. Immunoglobulin (IgG, IgM and IgA) concentration in the follicular fluid and serum was determined by a liquid-phase immunoprecipitation assay with nephelometric end-point detection and analyzed with regard to IVF outcome. RESULTS Semen MAR test IgG was < 20% in 38 couples, and > 20% in 14 couples. Fertilization (73.2% versus 71.5%) and pregnancy rates (28.9% versus 28.57%) in both groups of patients were not significantly different. The results of direct and indirect MAR test were not associated with fertilization and pregnancy rates. Total serum IgG, IgM and IgA in infertile women were within normal ranges. Follicular fluid IgG was within normal values for serum samples, while IgA and IgM were decreased. CONCLUSION The presence of ASA on sperm or in the serum and follicular fluid was not associated with IVF outcome in the couples with good quality semen characteristic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanja Vujisić
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, University of Zagreb, Sveti Duh Hospital, Zagreb.
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Urman B, Yakin K, Balaban B. Recurrent implantation failure in assisted reproduction: how to counsel and manage. B. Treatment options that have not been proven to benefit the couple. Reprod Biomed Online 2005; 11:382-91. [PMID: 16176683 DOI: 10.1016/s1472-6483(10)60847-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The success of assisted reproduction, although gradually increasing over the years, is still less than satisfactory. Many couples have benefited from this treatment; however, many have also been left frustrated following multiple failed attempts. Couples who fail to conceive after multiple IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatments often seek treatment options that are new and that have not been offered before. Some of these include immunological testing and treatment, allogenic lymphocyte therapy, intratubal transfer of zygotes and embryos, blastocyst transfer, sequential embryo transfer, assisted hatching, co-cultures, and preimplantation genetic screening for aneuploidy. Although the evidence behind some of these is more robust, most suffer from lack of well designed randomized trials comparing them with other treatment options. Randomized studies are extremely difficult to conduct, as couples will resist being randomized into a treatment group where previously failed procedures will be repeated. In the mean time, assisted reproduction programmes should resist offering treatment options that are not evidence based, or at least they should share with the couple the information that is available and should stress that none of these is a panacea for their problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bulent Urman
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, American Hospital of Istanbul, Turkey.
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23
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Vujisić S, Lepej SZ, Aksamija A, Jerković L, Sokolić B, Kupesić S, Vince A. B- and T-cells in the Follicular Fluid and Peripheral Blood of Patients Undergoing IVF/ET Procedures. Am J Reprod Immunol 2004; 52:379-85. [PMID: 15663603 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2004.00238.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM To analyse percentage of total and memory CD27(+) B-cells and other lymphocyte subpopulations in the peripheral blood (PB) and follicular fluid (FF) of infertile married couples. METHOD OF STUDY Forty-eight couples from in vitro fertilization/embryo transfer (IVF/ET) programme were divided into four groups: patients with previous unsuccessful fertilization (n = 13), ectopic pregnancy (n = 8), multiple (at least three) failed IVF/ET (n = 18) and missed abortions (n = 9). Control group consisted of 15 married couples with healthy children. RESULTS PB memory CD27(+) B-cells were significantly decreased in all groups of infertile patients compared with controls. First group had increased memory B-cells percentages compared with the second group. The differences in the percentages of PB memory B-cells in third and fourth group compared with the first group were not statistically significant. FF memory B-cells in the first and third group were significantly increased compared with second and fourth group. The percentage of total FF B-cells in all groups were significantly decreased compared with their percentage in PB. Male partners of women from the first group had had significantly increased percentages of memory B-cells compared with the partners of women from the second group. Percentage of total T- and B-cells, CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells, NK cells and activated HLA-DR(+) T-cells in all groups were not significantly different from controls. We found no statistically significant difference between immunoglobulin E levels in all groups of patients. We found lower levels of IgA and IgM in FF compared with serum in all groups. CONCLUSION Infertile patients have significantly decreased percentage of CD27(+) B-cells in the PB. Abnormalities in the memory B-cell compartment may contribute to the pathogenesis of infertility. In the T-cell compartment abnormalities were not detected. It appears that hormonal stimulation did not influence cellular immunity parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanja Vujisić
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical School, University of Zagreb, Sveti Duh Hospital, Sveti Duh 64, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
