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Barnhart KT, Bollig KJ, Senapati S, Takacs P, Robins JC, Haisenleder DJ, Beer LA, Savaris RF, Koelper NC, Speicher DW, Chittams J, Bao J, Wen Z, Feng Y, Kim M, Mumford S, Shen L, Gimotty P. Multiplexed serum biomarkers to discriminate nonviable and ectopic pregnancy. Fertil Steril 2024; 122:482-493. [PMID: 38677710 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2024.04.028] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate combinations of candidate biomarkers to develop a multiplexed prediction model for identifying the viability and location of an early pregnancy. In this study, we assessed 24 biomarkers with multiple machine learning-based methodologies to assess if multiplexed biomarkers may improve the diagnosis of normal and abnormal early pregnancies. DESIGN A nested case-control design evaluated the predictive ability and discrimination of biomarkers in patients at risk of early pregnancy failure in the first trimester to classify viability and location. SETTING Three university hospitals. PATIENTS A total of 218 individuals with pain and/or bleeding in early pregnancy: 75 had an ongoing intrauterine gestation; 68 had ectopic pregnancies (EPs); and 75 had miscarriages. INTERVENTIONS Serum levels of 24 biomarkers were assessed in the same patients. Multiple machine learning-based methodologies to evaluate combinations of these top candidates to develop a multiplexed prediction model for the identification of a nonviable pregnancy (ongoing intrauterine pregnancy vs. miscarriage or EP) and an EP (EP vs. ongoing intrauterine pregnancy or miscarriage). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The predicted classification using each model was compared with the actual diagnosis, and sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, conclusive classification, and accuracy were calculated. RESULTS Models using classification regression tree analysis using 3 (pregnancy-specific beta-1-glycoprotein 3 [PSG3], chorionic gonadotropin-alpha subunit, and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A) biomarkers were able to predict a maximum sensitivity of 93.3% and a maximum specificity of 98.6%. The model with the highest accuracy was 97.4% (with 70.2% receiving classification). Models using an overlapping group of 3 (soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1, PSG3, and tissue factor pathway inhibitor 2) biomarkers achieved a maximum sensitivity of 98.5% and a maximum specificity of 95.3%. The model with the highest accuracy was 94.4% (with 65.6% receiving classification). When the models were used simultaneously, the conclusive classification increased to 72.7% with an accuracy of 95.9%. The predictive ability of the biomarkers in the random forest produced similar test characteristics when using 11 predictive biomarkers. CONCLUSION We have demonstrated a pool of biomarkers from divergent biological pathways that can be used to classify individuals with potential early pregnancy loss. The biomarkers choriogonadotropin alpha, pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A, and PSG3 can be used to predict viability, and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1, tissue factor pathway inhibitor 2, and PSG3 can be used to predict pregnancy location.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurt T Barnhart
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
| | - Kassie J Bollig
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Suneeta Senapati
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Peter Takacs
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia
| | - Jared C Robins
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Daniel J Haisenleder
- Department of Internal Medicine and the Center for Research in Reproduction, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Lynn A Beer
- Center for Systems & Computational Biology, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Ricardo F Savaris
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Nathanael C Koelper
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - David W Speicher
- Center for Systems & Computational Biology, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jesse Chittams
- Biostatistics Consulting Unit, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jingxuan Bao
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Zixuan Wen
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Yanbo Feng
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Mansu Kim
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Sunni Mumford
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Li Shen
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Phyllis Gimotty
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Hou L, Liang X, Zeng L, Wang Q, Chen Z. Conventional and modern markers of pregnancy of unknown location: Update and narrative review. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2024. [PMID: 39022869 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.15807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Pregnancy of unknown location (PUL) is a temporary pathologic or physiologic phenomenon of early pregnancy that requires follow up to determine the final pregnancy outcome. Evidence indicated that PUL patients suffer a remarkably higher rate of adverse pregnancy outcomes, represented by ectopic gestation and early pregnancy loss, than the general population. In the past few decades, discussion about PUL has never stopped, and a variety of markers have been widely investigated for the early and accurate evaluation of PUL, including serum biomarkers, ultrasound imaging features, multivariate analysis, and the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy based on risk stratification. So far, machine learning (ML) methods represented by M4 and M6 logistic regression have gained a level of recognition and are continually improving. Nevertheless, the heterogeneity of PUL markers, mainly caused by the limited sample size, the differences in population and technical maturity, etc., have hampered the management of PUL. With the advancement of multidisciplinary integration and cutting-edge technologies (e.g. artificial intelligence, prediction model development, and telemedicine), novel markers, and strategies for the management of PUL are expected to be developed. In this review, we summarize both conventional and novel markers (represented by artificial intelligence) for PUL assessment and management, investigate their advancements, limitations and challenges, and propose insights on future research direction and clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Likang Hou
- Institute of Medical Imaging, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Medical Imaging Center, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Xiaowen Liang
- Institute of Medical Imaging, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging Precision Theranostics and Radiation Protection, College of Hunan Province, Department of Medical Imaging, the Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha, China
| | - Lingqing Zeng
- Institute of Medical Imaging, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Medical Imaging Center, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Qian Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Zhiyi Chen
- Institute of Medical Imaging, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging Precision Theranostics and Radiation Protection, College of Hunan Province, Department of Medical Imaging, the Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha, China
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Abbasi Ranjbar Z, Sharami SH, Fakor F, Milani F, Kabodmehri R, Haghparast Z, Dalil Heirati SF. Lactate plasma level as a potential biomarker in early diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy: A case-control survey. Health Sci Rep 2023; 6:e1705. [PMID: 38028671 PMCID: PMC10654378 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.1705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction A novel metabolomics survey proposed lactic acid as a diagnostic biomarker to detect ectopic pregnancy (EP). Here we investigate the plasma level of lactate for early diagnosis of EP as a potential biomarker. Methods In a case-control study, the reproductive aged women with definite tubal EP (6-10 weeks' gestation), referred to our department during 2021-2022, considered as case group, and women with normal singleton pregnancy in the same gestational age as control group. After informed concept, demographic data (maternal and gestational age and parity) recorded and 5 mL venous blood samples were taken to detect the lactate plasma level. The data analyzed using SPSS software ver22. Results Finally, 95 participations (50 in case and 45 in control group) enrolled. The clinical results showed that the most of case group were aged more than 35 years old with had higher parity and body mass index, but, no statistically significant difference showed up. On the other hand, although the lactate level was slightly higher in women with EP, but, the plasma lactate level did not statistically differ between the two study groups. Also, the logistic regression showed no relationship between the demographic variables and the lactate plasma level. Conclusion It seems that the plasma level of lactate cannot be a diagnostic biomarker for EP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Abbasi Ranjbar
- Reproductive Health Research CenterGuilan University of Medical SciencesRashtIran
| | - Seyedeh Hajar Sharami
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Reproductive Health Research Center, Al‐Zahra Hospital, School of MedicineGuilan University of Medical SciencesRashtIran
| | - Fereshteh Fakor
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Reproductive Health Research Center, Al‐Zahra Hospital, School of MedicineGuilan University of Medical SciencesRashtIran
| | - Forozan Milani
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Reproductive Health Research Center, Al‐Zahra Hospital, School of MedicineGuilan University of Medical SciencesRashtIran
| | - Roya Kabodmehri
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Reproductive Health Research Center, Al‐Zahra Hospital, School of MedicineGuilan University of Medical SciencesRashtIran
| | - Zahra Haghparast
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Reproductive Health Research Center, Al‐Zahra Hospital, School of MedicineGuilan University of Medical SciencesRashtIran
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Barber CV, Yo JH, Rahman RA, Wallace EM, Palmer KR, Marshall SA. Activin A and pathologies of pregnancy: a review. Placenta 2023; 136:35-41. [PMID: 37028223 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Activin A is a two-subunit protein belonging to the transforming growth factor β superfamily. First discovered almost three decades ago, it has since been implicated in diverse physiological roles, ranging from wound repair to reproduction. After 30 years of research, altered activin A levels are now understood to be associated with the development of various diseases, making activin A a potential therapeutic target. In pregnancy, the placenta and fetal membranes are major producers of activin A, with significantly enhanced serum concentrations now recognised as a contributor to numerous gestational disorders. Evidence now suggests that circulating levels of activin A may be clinically relevant in the early detection of pregnancy complications, including miscarriage and preeclampsia. This review aims to summarise our current understanding of activin A as a potential diagnostic marker in common pregnancy pathologies.
