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Vomstein K, Krog MC, Wrønding T, Nielsen HS. The microbiome in recurrent pregnancy loss - A scoping review. J Reprod Immunol 2024; 163:104251. [PMID: 38718429 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2024.104251] [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: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is a troubling condition that affects couples worldwide. Despite extensive research efforts, many RPL cases remain unexplained, highlighting the need for novel approaches to unravel its underlying mechanisms. Recent advances in microbiome research have shed light on the potential role of the microbiome in reproductive health and outcomes. Based on a systematic literature research, this review aims to comprehensively explore the current understanding of the microbiome's involvement in RPL, focusing on the vaginal, endometrial, and gut microbiomes. Evidence from the available studies is examined to explain the relationship between the microbiome and RPL. Furthermore, we discuss the diagnostic potential of the microbiome, therapeutic interventions, and future directions in microbiome research for RPL. Understanding the complex interactions between the microbiome and reproductive health holds promise for developing targeted interventions to help patients today diagnosed as unexplained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kilian Vomstein
- The Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Unit, The Capital Region, Copenhagen University Hospitals, Hvidovre Hospital, Hvidovre & Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen DK-2650, Denmark; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Fertility Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, DK-2650, Denmark.
| | - Maria C Krog
- The Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Unit, The Capital Region, Copenhagen University Hospitals, Hvidovre Hospital, Hvidovre & Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen DK-2650, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Immunology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen DK-2100, Denmark
| | - Tine Wrønding
- The Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Unit, The Capital Region, Copenhagen University Hospitals, Hvidovre Hospital, Hvidovre & Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen DK-2650, Denmark; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Fertility Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, DK-2650, Denmark
| | - Henriette Svarre Nielsen
- The Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Unit, The Capital Region, Copenhagen University Hospitals, Hvidovre Hospital, Hvidovre & Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen DK-2650, Denmark; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Fertility Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, DK-2650, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
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2
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Wang L, Jiang Y, Luo X, Shen H, Yu L, Yang X, Wang H, Jin P, Zhang X. Differential mRNA and lncRNA Expression Profiles Associated with Early Pregnancy Loss in ART Patients. Reprod Sci 2024:10.1007/s43032-024-01576-x. [PMID: 38773024 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01576-x] [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: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Early pregnancy loss (EPL) is the most common complication in assisted reproductive technology (ART). However, the precise causes for nearly 50% patients remain unexplained. In the current study, we aimed to discover the differentially expressed profiling of mRNAs and lncRNAs by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). Human chorionic villi tissues were collected from patients with EPL and natural control (NC) group. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of these specimens was performed for transcriptome analysis. As a result, we identified a total of 141 mRNAs and 137 lncRNAs that were significantly differentially expressed between villi tissues from EPL and NC. Functional enrichment analyses indicated enrichment of differentially expressed genes involved in pathways were associated with growth hormone receptor binding, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, Jak-STAT signaling pathway, transcriptional misregulation in cancer, metabolic pathways and Rap1 signaling pathway. Additionally, the co-expression networks (lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA) was constructed based on the correlation analysis between the differentially expressed RNAs.7 mRNAs and 6 lncRNAs were successfully technically validated with RT-PCR. In conclusion, our results suggest a direction for the further study of EPL-related mRNAs and lncRNAs and may ultimately assist in understanding the pathogenesis of EPL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyan Wang
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China
| | - Yanbiao Jiang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaorong Luo
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Haofei Shen
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Liulin Yu
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xia Yang
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China
| | - Hui Wang
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Panpan Jin
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China
| | - Xuehong Zhang
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China.