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Abstract
PROBLEM The amino phospholipids (PL), phosphatidylserine (PS) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) are distributed asymmetrically in the plasma membranes of eucaryotic cells. This arrangement involves active transport of PS and PE from the outer to inner membrane leaflet by an aminophospholipid translocase (flipase). Cell activation, injury and programmed cell death (apoptosis) cause collapse of the PS/PE asymmetry by activation of another enzyme system, scramblase. Unlike other cells, the developing trophoblast exteriorizes PS during its differentiation. METHODS OF STUDY An analysis of published and unpublished data. RESULTS The trophoblast is targeted by antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL), especially to PS (aPS). Cardiolipin is not present in the trophoblast plasma membrane, nonetheless, anticardiolipin (aCL) has been implicated in trophoblast pathology. The aPS and aCL are often crossreactive. Both animal and in vitro experimental models have shown monoclonal and polyclonal aPS and aCL to specifically destroy trophoblast, inhibit syncytium formation, halt human chorionic gonadatropin (hCG) production, and limit trophoblast invasion. Antibodies to PE (aPE) have not been well characterized, however, recent reports from several independent laboratories document that aPE are associated significantly with very early (embryonic) recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Umeda and coworkers have shown that during cytokinesis (late telophase) of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, formation of PE rafts in cleavage furrows is required for completion of cell division and formation of daughter cells. This raises the question whether aPE might interfere with implantation and cell division during embryogenesis. CONCLUSIONS A role for aPL in implantation failure and occult pregnancy loss constitutes the basis of this overview.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A McIntyre
- HLA-Vascular Biology Laboratory, St Francis Hospital and Health Centers, Indiana/Purdue Universities at Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46107, USA.
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25
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Barthélémy C. Indications de la recherche des anticorps anti-spermatozoïdes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2003. [DOI: 10.1007/bf03034413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Hammadeh ME, Ertan AK, Zeppezauer M, Baltes S, Georg T, Rosenbaum P, Schmidt W. Immunoglobulins and cytokines level in follicular fluid in relation to etiology of infertility and their relevance to IVF outcome. Am J Reprod Immunol 2002; 47:82-90. [PMID: 11900592 DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0897.2002.1o024.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aims of the present study were to (i) determine the presence and concentration of albumin fractions (alpha1, alpha2, beta, gamma), immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, IgM) and cytokines [interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF)] in periovulatory ovarian follicular fluid (FF) of in vitro fertilization (IVF) patients, (ii) examine the relationship between these parameters and the etiology of infertility as well as the IVF outcome and (iii) find out if these parameters in FF could be used as a predictive factor of IVF outcome. DESIGN The levels of albumin fractions, immunoglobulin and cytokines were measured from women who underwent IVF therapy for various indications and the results were compared between the patient groups and IVF outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS Follicular fluid was obtained from 160 IVF patients. A total of 79 patients underwent controlled ovarian hyperstimulations (COH) either with follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) or HMG. Whereas, the HMG was used for the second set of patients (n=81) - after down regulation with gondotropin-releasing hormone agonists (Gn-RHa) - the protein fractions were determined using electrophoresis separation. Immunoglobulins were measured using a commercial kits and the concentration of cytokines was determined by the highly sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods. RESULTS The stimulation regimens used have no effect on albumin (alpha1, alpha2, beta, gamma) and immunoglobulin (IgA, IgG, IgM) concentrations, as no significant difference was observed between the two groups. Besides, no specific relationship was found between the concentration of these investigated parameter in FF and etiology of infertility or fertilization, cleavage and pregnancy rate. Besides, there were no significant differences between the groups for any cytokine investigated. Moreover, there were no correlations between the concentration of IL-6, IL-8 and GM-CSF in FF and steroid hormone concentration in the blood at the day of oocytes retrieval or IVF outcome. IN CONCLUSION Total protein, albumin fraction, immunoglobulins and cytokines level in FF of patients undergoing COH for IVF therapy for various etiology of infertility could not be a useful parameter for predicting IVF outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad Eid Hammadeh
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Saarland, 66421Homburg/Saar, Germany.
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Affiliation(s)
- T F Porter
- University of Utah Health Sciences, Intermountain Health Care, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.