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Identification of noninvasive diagnostic biomarkers for ectopic pregnancy using data-independent acquisition (DIA)proteomics: a pilot study. Sci Rep 2022; 12:19992. [PMID: 36411308 PMCID: PMC9678856 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23374-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
At present, the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy mainly depends on transvaginal ultrasound and β-hCG. However, these methods may delay diagnosis and treatment time. Therefore, we aimed to screen for serological molecular markers for the early diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy (EP).Using data-independent acquisition (DIA)proteomics, the differential proteins in serum were selected between the intrauterine pregnancy (IP) and EP groups. Then, the expression levels of these differential proteins were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The diagnostic value of the serum biomarkers was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.GSTO1, ECM-1 and β-hCG showed significant differences between the EP and IP groups (P < 0.05). The combination of GSTO1/ECM-1/β-hCG had an area under the curve of 0.93 (95% CI 0.88-0.99), a sensitivity of 88.89% (95% CI 73.94-96.89) and a specificity of 86.11% (95% CI 70.50-95.33) with a likelihood ratio of 6.40.The combination of GSTO1/ECM-1/β-hCG may be developed into a possible approach for the early diagnosis of EP.
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Ghaedi B, Cheng W, Ameri S, Abdulkarim K, Costain N, Zia A, Thiruganasambandamoorthy V. Performance of single serum progesterone in the evaluation of symptomatic first-trimester pregnant patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. CAN J EMERG MED 2022; 24:611-621. [PMID: 35921048 DOI: 10.1007/s43678-022-00332-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Pain and bleeding complicate 30% of pregnancies, raising concerns for viability. The objective is to evaluate the diagnostic characteristics of a single serum progesterone level in assessing pregnancy viability among symptomatic patients. METHODS We conducted a predefined literature search in MEDLINE, Embase (OVID), CINAHL and Cochrane databases for studies that enrolled patients in first trimester with miscarriage symptoms, measured progesterone and reported pregnancy viability, from inception to July 2020. We extracted data for 2 × 2 tables, progesterone threshold levels and viability. We obtained summary estimates of sensitivity, specificity, Diagnostic Odds Ratio (DOR), and predictive values at given prevalence rates. RESULTS We identified 54 publications. There was a total of 15,878 patients enrolled, of whom 7864 patients (49.5%) were confirmed to have a viable pregnancy and 8014 patients (50.5%) were confirmed to have a non-viable pregnancy. The cut-off value of progesterone ranged from 3.2 to 25 ng/mL (20.034-79.5 nmol/L). We evaluated the performance of the following progesterone cut-off categories: < 6.3, 6.3-12.6, 12.7-19.9, and 20-25 ng/mL. To detect non-viable pregnancy, progesterone with cut-off < 6.3 ng/mL had sensitivity 73.1%, specificity 99.2% and DOR 322.0 (PPV 0.91, 0.97 and 0.99 at prevalences 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, respectively, indicating higher likelihood of non-viable pregnancy), and cut-off category 20-25 ng/mL had sensitivity 91.3%, specificity 75% and DOR 31.4 (NPV 0.99, 0.96 and 0.89 at the prevalences above indicating higher likelihood of viable pregnancy). CONCLUSION A single progesterone level provides a clinically useful prognostic information on pregnancy viability. More than nine out of ten patients with a level < 6.3 ng/mL (< 20.034 nmol/L) will be diagnosed with a non-viable pregnancy, and more than 90% of patients with a level ≥ 20-25 ng/mL (63.6-79.5 nmol/L) will have a viable pregnancy confirmed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahareh Ghaedi
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology Program-Emergency Medicine, Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, ON, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Wei Cheng
- Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, USA
| | - Sara Ameri
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology Program-Emergency Medicine, Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, ON, Ottawa, Canada
| | | | - Nicholas Costain
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Ayesha Zia
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Venkatesh Thiruganasambandamoorthy
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology Program-Emergency Medicine, Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, ON, Ottawa, Canada. .,Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada. .,The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada. .,School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
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Serum calponin 2 is a novel biomarker of tubal ectopic pregnancy. Fertil Steril 2021; 116:1020-1027. [PMID: 34217487 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.05.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate serum protein calponin 2 (CNN2) as a candidate biomarker for tubal ectopic pregnancy (EP). DESIGN Retrospective study. SETTING Single University affiliated tertiary hospital. PATIENT(S) Serum samples were obtained from 84 patients with EP, 39 with viable intrauterine pregnancy (vIUP), and 42 with miscarriage. Moreover, 10 fallopian tube and corresponding villous tissue samples from patients with EP, 6 villous tissue samples from patients with vIUP, and 10 villous tissue samples from patients with miscarriage were collected. INTERVENTION(S) Serum CNN2 concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; CNN2 expression in tissues was evaluated via immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) The diagnostic performance of serum CNN2 to discriminate an EP from vIUP and miscarriage. RESULT(S) CNN2 was highly expressed in villous stromal cells isolated from patients with EP, and CNN2 messenger ribonucleic acid expression was upregulated in villous tissues from women with EP compared with that in women with vIUPs and miscarriages. Serum CNN2 concentration was higher in women with EP than that in women with vIUP and miscarriage. The serum CNN2 predicted EP from vIUP and miscarriage with areas under the curve (AUCs) of 0.931 (95% confidence interval: 0.889-0.975). For discriminating EP from miscarriage only, the AUC was 0.906 (95% confidence interval: 0.835-0.977). In contrast, the AUCs for serum human chorionic gonadotropin were 0.809 and 0.637, respectively. CONCLUSION(S) Our data highlight the possibility of serum CNN2 as a single biomarker for the diagnosis of EP. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ChiCTR 1900020483.
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Appiah Adu-Gyamfi E, Tanam Djankpa F, Nelson W, Czika A, Kumar Sah S, Lamptey J, Ding YB, Wang YX. Activin and inhibin signaling: From regulation of physiology to involvement in the pathology of the female reproductive system. Cytokine 2020; 133:155105. [PMID: 32438278 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2020.155105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Activins and inhibins - comprising activin A, B, AB, C and E, and inhibin A and B isoforms - belong to the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) superfamily. They regulate several biological processes, including cellular proliferation, differentiation and invasiveness, to enhance the formation and functioning of many human tissues and organs. In this review, we have discussed the role of activin and inhibin signaling in the physiological and female-specific pathological events that occur in the female reproductive system. The up-to-date evidence indicates that these cytokines regulate germ cell development, follicular development, ovulation, uterine receptivity, decidualization and placentation through the activation of several signaling pathways; and that their dysregulated expression is involved in the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of the numerous diseases, including pregnancy complications, that disturb reproduction. Hence, some of the isoforms have been suggested as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the management of some of these diseases. Tackling the research directions highlighted in this review will enhance a detailed comprehension and the clinical utility of these cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enoch Appiah Adu-Gyamfi
- Department of Reproductive Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China.
| | - Francis Tanam Djankpa
- Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana.
| | - William Nelson
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China; Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es salaam, Tanzania.
| | - Armin Czika
- Department of Reproductive Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China.
| | - Sanjay Kumar Sah
- Department of Reproductive Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jones Lamptey
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China; Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, KCCR, Ghana.
| | - Yu-Bin Ding
- Department of Reproductive Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ying-Xiong Wang
- Department of Reproductive Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China.