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Li QH, Zhao QY, Yang WJ, Jiang AF, Ren CE, Meng YH. Beyond Immune Balance: The Pivotal Role of Decidual Regulatory T Cells in Unexplained Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion. J Inflamm Res 2024; 17:2697-2710. [PMID: 38707955 PMCID: PMC11070170 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s459263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is defined as two or more consecutive pregnancy failures, which brings tremendous stress to women of childbearing age and seriously affects family well-being. However, the reason in about 50% of cases remains unknown and is defined as unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA). The immunological perspective in URSA has attracted widespread attention in recent years. The embryo is regarded as a semi-allogeneic graft to the mother. A successful pregnancy requires transition to an immune environment conducive to embryo survival at the maternal-fetal interface. As an important member of regulatory immunity, regulatory T (Treg) cells play a key role in regulating immune tolerance at the maternal-fetal interface. This review will focus on the phenotypic plasticity and lineage stability of Treg cells to illustrate its relationship with URSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Hui Li
- School of Clinical Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261021, People’s Republic of China
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiu-Yan Zhao
- School of Clinical Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei-Jing Yang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ai-Fang Jiang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chun-E Ren
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu-Han Meng
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261000, People’s Republic of China
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Jameel S, Bhuwalka R, Begum M, Bonu R, Jahan P. Circulating levels of cytokines (IL-6, IL-10 and TGF- β) and CD4 +CD25 +FOXP3 +Treg cell population in recurrent pregnancy loss. Reprod Biol 2024; 24:100842. [PMID: 38176116 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2023.100842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), a serious reproductive health issue, characterized by two or more pregnancy losses before 20th week of gestation. Globally, it affects 2-5% couples and the basis of the crisis is still unknown in 50% cases. Successful pregnancy is associated with pro and anti-inflammatory gestational phases that tolerate the semi-allogenic foetus, and disturbance leads to pregnancy complications like RPL. This case-control study aimed to assess the inflammatory status in the mid-gestation of ongoing pregnancy of women with (RPL) and without (NRPL) the history of RPL. Blood samples were processed for PBMC isolation, subjected to Flow-cytometry for CD4+CD25+FOXP3+Treg-cell population count and serum samples for IL-6, TGF-β, IL-10 cytokine levels (ELISA). Significant reduction in the percentage of Treg cells, and elevated values for IL-6/TGF-β and IL-6/IL-10 ratios were observed in RPL over NRPL group (p = 0.0001). Opposing results were seen with respect to the magnitude of history of RPL (2 vs. >2 losses). ROC curve analysis showed the superior discriminatory ability of cytokine ratios (IL-6/TGF-β > IL-6/IL-10) for RPL over Treg cells. Our findings are suggestive of pro-inflammatory dominance in mid-gestation of pregnant women with a history of RPL in general and greater than normal anti-inflammatory milieu in cases with > 2 pregnancy loss. As both sterile and infection related inflammation plays a role in pregnancy loss, studies enrolling women with favourable and unfavourable ongoing pregnancies may shed light on the importance of the present study for developing better management/therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sufaya Jameel
- School of Sciences (Zoology), Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Gachibowli, Hyderabad 32, Telangana, India
| | - Rashmi Bhuwalka
- School of Sciences (Zoology), Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Gachibowli, Hyderabad 32, Telangana, India
| | - Mahmooda Begum
- School of Sciences (Zoology), Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Gachibowli, Hyderabad 32, Telangana, India
| | - Rajeshwari Bonu
- Gynaecology and Obstetrics Department, Niloufer Hospital, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Parveen Jahan
- School of Sciences (Zoology), Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Gachibowli, Hyderabad 32, Telangana, India.
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Kirovakov Z, Konova E, Hinkova N, Markova S, Penchev P. Immunological Risk Factors in Recurrent Pregnancy Loss in Patients With Hereditary Thrombophilia. Cureus 2024; 16:e56555. [PMID: 38533322 PMCID: PMC10965193 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.56555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is a complicated reproductive disorder with underlying genetic and immunological causes. RPL may be influenced by hereditary thrombophilia, a class of blood clotting-related genetic abnormalities, via the vascular and immune systems. This study examines the immunological characteristics that hereditary thrombophilia patients have in common with RPL. METHODS A prospective cohort study included 300 patients split into two groups: a control group without hereditary thrombophilia and a group with the condition. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) levels were measured, along with demographic specifics, antiphospholipid antibodies, natural killer (NK) cell counts, and other cytokines. Group differences were found using statistical analysis. RESULTS Antiphospholipid antibodies were significantly more common in the thrombophilia group (42% testing positive, p=0.001) compared to the control group (12% testing positive), despite demographic factors being similar between groups (p=0.372 and p=0.093). When body mass index (BMI) was taken into account, the study found a statistically significant difference (p=0.046), with the thrombophilia group having a higher mean BMI (26.3 kg/m2, standard deviation (SD): 2.8) than the control group (24.7 kg/m2, SD: 3.1). IL-6 (14.8 pg/mL, SD: 3.2, p=0.029) were higher than the control group (12.4 pg/mL, SD: 2.1), and TNF-α levels were higher in the thrombophilia group (10.5 pg/mL, SD: 2.0, p=0.012) compared to the control group (8.9 pg/mL, SD: 1.5), but NK cell counts did not differ significantly (p=0.213). CONCLUSION This study emphasizes the role of elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) and antiphospholipid antibodies in RPL among people with hereditary thrombophilia. In this population, early detection and immunomodulatory interventions may improve pregnancy outcomes. To fully comprehend these mechanisms and create customized treatments, collaborative research is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zlatko Kirovakov