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Szczepañska M, Skrzypczak J, Kamieniczna M, Kurpisz M. Antizona and antisperm antibodies in women with endometriosis and/or infertility. Fertil Steril 2001; 75:97-105. [PMID: 11163823 DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(00)01667-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To measure the levels of antigamete antibodies in serum and peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis and/or infertility. DESIGN Antibody activity against human sperm and porcine oocytes was analyzed in selected subgroups of women. SETTING Clinic of reproduction. PATIENT(S) Women with endometriosis and/or infertility. INTERVENTION(S) No treatment was implemented before peritoneal fluid and blood sample collection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Quantitative ELISA. RESULT(S) Four groups of women (n = 98) were analyzed for the presence of antizona and antisperm antibodies: infertile with endometriosis (n = 30), idiopathic infertility (n = 28), fertile with endometriosis (n = 20), and healthy fertile controls (n = 20). Antibodies were analyzed simultaneously in serum and peritoneal fluid. No statistically significant differences in antibody levels were detected in serum samples among the analyzed groups. The median values for antizona and antisperm antibodies in peritoneal fluid were significantly higher in women with idiopathic infertility than in the control group. In women with unexplained infertility, a high degree of correlation (Spearman) was found between the presence of antizona antibodies in peritoneal fluid and serum (r = 0.579). A positive predictive value of 80% was calculated for the presence of antizona antibodies (>5 ng/oocyte) in the peritoneal fluid of patients with infertility. CONCLUSION(S) Antizona antibodies locally produced in the peritoneal fluid have diagnostic value for infertility status; however, they cannot be treated as a marker or prognostic factor for minimal endometriosis and/or its treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Szczepañska
- Clinic of Reproduction, School of Medical Sciences, Poznañ, Poland
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Abstract
Human reproduction is extraordinarily wasteful. The reasons for this have taxed all of the contributors to this book. As we move into the 21st century it is sobering to reflect on the fact that we have failed to harness the power of the evolving revolution in molecular medical biology to answer the fundamental question: why is the fate of a fertilized egg so hazardous and so unsuccessful? The following account summarizes our limited knowledge of the epidemiology of miscarriage and then moves on to consider some of the medical causes of miscarriage. The contribution of genetic abnormalities to the problem of pregnancy wastage is discussed elsewhere in this volume.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Regan
- Department of Reproductive Science and Medicine, Imperial College School of Medicine at St Mary's, Mint Wing, South Wharf Road, London, W2 1NY, UK
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Koide SS, Wang L, Kamada M. Antisperm antibodies associated with infertility: properties and encoding genes of target antigens. PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY FOR EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE. SOCIETY FOR EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2000; 224:123-32. [PMID: 10865226 DOI: 10.1046/j.1525-1373.2000.22410.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Infertility among couples of reproductive age is a perplexing condition when the cause is indeterminate. These cases are classified as unexplained infertility. In a subset of subjects, antisperm antibodies with sperm agglutinating and/or immobilizing activities have been detected in the blood or fluids of the reproductive tract. These cases are designated as immunologic infertility although a cause and effect relationship of the antibodies to infertility has not been established. In this review, seven target sperm antigens to antibodies associated with infertility and their encoding genes are described. The antisperm antibodies (ASAs) examined were obtained from infertile women or were monoclonal antibodies (mAb) raised against human sperm proteins. All the ASAs studied possessed potent sperm agglutinating and/or immobilizing activities. The target antigens were isolated from human and other mammalian sperm, and the encoding genes identified. The seven antigens are YWK-II, BE-20, rSMP-B, BS-63 (nucleoporin-related), BS-17 (calpastatin), HED-2 (zyxin), and 75- kDa. Each antigen is a distinct and separate entity and is produced by different cells of the reproductive tract, (e.g., germ cells, epididymal epithelial cells, and Sertoli cells). No single predominant target component has been found to interact with the ASAs. It is proposed that immunologic infertility is the consequence of the combined actions of multiple ASAs in immobilizing and/or agglutinating spermatozoa, blocking spermegg interaction, preventing implantation, and/or arresting embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- S S Koide
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York 10021, USA.