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The performances of serum activins and follistatin in the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy: A prospective case-control study. Clin Chim Acta 2020; 500:69-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2019.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Revised: 09/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Turkoglu O, Citil A, Katar C, Mert I, Kumar P, Yilmaz A, Uygur DS, Erkaya S, Graham SF, Bahado-Singh RO. Metabolomic identification of novel diagnostic biomarkers in ectopic pregnancy. Metabolomics 2019; 15:143. [PMID: 31630278 DOI: 10.1007/s11306-019-1607-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ectopic pregnancy (EP) is a potentially life-threatening condition and early diagnosis still remains a challenge, causing a delay in management leading to tubal rupture. OBJECTIVES To identify putative plasma biomarkers for the detection of tubal EP and elucidate altered biochemical pathways in EP compared to intrauterine pregnancies. METHODS This case-control study included prospective recruitment of 39 tubal EP cases and 89 early intrauterine pregnancy controls. Plasma samples were biochemically profiled using proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR). To avoid over-fitting, datasets were randomly divided into a discovery group (26 cases vs 60 controls) and a test group (13 cases and 29 controls). Logistic regression models were developed in the discovery group and validated in the independent test group. Area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC), 95% confidence interval (CI), sensitivity, and specificity values were calculated. RESULTS In total 13 of 43 (30.3%) metabolite concentrations were significantly altered in EP plasma (p < 0.05). Metabolomic profiling yielded significant separation between EP and controls (p < 0.05). Independent validation of a two-metabolite model consisting of lactate and acetate, achieved an AUC (95% CI) = 0.935 (0.843-1.000) with a sensitivity of 92.3% and specificity of 96.6%. The second metabolite model (D-glucose, pyruvate, acetoacetate) performed well with an AUC (95% CI) = 0.822 (0.657-0.988) and a sensitivity of 84.6% and specificity of 86.2%. CONCLUSION We report novel metabolomic biomarkers with a high accuracy for the detection of EP. Accurate biomarkers could potentially result in improved early diagnosis of tubal EP cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Onur Turkoglu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beaumont Health System, Royal Oak, MI, USA.
- Oakland University-William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, MI, USA.
| | - Ayse Citil
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zekai Tahir Burak Women's Health Education and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ceren Katar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zekai Tahir Burak Women's Health Education and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ismail Mert
- Division of Gynecological Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Praveen Kumar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beaumont Health System, Royal Oak, MI, USA
| | - Ali Yilmaz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beaumont Health System, Royal Oak, MI, USA
| | - Dilek S Uygur
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zekai Tahir Burak Women's Health Education and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Salim Erkaya
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zekai Tahir Burak Women's Health Education and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Stewart F Graham
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beaumont Health System, Royal Oak, MI, USA
- Oakland University-William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, MI, USA
| | - Ray O Bahado-Singh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beaumont Health System, Royal Oak, MI, USA
- Oakland University-William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, MI, USA
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Bloise E, Ciarmela P, Dela Cruz C, Luisi S, Petraglia F, Reis FM. Activin A in Mammalian Physiology. Physiol Rev 2019; 99:739-780. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00002.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Activins are dimeric glycoproteins belonging to the transforming growth factor beta superfamily and resulting from the assembly of two beta subunits, which may also be combined with alpha subunits to form inhibins. Activins were discovered in 1986 following the isolation of inhibins from porcine follicular fluid, and were characterized as ovarian hormones that stimulate follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) release by the pituitary gland. In particular, activin A was shown to be the isoform of greater physiological importance in humans. The current understanding of activin A surpasses the reproductive system and allows its classification as a hormone, a growth factor, and a cytokine. In more than 30 yr of intense research, activin A was localized in female and male reproductive organs but also in other organs and systems as diverse as the brain, liver, lung, bone, and gut. Moreover, its roles include embryonic differentiation, trophoblast invasion of the uterine wall in early pregnancy, and fetal/neonate brain protection in hypoxic conditions. It is now recognized that activin A overexpression may be either cytostatic or mitogenic, depending on the cell type, with important implications for tumor biology. Activin A also regulates bone formation and regeneration, enhances joint inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis, and triggers pathogenic mechanisms in the respiratory system. In this 30-yr review, we analyze the evidence for physiological roles of activin A and the potential use of activin agonists and antagonists as therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrrico Bloise
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; and Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and
| | - Pasquapina Ciarmela
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; and Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and
| | - Cynthia Dela Cruz
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; and Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and
| | - Stefano Luisi
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; and Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and
| | - Felice Petraglia
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; and Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and
| | - Fernando M. Reis
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; and Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and
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12
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Bobdiwala S, Saso S, Verbakel JY, Al-Memar M, Van Calster B, Timmerman D, Bourne T. Diagnostic protocols for the management of pregnancy of unknown location: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BJOG 2018; 126:190-198. [PMID: 30129999 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.15442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is no international consensus on how to manage women with a pregnancy of unknown location (PUL). OBJECTIVES To present a systematic quantitative review summarising the evidence related to management protocols for PUL. SEARCH STRATEGY MEDLINE, COCHRANE and DARE databases were searched from 1 January 1984 to 31 January 2017. The primary outcome was accurate risk prediction of women initially diagnosed with a PUL having an ectopic pregnancy (high risk) as opposed to either a failed PUL or intrauterine pregnancy (low risk). SELECTION CRITERIA All studies written in the English language, which were not case reports or series that assessed women classified as having a PUL at initial ultrasound. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Forty-three studies were included. QUADAS-2 criteria were used to assess the risk of bias. We used a novel, linear mixed-effects model and constructed summary receiver operating characteristic curves for the thresholds of interest. MAIN RESULTS There was a high risk of differential verification bias in most studies. Meta-analyses of accuracy were performed on (i) single human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) cut-off levels, (ii) hCG ratio (hCG at 48 hours/initial hCG), (iii) single progesterone cut-off levels and (iv) the 'M4 model' (a logistic regression model based on the initial hCG and hCG ratio). For predicting an ectopic pregnancy, the areas under the curves (95% CI) for these four management protocols were as follows: (i) 0.42 (0.00-0.99), (ii) 0.69 (0.57-0.78), (iii) 0.69 (0.54-0.81) and (iv) 0.87 (0.83-0.91), respectively. CONCLUSIONS The M4 model was the best available method for predicting a final outcome of ectopic pregnancy. Developing and validating risk prediction models may optimise the management of PUL. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT Pregnancy of unknown location meta-analysis: M4 model has best test performance to predict ectopic pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Bobdiwala
- Tommys' National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - S Saso
- Tommys' National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - J Y Verbakel
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - M Al-Memar
- Tommys' National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - B Van Calster
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - D Timmerman
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - T Bourne
- Tommys' National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Imperial College, London, UK.,Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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13
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Plante JF, Débordès JB. Combining ROC curves using MAMSE weighted distributions. CAN J STAT 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/cjs.11351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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14
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Senapati S, Sammel MD, Butts SF, Takacs P, Chung K, Barnhart KT. Predicting first trimester pregnancy outcome: derivation of a multiple marker test. Fertil Steril 2016; 106:1725-1732.e3. [PMID: 28340932 PMCID: PMC5373488 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.08.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Revised: 08/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To predict first trimester pregnancy outcome using biomarkers in a multicenter cohort. DESIGN Case-control study. SETTING Three academic centers. PATIENT(S) Women with pain and bleeding in early pregnancy. INTERVENTION(S) Sera from women who were 5-12 weeks' gestational age with ectopic pregnancy (EP), viable intrauterine pregnancy (IUP), and miscarriage/spontaneous abortion (SAB) was analyzed by ELISA and immunoassay for activin A, inhibin A, P, A Disintegrin And Metalloprotease-12, pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A), pregnancy specific B1-glycoprotein (SP1), placental-like growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, glycodelin (Glyc), and hCG. Classification trees were developed to optimize sensitivity/specificity for pregnancy location and viability. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Area under receiver operating characteristic curve, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of first trimester pregnancy outcome. RESULT(S) In 230 pregnancies, the combination of trees to maximize sensitivity and specificity resulted in 73% specificity (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.65-0.80) and 31% sensitivity (95% CI 0.21-0.43) for viability. Similar methods had 21% sensitivity (95% CI 0.12-0.32) and 33% specificity (95% CI 0.26-0.41) for location. Activin A, Glyc, and A Disintegrin And Metalloprotease-12 definitively classified pregnancy location in 29% of the sample with 100% accuracy for EP. Progesterone and PAPP-A classified the viability in 61% of the sample with 94% accuracy. CONCLUSION(S) Multiple marker panels can distinguish pregnancy location and viability in a subset of women at risk for early pregnancy complications. This strategy of combining markers to maximize sensitivity and specificity results in high accuracy in a subset of subjects. Activin A, ADAM12, and Glyc are the most promising markers for pregnancy location; P and PAPP-A for viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suneeta Senapati
- Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
| | - Mary D Sammel
- Center for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Samantha F Butts
- Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Peter Takacs
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia
| | - Karine Chung
- Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Kurt T Barnhart
- Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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15
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Dhiman P, Senthilkumar G, Rajendiran S, Sivaraman K, Soundararaghavan S, Kulandhasamy M. Serum activin B concentration as predictive biomarker for ectopic pregnancy. Clin Biochem 2016; 49:609-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2015.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Revised: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 11/18/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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16
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Wijayarathna R, de Kretser DM. Activins in reproductive biology and beyond. Hum Reprod Update 2016; 22:342-57. [PMID: 26884470 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmv058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2015] [Accepted: 11/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Activins are members of the pleiotrophic family of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) superfamily of cytokines, initially isolated for their capacity to induce the release of FSH from pituitary extracts. Subsequent research has demonstrated that activins are involved in multiple biological functions including the control of inflammation, fibrosis, developmental biology and tumourigenesis. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the roles of activin in reproductive and developmental biology. It also discusses interesting advances in the field of modulating the bioactivity of activins as a therapeutic target, which would undoubtedly be beneficial for patients with reproductive pathology. METHODS A comprehensive literature search was carried out using PUBMED and Google Scholar databases to identify studies in the English language which have contributed to the advancement of the field of activin biology, since its initial isolation in 1987 until July 2015. 'Activin', 'testis', 'ovary', 'embryonic development' and 'therapeutic targets' were used as the keywords in combination with other search phrases relevant to the topic of activin biology. RESULTS Activins, which are dimers of inhibin β subunits, act via a classical TGF-β signalling pathway. The bioactivity of activin is regulated by two endogenous inhibitors, inhibin and follistatin. Activin is a major regulator of testicular and ovarian development. In the ovary, activin A promotes oocyte maturation and regulates granulosa cell steroidogenesis. It is also essential in endometrial repair following menstruation, decidualization and maintaining pregnancy. Dysregulation of the activin-follistatin-inhibin system leads to disorders of female reproduction and pregnancy, including polycystic ovary syndrome, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, fetal growth restriction, gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia and pre-term birth. Moreover, a rise in serum activin A, accompanied by elevated FSH, is characteristic of female reproductive aging. In the male, activin A is an autocrine and paracrine modulator of germ cell development and Sertoli cell proliferation. Disruption of normal activin signalling is characteristic of many tumours affecting reproductive organs, including endometrial carcinoma, cervical cancer, testicular and ovarian cancer as well as prostate cancer. While activin A and B aid the progression of many tumours of the reproductive organs, activin C acts as a tumour suppressor. Activins are important in embryonic induction, morphogenesis of branched glandular organs, development of limbs and nervous system, craniofacial and dental development and morphogenesis of the Wolffian duct. CONCLUSIONS The field of activin biology has advanced considerably since its initial discovery as an FSH stimulating agent. Now, activin is well known as a growth factor and cytokine that regulates many aspects of reproductive biology, developmental biology and also inflammation and immunological mechanisms. Current research provides evidence for novel roles of activins in maintaining the structure and function of reproductive and other organ systems. The fact that activin A is elevated both locally as well as systemically in major disorders of the reproductive system makes it an important biomarker. Given the established role of activin A as a pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic agent, studies of its involvement in disorders of reproduction resulting from these processes should be examined. Follistatin, as a key regulator of the biological actions of activin, should be evaluated as a therapeutic agent in conditions where activin A overexpression is established as a contributing factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Wijayarathna
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Wellington Road, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31, Wright Street, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - D M de Kretser
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Wellington Road, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31, Wright Street, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
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Pillai RN, Konje JC, Tincello DG, Potdar N. Role of serum biomarkers in the prediction of outcome in women with threatened miscarriage: a systematic review and diagnostic accuracy meta-analysis. Hum Reprod Update 2015; 22:228-39. [PMID: 26663220 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmv054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 11/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Threatened miscarriage affects one in five women and is associated with significant emotional distress. The uncertainty around the prognosis of threatened miscarriage makes it equally challenging to the healthcare professionals. Various biochemical markers have been investigated in the past to predict the outcome of threatened miscarriage; however, the results have been conflicting. Therefore, we have conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the diagnostic accuracy of biochemical markers in predicting the outcome in women presenting with threatened miscarriage. METHODS This is a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies that investigated biochemical markers to determine outcomes for women with threatened miscarriage at 5-23 weeks gestational age. Electronic databases were searched up to June 2015 and study quality assessment was performed using QUADAS-2 (Quality Assessment for Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2: A Revised Tool) for evaluating the diagnostic accuracy studies. Statistical analysis was performed using the Cochrane systematic review software. RESULTS A total of 19 studies were included in the qualitative data synthesis of which 15 (including 1263 women) were eligible for the meta-analysis. The review highlights the role of biochemical markers serum progesterone, hCG, pregnancy associated plasma protein A, estradiol and cancer antigen 125 (CA 125) in the prediction of outcome in women with threatened miscarriage. Interestingly, serum CA 125 appears to be the most promising marker (n = 648 women in seven studies), whereas serum progesterone and hCG are less useful once fetal viability is established. The summary receiver operating characteristics for CA 125 showed a sensitivity of 90% (95% confidence interval (CI) 83-94%), specificity of 88% (95% CI 79-93%), positive likelihood ratio of 7.86 (95% CI 4.23-14.60) and negative likelihood ratio of 0.10 (95% CI 0.06-0.20). The inverse of negative likelihood ratio was 9.31 (95% CI 5-17.1) indicating that a negative test is likely to identify those who are likely to continue with the pregnancy. Serum estradiol was the next best marker with a sensitivity of 45% (95% CI 6-90%), a specificity of 87% (95% CI 81-92%), a positive likelihood ratio of 3.72 (95% CI 1.01-13.71) and a negative likelihood ratio of 0.62 (95% CI 0.20-1.84). CONCLUSIONS In women with threatened miscarriage, serum CA 125 has high predictive value in identifying pregnancies that are 'likely to continue', whereas the most commonly used biomarkers of serum hCG and progesterone are not useful in predicting outcome of a pregnancy with a viable fetus. Other markers such as inhibin A and a combination of markers need to be investigated to hopefully improve the prediction of outcome in women with threatened miscarriage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rekha N Pillai
- Womens and Children CMG, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester LE1 5WW, UK University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Justin C Konje
- University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sidra Medical and Research Center, PO Box 26999, Doha, Qatar
| | - Douglas G Tincello
- Womens and Children CMG, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester LE1 5WW, UK University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Neelam Potdar
- Womens and Children CMG, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester LE1 5WW, UK University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
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18
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Refaat B. Role of activins in embryo implantation and diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy: a review. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2014; 12:116. [PMID: 25421645 PMCID: PMC4254208 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-12-116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2014] [Accepted: 11/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryo implantation is a major prerequisite for the successful establishment of pregnancy. Ectopic implantation outside the intrauterine cavity and the development of ectopic pregnancy (EP) is a major cause of maternal morbidity and occasionally mortality during the first trimester. EP may be induced by failure of tubal transport and/or increased tubal receptivity. Activins, their type II receptors and follistatin have been localised in the human endometrial and tubal epithelium and they are major regulators of endometrial and tubal physiology during the menstrual cycle. Pathological expression of activins and their binding protein, follistatin, was observed in tissue and serum samples collected from EP. Several studies with different designs investigated the diagnostic value of a single measurement of serum activin-A in the differentiation between normal intrauterine and failing early pregnancy and the results are controversial. Nevertheless, the diagnostic value of activins in EP, including the other activin isoforms (activin-B and -AB) and follistatin, merits further research. This review appraises the data to date researching the role of activins in the establishment of normal pregnancy and, pathogenesis and diagnosis of tubal EP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bassem Refaat
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Al Abdeyah, Makkah, PO Box 7607, Saudi Arabia.