- Department of Midwifery Care, Faculty of Health Care, Medical University - Pleven, Pleven, BGR
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital for Active Treatment - Burgas, Burgas, BGR
| | - Emiliana Konova
- Clinical Institute for Reproductive Medicine, Medical University - Pleven, Pleven, BGR
| | - Nadezhda Hinkova
- Department of Midwifery Care, Faculty of Health Care, Medical University - Pleven, Pleven, BGR
| | - Stefani Markova
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital for Active Treatment - Burgas, Burgas, BGR
| | - Plamen Penchev
- Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, BGR
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Che X, Wang X, Wang L, Xu L, Zou L, Ma T, Chen B. Expression and clinical significance of miR-141-5p as a biomarker in the serum of patients with early spontaneous abortion. Clinics (Sao Paulo) 2024; 79:100327. [PMID: 38330788 PMCID: PMC10864754 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinsp.2024.100327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
AIM miR-141-5p expression in patients with Early Spontaneous Abortion (ESA) and its correlation with hormone levels during pregnancy were investigated. METHODS A total of 70 pregnant women with ESA were selected as the research group, and 70 normal pregnant women who chose abortion for non-medical reasons were selected as the Con group. Serum β-HCG, Progesterone (P), and Estrogen (E2) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Differentially expressed miRNAs were screened by miRNA microarray analysis. miR-141-5p expression was detected by RT-qPCR, and its correlation with serum β-HCG, P, and E2 levels was analyzed. The diagnostic value of miR-141-5p for ESA was evaluated by the ROC curve. RESULTS Serum β-HCG, P, and E2 were decreased and serum miR-141-5p was increased in patients with ESA. Pearson correlation analysis showed that serum β-HCG, P, and E2 levels were negatively correlated with miR-141-5p expression levels. ROC curve showed that miR-141-5p had a diagnostic value for ESA. CONCLUSIONS miR-141-5p is related to hormone levels during pregnancy and is expected to become a new candidate diagnostic marker for ESA.
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Affiliation(s)
- XiaoQun Che
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang City, Guangdong Province, China; Department of Reproductive Medicine, Shunde Women and Children's Hospital (Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital of Shunde Foshan), Guangdong Medical University, Foshan, Guangdong Province, 528300, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang City, Guangdong Province, China
| | - LiLian Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang City, Guangdong Province, China
| | - LiHua Xu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang City, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Lin Zou
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang City, Guangdong Province, China
| | - TianZhong Ma
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang City, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Bi Chen
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang City, Guangdong Province, China.
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Tóth E, Györffy D, Posta M, Hupuczi P, Balogh A, Szalai G, Orosz G, Orosz L, Szilágyi A, Oravecz O, Veress L, Nagy S, Török O, Murthi P, Erez O, Papp Z, Ács N, Than NG. Decreased Expression of Placental Proteins in Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: Functional Relevance and Diagnostic Value. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1865. [PMID: 38339143 PMCID: PMC10855863 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Miscarriages affect 50-70% of all conceptions and 15-20% of clinically recognized pregnancies. Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL, ≥2 miscarriages) affects 1-5% of recognized pregnancies. Nevertheless, our knowledge about the etiologies and pathophysiology of RPL is incomplete, and thus, reliable diagnostic/preventive tools are not yet available. Here, we aimed to define the diagnostic value of three placental proteins for RPL: human chorionic gonadotropin free beta-subunit (free-β-hCG), pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A), and placental growth factor (PlGF). Blood samples were collected from women with RPL (n = 14) and controls undergoing elective termination of pregnancy (n = 30) at the time of surgery. Maternal serum protein concentrations were measured by BRAHMS KRYPTOR Analyzer. Daily multiple of median (dMoM) values were calculated for gestational age-specific normalization. To obtain classifiers, logistic regression analysis was performed, and ROC curves were calculated. There were differences in changes of maternal serum protein concentrations with advancing healthy gestation. Between 6 and 13 weeks, women with RPL had lower concentrations and dMoMs of free β-hCG, PAPP-A, and PlGF than controls. PAPP-A dMoM had the best discriminative properties (AUC = 0.880). Between 9 and 13 weeks, discriminative properties of all protein dMoMs were excellent (free β-hCG: AUC = 0.975; PAPP-A: AUC = 0.998; PlGF: AUC = 0.924). In conclusion, free-β-hCG and PAPP-A are valuable biomarkers for RPL, especially between 9 and 13 weeks. Their decreased concentrations indicate the deterioration of placental functions, while lower PlGF levels indicate problems with placental angiogenesis after 9 weeks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eszter Tóth