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31
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Stovall DW, Van Voorhis BJ. Immunologic tests and treatments in patients with unexplained infertility, IVF-ET, and recurrent pregnancy loss. Clin Obstet Gynecol 1999; 42:979-1000. [PMID: 10572710 DOI: 10.1097/00003081-199912000-00025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- D W Stovall
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond 23298, USA
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Kaider AS, Kaider BD, Janowicz PB, Roussev RG. Immunodiagnostic evaluation in women with reproductive failure. Am J Reprod Immunol 1999; 42:335-46. [PMID: 10622463 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.1999.tb00110.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Several immunological factors have been associated with diagnostic subpopulations of reproductive failure. It is important to determine a trend of immunological abnormalities among these subpopulations. The purpose of this study is to assist in the selection of treatment for patients suspected of having specific diagnoses of reproductive failure. METHOD OF STUDY Blood samples from 591 patients were evaluated for the presence of antiphospholipid (APA), antinuclear (ANA), and antithyroid (ATA) antibodies, as well as for lupus anticoagulant (LA), embryotoxic factors (ETF), and elevated levels of natural killer (NK) (CD56+) cells, and all tests were performed as a panel. The patients were grouped into the following diagnostic categories: recurrent pregnancy loss (n = 302), IVF/ET failure (IVFf, n = 122), unexplained infertility (n = 97), ovarian dysfunction (n = 47), and endometriosis (n = 23). The thresholds for positivity and the prevalence of the tested factors among normal healthy populations have been established by testing 100 or more healthy male and female individuals with each one of the tests used (general population control). All tests as panel were performed on 20 normal fertile female individuals as controls (fertile female controls). RESULTS Of all patients with reproductive failure, 75.6% had at least one abnormal test. The most frequent abnormal result was found to be the elevation of NK (CD56+) cells (37%), followed by ANA (34%), APA (24%), ATA (19%), and ETF (11%). Of the recurrent pregnancy loss patients, 74.2% had at least one positive abnormal result from all of the tests performed: overall, 70% of women with IVF failure had at least one abnormal test; of patients diagnosed with unexplained infertility, approximately 81% had at least one abnormal result; 74.4% of the patients with ovarian dysfunction and 52% of the patients with endometriosis had at least one abnormal result. From normal fertile controls, 10% showed at least one abnormal test result. CONCLUSION APA, ANA, ATA, ETF, and elevated NK (CD56 ) cells are significantly more prevalent among women experiencing reproductive failure than among the control group and normal healthy individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Kaider
- The Center for Human Reproduction, Chicago, IL 60610, USA
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Diekman AB, Norton EJ, Klotz KL, Westbrook VA, Shibahara H, Naaby-Hansen S, Flickinger CJ, Herr JC. N-linked glycan of a sperm CD52 glycoform associated with human infertility. FASEB J 1999; 13:1303-13. [PMID: 10428755 DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.13.11.1303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
In a benchmark study, Isojima and colleagues established H6-3C4, the first successful heterohybridoma immortalized from the peripheral blood lymphocytes of an infertile woman who exhibited high sperm-immobilizing antibody titers. The present report demonstrates the identity between the glycoprotein antigens recognized by the human H6-3C4 monoclonal antibody (mAb) and the murine S19 mAb, generated in our laboratory to sperm agglutination antigen-1 (SAGA-1). Both mAb's recognize N-linked carbohydrate epitopes on the 15-25 kDa, polymorphic SAGA-1 glycoprotein that is localized to all domains of the human sperm surface. Treatment with phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C demonstrated that SAGA-1 is anchored in the sperm plasmalemma via a GPI-lipid linkage. Immunoaffinity purification and microsequencing indicated that the core peptide of the SAGA-1 glycoprotein is identical to the sequence of CD52, a GPI-anchored lymphocyte differentiation marker implicated in signal transduction. Comparison of anti-SAGA-1 and anti-CD52 immunoreactivities revealed that the sperm form of CD52 exhibits N-linked glycan epitopes, including the epitope recognized by the infertility-associated H6-3C4 mAb, which are not detected on lymphocyte CD52. Thus, the two populations of the CD52 glycoprotein on lymphocytes and spermatozoa represent glycoforms, glycoprotein isoforms with the same core amino acid sequence but different carbohydrate structures. Furthermore, mAb's to the unique carbohydrate epitopes on sperm CD52 have multiple inhibitory effects on sperm function, including a cytotoxic effect on spermatozoa in the presence of complement. These results are the first to implicate unique carbohydrate moieties of a sperm CD52 glycoform as target epitopes in the anti-sperm immune response of an infertile woman. Furthermore, localization of CD52 on all domains of the sperm surface coupled with the multiple sperm-inhibitory effects of antibodies to its unique carbohydrate moieties suggest opportunities for immunocontraceptive development.