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19
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Tong S, Skubisz MM, Horne AW. Molecular diagnostics and therapeutics for ectopic pregnancy. Mol Hum Reprod 2014; 21:126-35. [PMID: 25232044 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gau084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Ectopic pregnancies are a serious gynaecological emergency that can be fatal. As such, prompt diagnosis and safe timely treatment is essential. Here, we review the literature on the development of molecularly targeted diagnostics and therapeutics for ectopic pregnancy. A blood-based biomarker that accurately identifies an ectopic pregnancy could be used to offer early diagnostic certainty in cases where ultrasound cannot determine the location of the embryo ('a pregnancy of unknown location'). Molecules examined so far can be broadly grouped into biological themes of relevance to reproduction: (i) Fallopian tube (dys)function, (ii) embryo/trophoblast growth, (iii) corpus luteum function, (iv) inflammation, (v) uterine function and (vi) angiogenesis. While a sensitive and specific biomarker for ectopic pregnancy has yet to be identified, it is possible that improvements in platform technologies or a multi-modal biomarker approach may yield an accurate diagnostic biomarker test. Furthermore, with the advent of better imaging technology, the need for a blood-based biomarker test may be superseded by improvements in ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging technology. There have been some recent preclinical studies describing molecularly targeted therapeutic approaches for ectopic pregnancy. Notably, bench-to-bedside studies have examined the use of combination gefitinib (orally available epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor) and methotrexate. Preclinical studies suggest that combination gefitinib and methotrexate is highly effective in inducing placental cell death, and is significantly more effective than methotrexate alone. In early human trials, encouraging preliminary efficacy data have shown that combination gefitinib and methotrexate can rapidly resolve tubal ectopic pregnancies, and large extra-tubal ectopic pregnancies. If a large clinical randomized controlled trial confirms these findings, combination gefitinib and methotrexate could become a new medical treatment option for ectopic pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Tong
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Rd, Heidelberg 3084, Australia
| | - Monika M Skubisz
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Rd, Heidelberg 3084, Australia
| | - Andrew W Horne
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
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Activin A and follistatin as biomarkers for ectopic pregnancy and missed abortion. DISEASE MARKERS 2013; 35:497-503. [PMID: 24222717 PMCID: PMC3814079 DOI: 10.1155/2013/969473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2013] [Accepted: 09/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Activin A as a predictor of pregnancy failure has been the focus of heated debate, but the value of a combined activin A and follistatin (FS) measurement in serum to predict pregnancy failure has not been reported yet. We assessed whether a single serum measurement of the two physiological antagonists at 6–8 weeks gestation could differentiate ectopic pregnancies (EP) or missed abortions (MA) from healthy intrauterine pregnancies (IUP). activin A concentrations were significantly lower in women with EP (n = 30, median value of 264 pg/mL) and women with MA (n = 30, median value of 350 pg/mL) compared to IUP (n = 33, median value of 788 pg/mL); P < 0.001. At a threshold value of 505 pg/mL, activin A had 87.9% sensitivity and 100% specificity and negative predictive value of 0.974 for discriminating an ectopic pregnancy from viable pregnancies. FS was able to discriminate IUP from EP (ROC curve P < 0.001) as was their ratio (ROC curve P = 0.008), but was unable to discriminate a MA from an EP. In EP, activin A did not correlate with beta HCG levels. The present findings support the thesis that activin A or FS could be considered promising biomarkers for the discrimination between an IUP and a failed pregnancy (MA or EP).
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Senapati S, Barnhart KT. Biomarkers for ectopic pregnancy and pregnancy of unknown location. Fertil Steril 2013; 99:1107-16. [PMID: 23290746 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.11.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2012] [Revised: 11/12/2012] [Accepted: 11/17/2012] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Early pregnancy failure is the most common complication of pregnancy, and 1% to 2% of all pregnancies will be ectopic. As one of the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality, diagnosing ectopic pregnancy and determining the fate of a pregnancy of unknown location are of great clinical concern. Several serum and plasma biomarkers for ectopic pregnancy have been investigated independently and in combination. The following is a review of the state of biomarker discovery and development for ectopic pregnancy and pregnancy of unknown location.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suneeta Senapati
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Feng C, Chen ZY, Zhang J, Xu H, Zhang XM, Huang XF. Clinical utility of serum reproductive hormones for the early diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy in the first trimester. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2012; 39:528-35. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1447-0756.2012.02001.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Verhaegen J, Gallos ID, van Mello NM, Abdel-Aziz M, Takwoingi Y, Harb H, Deeks JJ, Mol BWJ, Coomarasamy A. Accuracy of single progesterone test to predict early pregnancy outcome in women with pain or bleeding: meta-analysis of cohort studies. BMJ 2012; 345:e6077. [PMID: 23045257 PMCID: PMC3460254 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.e6077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the accuracy with which a single progesterone measurement in early pregnancy discriminates between viable and non-viable pregnancy. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic accuracy studies. DATA SOURCES Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, ProQuest, Conference Proceedings Citation Index, and the Cochrane Library from inception until April 2012, plus reference lists of relevant studies. STUDY SELECTION Studies were selected on the basis of participants (women with spontaneous pregnancy of less than 14 weeks of gestation); test (single serum progesterone measurement); outcome (viable intrauterine pregnancy, miscarriage, or ectopic pregnancy) diagnosed on the basis of combinations of pregnancy test, ultrasound scan, laparoscopy, and histological examination; design (cohort studies of test accuracy); and sufficient data being reported. RESULTS 26 cohort studies, including 9436 pregnant women, were included, consisting of 7 studies in women with symptoms and inconclusive ultrasound assessment and 19 studies in women with symptoms alone. Among women with symptoms and inconclusive ultrasound assessments, the progesterone test (5 studies with 1998 participants and cut-off values from 3.2 to 6 ng/mL) predicted a non-viable pregnancy with pooled sensitivity of 74.6% (95% confidence interval 50.6% to 89.4%), specificity of 98.4% (90.9% to 99.7%), positive likelihood ratio of 45 (7.1 to 289), and negative likelihood ratio of 0.26 (0.12 to 0.57). The median prevalence of a non-viable pregnancy was 73.2%, and the probability of a non-viable pregnancy was raised to 99.2% if the progesterone was low. For women with symptoms alone, the progesterone test had a higher specificity when a threshold of 10 ng/mL was used (9 studies with 4689 participants) and predicted a non-viable pregnancy with pooled sensitivity of 66.5% (53.6% to 77.4%), specificity of 96.3% (91.1% to 98.5%), positive likelihood ratio of 18 (7.2 to 45), and negative likelihood ratio of 0.35 (0.24 to 0.50). The probability of a non-viable pregnancy was raised from 62.9% to 96.8%. CONCLUSION A single progesterone measurement for women in early pregnancy presenting with bleeding or pain and inconclusive ultrasound assessments can rule out a viable pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorine Verhaegen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Academic Medical Centre University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Abstract
Ectopic pregnancy is defined as a pregnancy implanted outside the uterus, and >98% implant in the Fallopian tube. It has a major clinical and socioeconomic impact worldwide. The diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy is often difficult and resource intensive owing to a lack of accurate biomarkers, and there is a need for improved medical management of ectopic pregnancy using new or adjuvant treatments. The aetiology of ectopic pregnancy is uncertain, but tubal implantation is probably due to retention of the embryo in the Fallopian tube owing to impaired embryo-tubal transport and alterations in the tubal microenvironment. This comprehensive review of the literature supporting current understanding of the endocrinology of Fallopian tube biology and tubal implantation focuses on genes expressed in the Fallopian tube regulated by oestrogen and progesterone and discusses their potential functions. It concludes with a discussion of how advances in this field are enabling the development of novel biomarkers and could lead to the identification of potential new treatments for ectopic pregnancy.