- Systems Biology of Reproduction Research Group, Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok Körútja 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dániel Györffy
- Systems Biology of Reproduction Research Group, Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok Körútja 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
- Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, H-1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Máté Posta
- Systems Biology of Reproduction Research Group, Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok Körútja 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
- Doctoral School, Semmelweis University, H-1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Petronella Hupuczi
- Maternity Private Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, H-1126 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Andrea Balogh
- Systems Biology of Reproduction Research Group, Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok Körútja 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Szalai
- Systems Biology of Reproduction Research Group, Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok Körútja 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Surgery, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Gergő Orosz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - László Orosz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - András Szilágyi
- Systems Biology of Reproduction Research Group, Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok Körútja 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Orsolya Oravecz
- Systems Biology of Reproduction Research Group, Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok Körútja 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Biology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Lajos Veress
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Sándor Nagy
- Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, Széchenyi István University, H-9026 Győr, Hungary
| | - Olga Török
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Padma Murthi
- Department of Pharmacology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton 3168, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Royal Women’s Hospital, Parkville 3052, Australia
| | - Offer Erez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Be’er Sheva 8410501, Israel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Zoltán Papp
- Maternity Private Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, H-1126 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Semmelweis University, 27 Baross Street, H-1088 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Nándor Ács
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Semmelweis University, 27 Baross Street, H-1088 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Nándor Gábor Than
- Systems Biology of Reproduction Research Group, Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok Körútja 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
- Maternity Private Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, H-1126 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Semmelweis University, 27 Baross Street, H-1088 Budapest, Hungary
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Farazmand T, Rahbarian R, Jalali M, Ghahremani A, Razi A, Namdar Ahmadabad H. Vitamin D levels in non-pregnant women with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss with and without autoantibodies. CASPIAN JOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE 2024; 15:266-272. [PMID: 38807736 PMCID: PMC11129072 DOI: 10.22088/cjim.15.2.266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Background The objective of this study was to compare the levels of vitamin D in non-pregnant women with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) who were seropositive or seronegative for autoantibodies (autoAbs). Methods The study examined 58 RPL patients with autoAbs (ANA, anti-TPO, or APAs), 34 RPL patients without autoAbs, and 58 healthy women with prior successful pregnancies and without autoantibodies. The levels of 25 (OH) D were measured using the sandwich ELISA technique. Results Our results showed insufficient serum 25(OH) D levels in study groups, with significantly lower levels observed in RPL patients with or without autoAbs compared to healthy women (P=0.0006). In addition, RPL patients with autoAbs had significantly lower 25(OH) D levels compared to RPL patients without autoAbs. We also found that serum levels of 25(OH) D in RPL patients with autoAbs were significantly lower than in RPL patients without autoAbs (20.51 ± 1.15 ng/ml Vs. 23.69 ± 0.74 ng/ml, P=0.0356). Further analysis indicated that RPL patients who were positive for ANA, and APAs, except anti-TPO, had significantly lower than 25(OH)D serum levels than RPL patients without autoAbs. Conclusion These findings suggest that RPL patients, especially those with APAs or ANA, have lower vitamin D levels compared to healthy women. This may indicate a link between maternal immune dysregulation due to vitamin D deficiency and the presence of autoantibodies in RPL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tooba Farazmand
- Department of Gynecology, School of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | | | - Mitra Jalali
- Department of Biology, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirali Ghahremani
- Department of Internal Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Abdollah Razi
- Department of Urology, Imam Ali Hospital, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd Iran
| | - Hasan Namdar Ahmadabad
- Vector-borne Diseases Research Center North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences
- Department of Pathobiology and Laboratory Sciences, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
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9