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Affiliation(s)
- A B Diekman
- Center for Recombinant Gamete Contraceptive Vaccinogens, Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA
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Singh J, Brogliatti GM, Christensen CR, Adams GP. Active immunization against follistatin and its effect on FSH, follicle development and superovulation in heifers. Theriogenology 1999; 52:49-66. [PMID: 10734405 DOI: 10.1016/s0093-691x(99)00109-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Ovaries of heifers were examined daily by transrectal ultrasonography for one interovulatory interval before initiation of immunizations (control cycle, n = 14), and again after the fifth immunization with a sham-vaccine (Freund's adjuvant only; n = 7) or a recombinant porcine follistatin-vaccine (1 mg per vaccination; n = 7) to study the effect of follistatin on follicle dynamics. After the fifth immunization, 4 heifers had a follistatin antibody titer of > or = 1:3200, while the remaining 3 heifers had a titer of only 1:400. At wave emergence, the total number of follicles and the number of small follicles (3 to 5 mm) were higher (P < 0.05) in the follistatin group than in the control and sham groups. In addition, high-titer heifers had a greater (P < 0.05) number of follicles (total and small) per day than low-titer heifers. Plasma concentration of FSH remained unchanged after sham- or follistatin-immunization. Sham- and follistatin-vaccinated heifers were then given half the standard superovulatory dose of Folltropin (200 mg of FSH) 14 d after the sixth immunization. More ovulations were detected in follistatin- (10.9 +/- 2.4) than sham- (5.0 +/- 0.8) vaccinated heifers (P < 0.05). Moreover, heifers with a high titer had more ovulations (P < 0.02) than heifers with a low titer (15.0 +/- 2.5 vs 5.3 +/- 1.2). The number of ova-embryos classified as fertilized:unfertilized and transferable:discarded, and quality of the embryos were similar between sham and follistatin groups. By 80 d after the last immunization, when antibody titers were undetectable in the follistatin group, there was no difference in superovulatory response between sham (6.7 +/- 1.6) and follistatin (7.6 +/- 1.6) groups. In summary, follistatin immunization was associated with an increase in the number of small follicles at the time of wave emergence and a greater response to superovulatory treatment. The results suggest that effects of follistatin on follicular dynamics were not mediated through changes in pituitary secretion of FSH.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Singh
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
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Egbase PE, Al Sharhan M, Diejomaoh M, Grudzinskas JG. Antiphospholipid antibodies in infertile couples with two consecutive miscarriages after in-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. Hum Reprod 1999; 14:1483-6. [PMID: 10357964 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/14.6.1483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Of 682 women who had undergone in-vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with embryo transfer, 84 were successful on two occasions, with 16 of these resulting in miscarriage before 20 completed weeks. Antiphospholipid antibodies (APA) were estimated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in these women (group 1) and compared to two control groups: 42 fertile women with three or more miscarriages (group 2) and 60 women with primary infertility undergoing IVF or ICSI (group 3). An apparently higher prevalence of seropositivity was seen in group 1 women (25%) compared to the group 3 women (6.6%) and it was similar to that seen in group 2 women (21.4%). Therefore the recommendation that women with two consecutive miscarriages after IVF or ICSI should have APA estimations performed routinely may be justified.
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Eldar-Geva T, Wood C, Lolatgis N, Rombauts L, Kovacs G, Fuscaldo J, Trounson AO. Cumulative pregnancy and live birth rates in women with antiphospholipid antibodies undergoing assisted reproduction. Hum Reprod 1999; 14:1461-6. [PMID: 10357959 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/14.6.1461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The aims of this study were to investigate the influence of antiphospholipid antibodies (APA) on cumulative pregnancy and live-birth rates in patients undergoing assisted reproductive treatment. Serum samples from 173 patients were collected prior to initiation treatment cycle and tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the presence of immunoglobulin (Ig)G, IgM and IgA against cardiolipin, phosphoserine, phosphoethanolamine, phosphoinositol, phosphatidic acid, and phosphoglycerol. Fifty-six samples from patients who had at least two failed cycles by assisted reproductive treatment were also tested by a bioassay for the presence of lupus anticoagulants. Both cumulative pregnancy and live birth rates were not affected by the presence of any specific or any number of seropositive APA. There was no association between multiple assisted reproductive treatment failures and APA seropositivity. Neither the serum concentration of any of the 18 APA, nor the number of positive APA was correlated with the number of assisted reproductive treatment failed cycles or affected the probability of pregnancy. No patient was found to be positive for lupus anticoagulants. Using life table analyses, which has been recognized as the most appropriate method available to analyse assisted reproductive treatment results, we conclude that there is no relationship between circulating APA and assisted reproductive treatment outcome. APA do not affect the early process of implantation or maintenance of pregnancy among assisted reproductive treatment patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Eldar-Geva