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Reid S, Casikar I, Barnhart K, Condous G. Serum biomarkers for ectopic pregnancy diagnosis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 6:153-65. [DOI: 10.1517/17530059.2012.664130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Warrick J, Gronowski A, Moffett C, Zhao Q, Bishop E, Woodworth A. Serum activin A does not predict ectopic pregnancy as a single measurement test, alone or as part of a multi-marker panel including progesterone and hCG. Clin Chim Acta 2012; 413:707-11. [PMID: 22245044 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2011.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2011] [Revised: 12/27/2011] [Accepted: 12/28/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of activin A alone or in a multi-marker panel for the prediction of ectopic pregnancy (EP). METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed on a cohort of 289 women who presented to the emergency department (ED) with vaginal bleeding and/or abdominal pain/cramping and were diagnosed with EP, spontaneous abortion, or viable intrauterine pregnancy. Serum progesterone, hCG, and activin A concentrations were measured on the samples obtained in the ED. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the clinical utility of these biomarkers as single measurement and as a multi-marker panel test for ectopic pregnancy. Women ≥18 y with vaginal bleeding or abdominal pain/cramping. RESULTS Progesterone (<10 ng/ml), hCG (<6,699 IU/l), and activin A (<0.26 ng/ml) cutoffs were optimized by ROC analysis. These demonstrated sensitivities of 62.9%, 74.2%, and 59.6%, and specificities of 60.5%, and 63.0%, and 61.0% respectively for detecting EP. The multi-marker panel utilizing all three biomarkers had a sensitivity of 70% and specificity of 69%. CONCLUSION Serum activin A cannot be used as a single measurement or in a multi-marker panel with progesterone and hCG to predict EP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Warrick
- Washington University School of Medicine, Pathology and Immunology, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States.
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Florio P, Reis FM, Battista R, Luisi S, Moncini I, Bocchi C, Severi FM, Petraglia F. Serum activin A levels are lower in tubal than intrauterine spontaneously conceived pregnancies. Gynecol Endocrinol 2011; 27:391-5. [PMID: 21204609 DOI: 10.3109/09513590.2010.495430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To measure serum activin A levels together with progesterone and hCG, in women with overt clinical signs and symptoms of ectopic pregnancy (EP) and, in gestational age-matched intrauterine pregnancy (IUP). DESIGN Retrospective case-control study. SETTING Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy. POPULATION The study group was composed by 30 women with an EP; the control group was composed by 30 women with a sonographic evidence of a single spontaneous IUP. METHODS Clinical examination; transvaginal ultrasound scan; hCG, progesterone and activin-A measurements; laparoscopy; uterine curettage; histological examination. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Pregnancy outcome; sensitivity and specificity of hCG, progesterone, and activin A for EP. RESULTS Serum hCG levels did not differ significantly between tubal EP and IUP, while P concentrations were significantly (P < 0.001) lower in tubal EP than IUP. Serum levels of activin A were significantly (P < 0.0001) lower in tubal EP than in IUP and, at the cutoff 0.43 ng/mL achieved a sensitivity of 96.7% and a specificity of 100% for EP. CONCLUSION Activin A secretion in EP is reduced and measurement of its serum levels may have the potential clinical advantage to signal the presence of EP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Florio
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Many serum markers have been proposed to aid in the identification of an ectopic pregnancy, but few have been validated. Most studies have been limited by sample size and design. The goal of this study was to assess putative markers to identify which can be optimally combined. METHODS We conducted a case-control study using sera from 100 patients with ectopic pregnancy and 100 patients with intrauterine pregnancy who presented to three urban academic centers between September 2000 and April 2009 with first-trimester pain or bleeding. Samples were analyzed for 12 promising biomarkers. Classification tree analysis was used to examine markers simultaneously with the goal of optimizing the accuracy of ectopic pregnancy diagnosis, and validation was performed using bootstrapping. RESULTS Six of the 12 markers were differentially expressed between those with ectopic pregnancy and intrauterine pregnancy (P<.001) with fair diagnostic properties (area under the curve greater than 0.6) when examined individually (inhibin A, progesterone, activin A, vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF], pregnancy-specific β-1-glycoprotein, and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A). Six additional markers were found to have limited value. Using a two-step diagnostic algorithm with four markers (progesterone, VEGF, inhibin A, activin A), we diagnosed 42% of the sample with perfect specificity and 98% (93-100%) sensitivity. Overall, a single ectopic pregnancy was misclassified, achieving 99% (96-100%) accuracy. CONCLUSION Evaluating a large number of biomarkers simultaneously demonstrates that most of the putative markers of ectopic pregnancy are not useful. However, a select few can distinguish ectopic pregnancy from intrauterine pregnancy with superior accuracy as part of a multiple marker test. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION : ClinicalTrials.gov, www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT00194168.
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Borges LE, Horne AW, McDonald SE, Shaw JLV, Lourenco PC, Petraglia F, Critchley HOD. Attenuated tubal and endometrial urocortin 1 and corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor expression in ectopic pregnancy. Reprod Sci 2011; 18:261-8. [PMID: 20978183 PMCID: PMC3042128 DOI: 10.1177/1933719110385132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Fallopian tube (FT) and endometrial urocortin 1 (Ucn1) and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)-receptor (CRH-R1/CRH-R2) expression were examined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry in nonpregnant and pregnant women (intrauterine, IUP; ectopic pregnancy, EP). Tubal Ucn1 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression was higher in luteal compared to follicular phase (P < .01) and equivalent to follicular phase in FT from EP. Tubal CRH-R1/CRH-R2 mRNA was lower in luteal phase (P < .05) and in FT from EP compared to follicular phase (P < .01). Ucn1 mRNA was lower in endometrium from EP compared to IUP (P < .05). Corticotropin-releasing hormone-R1 mRNA was higher in endometrium from EP compared to viable IUP (P < .05). No differences were observed in CRH-R2 expression. Corticotropin-releasing hormone-R1 protein was primarily localized to epithelium of FT and endometrium. Quantitative analysis of tubal CRH-R1 protein expression reflected that seen at the mRNA level but endometrial expression was equivocal. The demonstration of attenuated tubal/endometrial Ucn1/CRH-R expression in EP further supports a role of the CRH-family in embryo implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- L E Borges
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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Della Bella S, Giannelli S, Cozzi V, Signorelli V, Cappelletti M, Cetin I, Villa ML. Incomplete activation of peripheral blood dendritic cells during healthy human pregnancy. Clin Exp Immunol 2011; 164:180-92. [PMID: 21352205 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2011.04330.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful pregnancy relies on the adaptation of immune responses that allow the fetus to grow and develop in the uterus despite being recognized by maternal immune cells. Dendritic cells (DCs) are central to the control of immune tolerance, and their state of activation at the maternal-decidual interface is critical to the feto-maternal immunological equilibrium. So far, the involvement of circulating DCs has been investigated poorly. Therefore, in this study we investigated whether, during healthy human pregnancy, peripheral blood DCs (PBDCs) undergo changes that may be relevant to the adaptation of maternal immune responses that allow fetal tolerance. In a cross-sectional study, we analysed PBDCs by six-colour flow cytometry on whole blood samples from 47 women during healthy pregnancy progression and 24 non-pregnant controls. We demonstrated that both myeloid and plasmacytoid PBDCs undergo a state of incomplete activation, more evident in the third trimester, characterized by increased expression of co-stimulatory molecules and cytokine production but lacking human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-DR up-regulation. To investigate the contribution of soluble circulating factors to this phenomenon, we also performed culture experiments showing that sera from pregnant women added to control DCs conditioned a similar incomplete activation that was associated with reduced DC allostimulatory capacity, supporting the in vivo relevance of our findings. We also obtained evidence that the glycoprotein hormone activin-A may contribute to DC incomplete activation. We suggest that the changes of PBDCs occurring during late pregnancy may aid the comprehension of the immune mechanisms operated by the maternal immune system to maintain fetal tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Della Bella
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Lab of Immunology, Hospital 'L. Sacco', University of Milan, Italy.
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31
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Barnhart K, van Mello NM, Bourne T, Kirk E, Van Calster B, Bottomley C, Chung K, Condous G, Goldstein S, Hajenius PJ, Mol BW, Molinaro T, O'Flynn O'Brien KL, Husicka R, Sammel M, Timmerman D. Pregnancy of unknown location: a consensus statement of nomenclature, definitions, and outcome. Fertil Steril 2010; 95:857-66. [PMID: 20947073 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2010.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 191] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2010] [Revised: 06/30/2010] [Accepted: 09/03/2010] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To improve the interpretation of future studies in women who are initially diagnosed with a pregnancy of unknown location (PUL), we propose a consensus statement with definitions of population, target disease, and final outcome. DESIGN A review of literature and a series of collaborative international meetings were used to develop a consensus for definitions and final outcomes of women initially diagnosed with a PUL. RESULT(S) Global differences were noted in populations studied and in the definitions of outcomes. We propose to define initial ultrasound classification of findings into five categories: definite ectopic pregnancy (EP), probable EP, PUL, probable intrauterine pregnancy (IUP), and definite IUP. Patients with a PUL should be followed and final outcomes should be categorized as visualized EP, visualized IUP, spontaneously resolved PUL, and persisting PUL. Those with the transient condition of a persisting PUL should ultimately be classified as nonvisualized EP, treated persistent PUL, resolved persistent PUL, or histologic IUP. These specific categories can be used to characterize the natural history or location (intrauterine vs. extrauterine) of any early gestation where the initial location is unknown. CONCLUSION(S) Careful definition of populations and classification of outcomes should optimize objective interpretation of research, allow objective assessment of future reproductive prognosis, and hopefully lead to improved clinical care of women initially identified to have a PUL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurt Barnhart
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA.
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Florio P, Gabbanini M, Borges LE, Bonaccorsi L, Pinzauti S, Reis FM, Boy Torres P, Rago G, Litta P, Petraglia F. Activins and related proteins in the establishment of pregnancy. Reprod Sci 2010; 17:320-30. [PMID: 20228378 DOI: 10.1177/1933719109353205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Activin A and related proteins (inhibins, follistatin [FS], follistatin-related gene [FLRG], endometrial bleeding associated factors [ebaf]) are involved in the complex mechanisms allowing the establishment and the maintenance of pregnancy. As a consequence of ovarian progesterone stimuli, activin A is expressed and secreted by the stromal endometrial cells, which locally induces the decidualization process, a prerequisite for implantation. Moreover, activin A does influence the implantation phase, also enhancing cytotrophoblast differentiation, indirectly, by increasing the expression of other molecules involved in embryo implantation, such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF). The local derangement of activin A pathway in some pregnancy disorders (incomplete and complete miscarriages, recurrent abortion, and ectopic pregnancy [EP]) further sustains the hypothesis that activin A and its related proteins play a relevant role in the establishment of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Florio
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Siena, Italy.
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Florio P, Bruni L, Galleri L, Reis FM, Borges LE, Bocchi C, Litta P, De Leo V, Petraglia F. Evaluation of endometrial activin A secretion for prediction of pregnancy after intrauterine insemination. Fertil Steril 2010; 93:2316-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2008.12.125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2008] [Revised: 12/21/2008] [Accepted: 12/22/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Horne AW, Duncan WC, Critchley HO. The need for serum biomarker development for diagnosing and excluding tubal ectopic pregnancy. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2010; 89:299-301. [PMID: 20199347 PMCID: PMC2971461 DOI: 10.3109/00016340903568191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew W Horne
- Centre for Reproductive Biology, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
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35
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Kirk E, Condous G, Bourne T. Pregnancies of unknown location. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2009; 23:493-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2009.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2009] [Accepted: 01/16/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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36
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Kirk E, Papageorghiou AT, Van Calster B, Condous G, Cowans N, Van Huffel S, Timmerman D, Spencer K, Bourne T. The use of serum inhibin A and activin A levels in predicting the outcome of 'pregnancies of unknown location'. Hum Reprod 2009; 24:2451-6. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dep066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Horne AW, Duncan WC, King AE, Burgess S, Lourenco PC, Cornes P, Ghazal P, Williams AR, Udby L, Critchley HOD. Endometrial cysteine-rich secretory protein 3 is inhibited by human chorionic gonadotrophin, and is increased in the decidua of tubal ectopic pregnancy. Mol Hum Reprod 2009; 15:287-94. [PMID: 19282327 PMCID: PMC2666224 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gap019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2008] [Revised: 02/25/2009] [Accepted: 02/27/2009] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Ectopic pregnancy (EP) remains a considerable cause of morbidity and occasional mortality. Currently, there is no reliable test to differentiate ectopic from intrauterine gestation. We have previously used array technology to demonstrate that differences in gene expression in decidualized endometrium from women with ectopic and intrauterine gestations could be used to identify candidate diagnostic biomarkers for EP. The aim of this study was to further investigate the decidual gene with the highest fold increase in EP, cysteine-rich secretory protein-3 (CRISP-3). Decidualized endometrium from gestation-matched women undergoing surgical termination of pregnancy (n = 8), evacuation of uterus for miscarriage (n = 6) and surgery for EP (n = 11) was subjected to quantitative RT-PCR, morphological assessment, immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis. Sera were analysed for progesterone and human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) levels. Immortalized endometrial epithelial cells were cultured with physiological concentrations of hCG. CRISP-3 mRNA and protein expression were greater in endometrium from ectopic when compared with intrauterine pregnancies (P < 0.05). CRISP-3 protein was localized to epithelium and granulocytes of endometrium. CRISP-3 serum concentrations were not different in women with ectopic compared with intrauterine pregnancies. CRISP-3 expression in endometrium was not related to the degree of decidualization or to serum progesterone levels. Endometrial CRISP-3 expression was inversely proportional to serum hCG concentrations (P < 0.001). Stimulation of endometrial epithelial cells with hCG in vitro caused a reduction in CRISP-3 expression (P < 0.01). The measurement of CRISP-3 in endometrium could provide an additional tool in the diagnosis of failing early pregnancy of unknown location. The absence of a local reduction in expression of CRISP-3 in decidualized endometrium of women with EP may be due to reduced exposure to hCG due to the ectopic location of the trophoblast.