- Monash IVF, Epworth Hospital, Richmond 3121, Centre for Early Human Development, Monash University, Clayton 3168, Victoria, Australia
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Luborsky J, Llanes B, Davies S, Binor Z, Radwanska E, Pong R. Ovarian autoimmunity: greater frequency of autoantibodies in premature menopause and unexplained infertility than in the general population. Clin Immunol 1999; 90:368-74. [PMID: 10075866 DOI: 10.1006/clim.1998.4661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to: (1) assess the relative prevalence of ovarian, thyroid, nuclear, and cardiolipin antibodies associated with premature menopause and unexplained infertility and (2) compare ovarian and thyroid antibodies in premature menopause, unexplained infertility, and the general population. Autoantibodies were evaluated in women with premature menopause (n = 30), unexplained infertility with (n = 38) or without (n = 15) prior gonadotropin-induced ovulation, and normal cycling controls (n = 12) and in a population of women obtained from a blood bank (n = 53). Antibodies to ovary (OVAB), thyroid (THYAB; thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin), cardiolipin, and eight nuclear antigens were assessed by enzyme immunoassay. Organ-specific antibodies (ovary and thyroid) were present with significantly greater frequency than non-organ-specific antibodies (nuclear and cardiolipin) in premature menopause and unexplained infertility (60% (50/83) vs 16% (13/83) respectively; P < 0.0001). OVAB (53%, 44/83) were significantly more frequent than THYAB (30%, 25/83) in premature menopause and unexplained infertility (P = 0.0030). THYAB did not differ among all groups (P = 0.78). In premature menopause and treated or untreated unexplained infertility OVAB frequencies were 53, 61, and 33%, respectively, and were significantly more frequent than in the population (17%) (P = 0.0001). In unexplained infertility, individuals with no prior gonadotropin-induced ovulation had a lower frequency of OVAB than treated individuals (P = 0.07). The frequency distribution of optical density values for OVAB was significantly higher for premature menopause and unexplained infertility than for population or normal cycling women (P < 0.0001). Thus, only ovarian antibodies were significantly more frequent than other antibody markers of autoimmunity in premature menopause and unexplained infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Luborsky
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Section, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rush Medical College, Chicago, Illinois 60612, USA
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Coulam CB, Branch DW, Clark DA, Gleicher N, Kutteh W, Lockshin MD, Rote NS. American Society for Reproductive Immunology report of the Committee for Establishing Criteria for Diagnosis of Reproductive Autoimmune Syndrome. Am J Reprod Immunol 1999; 41:121-32. [PMID: 10102084 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.1999.tb00086.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- C B Coulam
- Center for Human Reproduction, Chicago, IL 60610, USA
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Abstract
Some clinicians are convinced that antiphospholipid antibodies, including antibodies to any one of five-to-seven phospholipid antigens, are associated with infertility. Additionally, some clinicians recommend that infertile women who have antiphospholipid antibodies and are undergoing in-vitro fertilization should be treated with heparin to improve the rate of pregnancy. However, experts disagree regarding the relationship between antiphospholipid antibodies and infertility. There is also substantial evidence that treatment with heparin does not alter the rate of pregnancy following in-vitro fertilization. Why the confusion? Probable culprits include variation in study design and the selection of infertile patients. Another important problem is that assays for antiphospholipid antibodies other than anticardiolipin are not standardized. Before the real relationship between antiphospholipid antibodies and infertility is discovered, assays for antiphospholipid antibodies other than anticardiolipin must be standardized and properly designed studies conducted. Randomized, controlled trials must be done to determine if heparin should be recommended as an adjunctive treatment for in-vitro fertilization in women with antiphospholipid antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Ware Branch
- University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To critically review the English-language literature and describe the current diagnosis, prevalence, etiology, and treatment of antisperm antibodies (ASA). DESIGN A comprehensive literature search of the English-language literature published between 1966 and December 1997 was performed on MEDLINE. Articles were also located via bibliographies of published works. RESULT(S) Data were excerpted from articles identified by MEDLINE search. The diagnosis, prevalence, etiology, and treatment of ASA are described. CONCLUSION(S) There is sufficient evidence that ASA impair fertility in couples with unexplained infertility. A number of different methodologies are available, which may be used in their detection. However, in many cases, test interpretation is subjective. Although there is not enough evidence to support systemic treatment for ASA, application of a variety of assisted reproductive technologies improves outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Mazumdar