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Affiliation(s)
- A W Horne
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
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38
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Torres PB, Florio P, Galleri L, Reis FM, Borges LE, Petraglia F. Activin A, Activin Receptor Type II, Nodal, and Cripto mRNA Are Expressed by Eutopic and Ectopic Endometrium in Women With Ovarian Endometriosis. Reprod Sci 2009; 16:727-33. [DOI: 10.1177/1933719109334967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Paulo B. Torres
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Pasquale Florio
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy,
| | - Letizia Galleri
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Fernando M. Reis
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Lavinia E. Borges
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Felice Petraglia
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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Cartwright J, Duncan WC, Critchley HOD, Horne AW. Serum biomarkers of tubal ectopic pregnancy: current candidates and future possibilities. Reproduction 2009; 138:9-22. [PMID: 19321656 DOI: 10.1530/rep-09-0060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Ectopic pregnancy remains a considerable cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Currently, it is diagnosed using a combination of transvaginal ultrasound and serial serum beta-human chorionic gonadotrophin levels. Diagnosis is often delayed and these tests are time-consuming and costly, both psychologically to the patient and financially to health services. The development of a biomarker that can differentiate a tubal ectopic from an intrauterine implantation is therefore important. In the pre-genomic era, a one-by-one scientific approach has revealed over 20 candidate biomarkers that could be used as a test to diagnose ectopic pregnancy although at present their clinical utility is very limited. These biomarkers cluster into themes: markers of abnormal embryo/trophoblast growth, markers of abnormal corpus luteum function, markers of a growing pregnancy in the Fallopian tube, markers of inflammation and peritoneal irritation, and uterine markers of normal implantation. It is likely that this thematic approach will facilitate the identification of newer biomarkers using microarray technology and inform the development of investigative paradigms using multiple markers at the time of presentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Cartwright
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Simpson Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, 51 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
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40
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Kirk E, Bourne T. Predicting Outcomes in Pregnancies of Unknown Location. WOMENS HEALTH 2008; 4:491-9. [DOI: 10.2217/17455057.4.5.491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A pregnancy of unknown location (PUL) is a descriptive term used to classify a woman when she has a positive pregnancy test but no intra- or extra-uterine pregnancy is visualized on transvaginal sonography. Expectant management has been shown to be safe for the majority of women with a PUL. Serum progesterone and human chorionic gonadotrophin levels as well as mathematical models play a role in predicting the final outcomes of PULs, which include intrauterine pregnancy, failing PUL and ectopic pregnancy. Other possible predictors of outcome have been studied, but currently no factor has been identified that combines accuracy with reproducibility and simplicity. This article discusses the various aspects of the management of women with PULs. Future work should be aimed at prospectively testing current models in order to predict the outcome of a PUL and minimizing follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Kirk
- Early Pregnancy & Gynaecology Ultrasound Unit, St George's, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, SW17 0RE, UK, Tel.: + 44 79 7421 4125; Fax: +44 20 8725 0094
| | - Tom Bourne
- Early Pregnancy & Gynaecology Ultrasound Unit, St George's, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, SW17 0RE, UK, Tel.: + 44 79 7421 4125; Fax: +44 20 8725 0094
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, KU Leuven, Belgium
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41
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Horne AW, van den Driesche S, King AE, Burgess S, Myers M, Ludlow H, Lourenco P, Ghazal P, Williams AR, Critchley HOD, Duncan WC. Endometrial inhibin/activin beta-B subunit expression is related to decidualization and is reduced in tubal ectopic pregnancy. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2008; 93:2375-82. [PMID: 18381568 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2008-0136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Ectopic pregnancy is common but remains difficult to diagnose accurately. There is no serum test to differentiate ectopic from intrauterine gestation. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to investigate differential gene expression in decidualized endometrium of ectopic pregnancy. DESIGN Tissue and serum analysis informed by microarray study was performed. SETTING The study was performed at a large United Kingdom teaching hospital. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS Women undergoing surgical termination of pregnancy (n = 8), evacuation of uterus for miscarriage (n = 6), and surgery for tubal ectopic pregnancy (n = 11) were included in the study. Endometrium was collected from normally cycling women undergoing hysterectomy. INTERVENTIONS Decidualized endometrium was subjected to microarray analysis, morphological assessment, and immunohistochemistry. Endometrial stromal fibroblasts were cultured in the presence of decidualizing stimuli. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Differential expression of potentially secreted molecules was calculated. RESULTS Inhibin/activin beta-B expression was lower in decidualized endometrium from ectopic pregnancies when compared with that of ongoing pregnancies (P < 0.01) or miscarriages (P < 0.01). The localization of the beta-B subunit was more marked in decidualized than nondecidualized stroma. Decidualization of stromal fibroblasts in vitro was associated with increased beta-B expression (P < 0.05). Endometrial stroma of ectopic pregnancies was less decidualized morphologically (P < 0.05), with lower prolactin (P < 0.01) and IGF binding protein-1 (P < 0.005) expression. Serum activin B was lower in ectopic pregnancies (P < 0.005) than in intrauterine pregnancies, whereas there was no difference in progesterone concentrations. CONCLUSIONS Despite similar concentrations of progesterone, the endometrium of ectopic pregnancies is less decidualized than intrauterine pregnancies. Expression of the beta-B subunit is related to decidualization and can be detected in the circulation as activin B. Serum activin B concentrations are lower in ectopic pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- A W Horne
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Edinburgh, Simpson Centre for Reproductive Health, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, 51 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
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Segerer SE, Müller N, Brandt JVD, Kapp M, Dietl J, Reichardt HM, Rieger L, Kämmerer U. The glycoprotein-hormones activin A and inhibin A interfere with dendritic cell maturation. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2008; 6:17. [PMID: 18460206 PMCID: PMC2412882 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-6-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2008] [Accepted: 05/06/2008] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnancy represents an exclusive situation in which the immune and the endocrine system cooperate to prevent rejection of the embryo by the maternal immune system. While immature dendritic cells (iDC) in the early pregnancy decidua presumably contribute to the establishment of peripheral tolerance, glycoprotein-hormones of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) family including activin A (ActA) and inhibin A (InA) are candidates that could direct the differentiation of DCs into a tolerance-inducing phenotype. METHODS To test this hypothesis we generated iDCs from peripheral-blood-monocytes and exposed them to TGF-beta1, ActA, as well as InA and Dexamethasone (Dex) as controls. RESULTS Both glycoprotein-hormones prevented up-regulation of HLA-DR during cytokine-induced DC maturation similar to Dex but did not influence the expression of CD 40, CD 83 and CD 86. Visualization of the F-actin cytoskeleton confirmed that the DCs retained a partially immature phenotype under these conditions. The T-cell stimulatory capacity of DCs was reduced after ActA and InA exposure while the secretion of cytokines and chemokines was unaffected. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that ActA and InA interfere with selected aspects of DC maturation and may thereby help preventing activation of allogenic T-cells by the embryo. Thus, we have identified two novel members of the TGF-beta superfamily that could promote the generation of tolerance-inducing DCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine E Segerer
- University of Würzburg, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Josef-Schneider-Straße 4, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Nora Müller
- University of Würzburg, Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, Versbacherstraße 7, 97078 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jens van den Brandt
- University of Göttingen, Medical School, Department of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Humboldtallee 34, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Michaela Kapp
- University of Würzburg, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Josef-Schneider-Straße 4, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Dietl
- University of Würzburg, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Josef-Schneider-Straße 4, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Holger M Reichardt
- University of Würzburg, Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, Versbacherstraße 7, 97078 Würzburg, Germany
- University of Göttingen, Medical School, Department of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Humboldtallee 34, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Lorenz Rieger
- University of Würzburg, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Josef-Schneider-Straße 4, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ulrike Kämmerer
- University of Würzburg, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Josef-Schneider-Straße 4, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
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Refaat B, Amer S, Ola B, Chapman N, Ledger W. The expression of activin-betaA- and -betaB-subunits, follistatin, and activin type II receptors in fallopian tubes bearing an ectopic pregnancy. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2008; 93:293-9. [PMID: 17971430 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2007-1654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Ectopic pregnancy is a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality with increasing incidence worldwide. OBJECTIVE We investigated whether epithelia from Fallopian tubes (FTs) bearing an ectopic pregnancy differ from normal tubes in expression of TGF-beta family and related proteins and their receptors. METHODOLOGY Because it is not possible to collect FTs from women carrying a healthy pregnancy, we studied tissue collected at the time of hysterectomy for benign disease. Women were injected with human chorionic gonadotropin in the days leading up to hysterectomy to produce a state of pseudopregnancy. Pseudopregnancy status was confirmed by the presence of high serum progesterone levels and the decidualization of the endometrium. Fifteen FTs bearing ectopic pregnancy and six pseudopregnant tubes were collected and examined using immunohistochemistry and quantitative RT-PCR. RESULTS Immunohistochemistry demonstrated clear staining for the betaA- and betaB-subunits, type II receptor group comprising the activin type IIA and type IIB receptors, and follistatin, which increased in intensity from the isthmus to the ampulla in both models. However, the intensity of expression of these molecules was stronger in the ectopic pregnancy group when compared with the pseudopregnant group. Quantitative RT-PCR showed significant decrease in mRNA levels of betaA-subunit, activin type IIA and IIB receptors, and follistatin in ectopic group (P < 0.05) but no changes in betaB-subunit (P > 0.05). Overall, there was an apparent paradox of high concentration of protein but low mRNA expression. CONCLUSION Activin-A may stimulate tubal decidualization and trophoblast invasion. A better understanding of the mechanism by which an embryo implants in the tubal epithelium may lead to improved methods for early diagnosis and/or management of ectopic pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bassem Refaat
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, Level 4, The Jessop Wing, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield S10 2SF, United Kingdom
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