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Stern C, Chamley L, Hale L, Kloss M, Speirs A, Baker HW. Antibodies to beta2 glycoprotein I are associated with in vitro fertilization implantation failure as well as recurrent miscarriage: results of a prevalence study. Fertil Steril 1998; 70:938-44. [PMID: 9806580 DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(98)00312-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether antiphospholipid and related autoantibodies are associated with IVF implantation failure as well as with recurrent spontaneous miscarriage. DESIGN Prevalence study. SETTING University teaching hospital and associated IVF unit. PATIENT(S) Patients with at least three consecutive first-trimester miscarriages (n = 97), patients undergoing IVF who had at least 10 embryos transferred without any resulting clinical pregnancy (n = 105), fertile women (n = 106), and patients newly referred for IVF treatment (n = 52). INTERVENTION(S) Antibodies tested included lupus anticoagulant; immunoglobulin (Ig) G and IgM isotypes of each of anticardiolipin antibody, antiphosphatidylserine, antiphosphatidylethanolamine, and antiphosphatidylinositol; beta2 glycoprotein I antibodies; and antinuclear antibodies. Statistical analysis included chi2 and Fisher's exact tests for differences between groups, and multiple linear regression analysis and Spearman's nonparametric tests for relations between results. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Seropositivity for autoantibodies tested. RESULT(S) Overall, 84 (23%) of the 360 samples tested positive for at least one autoantibody. Beta2 glycoprotein I IgM antibody and antinuclear antibody were significantly associated with both IVF implantation failure and recurrent miscarriage. CONCLUSION(S) Autoantibodies, particularly beta2 glycoprotein I antibodies and antinuclear antibodies, are associated with IVF implantation failure as well as with recurrent spontaneous abortion, although the mechanism is still unclear. The high seroprevalence of antibodies to beta2 glycoprotein I suggests that it may have an important role in autoimmune reproductive failure that needs to be explored further.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Stern
- Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the contribution of embryo quality to preclinical loss rates after in vitro fertilization (IVF)/embryo transfer (ET) pregnancy, multiple gestation, and clinical loss rates were compared to preclinical pregnancy loss rates over a 3-year period. METHODS The pregnancy outcomes after 1675 fresh ETs from 1994 to 1997 were studied. While establishment of a clinical pregnancy confirms uterine receptivity, multiple gestation rates reflect embryo quality. Because the majority of clinical losses are chromosomally abnormal, clinical loss rates serve as another indicator of embryo quality. RESULTS The overall preclinical pregnancy loss rate was 5% (78/1675) of ETs and 17% (78/472) of pregnancies. During the 3-year period the pregnancy rates per ET increased from 19 to 36% (P < 0.0001), multiple gestation rates increased from 21 to 48% (P < 0.008), clinical loss rates decreased from 20 to 6% (P < 0.0001), and preclinical pregnancy loss rates remained unchanged from 13 to 19% (P = 0.1). CONCLUSIONS Preclinical pregnancy loss more likely reflects abnormalities in uterine receptivity rather than embryo quality. If recurrent preclinical pregnancy loss occurs after IVF/ET, evaluation for abnormalities of uterine receptivity should be performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- C B Coulam
- Center of Human Reproduction, Chicago, Illinois 60610, USA
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Coulam CB, Kaider BD, Kaider AS, Janowicz P, Roussev RG. Antiphospholipid antibodies associated with implantation failure after IVF/ET. J Assist Reprod Genet 1997; 14:603-8. [PMID: 9447463 PMCID: PMC3454732 DOI: 10.1023/a:1022588903620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Our purpose was to determine the specific antiphospholipid antibodies (APAs) that should be evaluated to identify individuals at risk for implantation failure associated with reproductive autoimmune failure syndrome (RAFS). METHODS The prevalence of APAs among 312 women with implantation failure was compared with that of 100 fertile control women. To be included in the implantation failure group, each woman had to have had at least 12 embryos transferred without subsequent positive pregnancy test. Enzyme-linked immunoabsorbant assay was used to measure IgG, IgM, and IgA anticardiolipin, antiphosphatidyl ethanolamine, antiphosphatidyl inositol, antiphospatidic acid, anti-phosphatidyl glycerol, antiphosphatidyl choline, and antiphosphatidyl serine. RESULTS When the values for each of the seven APAs in three isotypes were compared between women with implantation failure and the control population, all of the APAs tested had a significantly higher frequency among women with implantation failure. Positive APAs were detected in 69 (22%) of the 312 women with implantation failure compared with 5 (5%) of the 100 control women (P < 0.0001). Anticardiolipin antibodies were found in 13 (4%) of the 312 women with implantation failure and none of the controls. Fifty-six (18%) of the 312 with implantation failure were negative for anticardiolipin antibodies but had positive values of other APAs. CONCLUSIONS A complete APA panel using seven isotypes is necessary for diagnosing implantation failure associated with RAFS. If only anticardiolipin antibody is measured, 4% (13/312) of the positive APAs are detected, and 81% (56/69) of women with implantation failure associated with RAFS will have the diagnosis missed.
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Affiliation(s)
- C B Coulam
- Center for Human Reproduction, Chicago, Illinois 60610, USA
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Hatasaka HH, Branch DW, Kutteh WH, Scott JR. Autoantibody screening for infertility: explaining the unexplained? J Reprod Immunol 1997; 34:137-53. [PMID: 9292780 DOI: 10.1016/s0165-0378(97)00027-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Several laboratories currently offer panels of serum autoantibody assays to screen women with unexplained infertility and those undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). Offering these tests implies that they have predictive value for the outcome of proposed infertility treatments such that the results of the testing would alter clinical management. Because screening for antiphospholipid antibodies adds expense to already costly procedures, it is an appropriate time to review the justification for the use of these panels.
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Affiliation(s)
- H H Hatasaka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, USA
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Abstract
The role that autoantibodies play in infertility remains uncertain. There are conflicting data regarding the prevalence of autoantibodies in women with endometriosis. Certainly no one has demonstrated an association between the presence of antibodies in women with endometriosis and infertility. Despite intensive study, there is also no consensus on a role of autoantibodies to the zona pellucida as a cause of infertility. Recently, much attention has been focused on autoantibodies and infertility particularly with regards to phospholipid antibodies and their effect on IVF success rates. The literature suggests that women with infertility have an increased prevalence of phospholipid antibodies compared to fertile women. However, the presence of these antibodies has not been associated with a worsened prognosis for IVF cycles. Many questions remain to be answered. What is the cause of this apparently increased prevalence of autoantibodies in infertile women? Do these autoantibodies cause infertility or are they merely associated with some other condition which is actually causitive? Finally, can treatment of autoantibodies improve pregnancy rates in infertile couples after IVF or other infertility treatments? The answers to these questions should be sought by carefully conducted trials with appropriate control groups. Subjecting patients to expensive testing and 'treatments' before these answers are known is not consistent with good scientific or medical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- B J Van Voorhis
- University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Iowa City 52242-1080, USA
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Ando T, Suganuma N, Furuhashi M, Asada Y, Kondo I, Tomoda Y. Successful glucocorticoid treatment for patients with abnormal autoimmunity on in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. J Assist Reprod Genet 1996; 13:776-81. [PMID: 8986588 DOI: 10.1007/bf02066497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To analyze the effects of glucocorticoid treatment for patients with abnormal autoimmunity on IVF-ET outcomes, low-dose predonisolone or dexamethasone was administered in 51 IVF-ET cycles of 41 patients with positive antinuclear antibody (ANA), anti-DNA antibody, and/or lupus anticoagulant (LAC). Rates of clinical pregnancy and implantation in these patients were compared with those in 48 cycles without corticosteroid therapy. Autoantibody-negative patients were also treated with IVF-ET combined with (29 cycles) or without (57 cycles) glucocorticoid administration, and the pregnancy and implantation rates were investigated. RESULTS Without glucocorticoid treatment, the pregnancy rate per cycle and implantation rate per embryo in antibody-positive patients were 10.4 and 3.8%, respectively. Significant increases in pregnancy (35.3%) and implantation (13.2%) rates were observed with corticosteroid treatment. In antibody-negative patients, the rates of pregnancy and implantation showed no significant differences with versus without the glucocorticoid administration. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that because autoimmune abnormalities may be at least one cause of implantation failure following IVF-ET, the combined use of low-dose corticosteroid can be effective for autoantibody-positive women.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Ando
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Branch Hospital, Nagoya University School of Medicine, Japan
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