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Murad H, Ali B, Twair A, Baghdadi K, Alhalabi M, Abbady AQ. "In House" assays for the quantification of Annexin V and its autoantibodies in patients with recurrent pregnancy loss and in vitro fertilisation failures. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22322. [PMID: 38102468 PMCID: PMC10724132 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49768-w] [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: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Several studies have been shown that Annexin V (ANXV) autoantibodies concentrations are associated with both early recurrent pregnancy losses (RPLs) or in vitro fertilization failure (IVFf). We investigated the association between ANXV autoantibodies and ANVX levels in RPL, IVFf and normal group women. The study was conducted on 22 female patients with RPLs, 66 patients with IVFf, and 16 normal samples from women who had given birth. ANXV autoantibodies were measured using an ELISA test developed by fixing a homemade recombinant ANXV protein and examined with labeled human antibodies, while ANXV concentrations were measured by a competitive ELISA using a homemade anti ANXV polyclonal antibody. The results showed a clear relationship between the high levels of ANXV autoantibodies and the recurrent abortion. On the other hand, ANXV measurement in those patients showed decreased concentrations compared to normal samples. Negative correlation between ANXV and its autoantibodies levels was reported in almost all patients' samples. Our data supports the possibility that ANXV autoantibodies are a risk factor for reproductive failures associated with both RPLs and/or IVFf and the significant role for ANXV in the maintenance of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossam Murad
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, AECS, P. O. Box 6091, Damascus, Syria.
| | - Bouthina Ali
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, AECS, P. O. Box 6091, Damascus, Syria
| | - Aya Twair
- Division of Molecular Biomedicine, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, AECS, P. O. Box 6091, Damascus, Syria
| | - Khaled Baghdadi
- Division of Reproductive Medicine, Embryology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Marwan Alhalabi
- Division of Reproductive Medicine, Embryology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Abdul Qader Abbady
- Division of Molecular Biomedicine, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, AECS, P. O. Box 6091, Damascus, Syria
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10
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Han N, Xia W, Zhu C, Zhang X, Wang F, Yin Z, Zeng Q. Association of human leukocyte antigen-G and -F with recurrent miscarriage and implantation failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Reprod Immunol 2023; 90:e13792. [PMID: 38009058 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM The immune system plays an essential role in embryonic implantation and pregnancy, but the molecular details remain controversial. In the past four decades, human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G and -F have garnered significant attention. METHOD OF STUDY MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Trials Registry were searched from their inception dates until December 2022. Studies were selected following PRISMA guidelines. Meta-analyses were used to assess the relationship of soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G) and HLA-G 3'-untranslated region polymorphisms with recurrent miscarriage (RM) and recurrent implantation failure (RIF). Narrative synthesis was conducted to determine the association of RM with other single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and HLA-G protein in tissues and of RIF with HLA-F. Risk-of-bias was assessed using ROBINS-I. Publication bias was assessed using Egger's and Begg's tests. RESULTS Finally, 42 articles were eligible for inclusion in the systematic review (32 in the meta-analysis; 13 in narrative synthesis). We found a significant association between the 14-bp ins/del HLA-G polymorphism and RM risk, but no definitive association with RIF risk. Women with RM had lower blood concentrations of sHLA-G during pregnancy and non-pregnancy than did controls. For women in the RIF group, no significant difference was found. CONCLUSION HLA-G protein and gene expression levels may be closely related to RM. The relevance of HLA-G to RIF is still being determined. A narrative synthesis of current studies has shown that HLA-F is likely associated with RIF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nana Han
- Clinical medical school, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Wanting Xia
- Gynecology Department, Hospital of Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, China
| | - Can Zhu
- Clinical medical school, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Clinical medical school, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Fan Wang
- Clinical medical school, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhixing Yin
- Clinical medical school, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Qian Zeng
- Gynecology Department, Hospital of Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, China
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11
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El Mahdi E, Fekry N, Ahmed M, Ghebremeskel K. Testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin and dehydroepiandrosterone levels and cervical length of Egyptian women with a history of recurrent miscarriages, polycystic ovary syndrome and without the conditions at three stages of pregnancy. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2023; 43:2163625. [PMID: 36689253 DOI: 10.1080/01443615.2022.2163625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Total testosterone (TT), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels, and cervical length (CL) were investigated in pregnant Egyptian women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS, n = 38), history of miscarriages (RM, n = 40) and without the conditions (HC, n = 40). At week 8, the RM had lower levels of TT (p = 0.000) and free androgen index (FAI) (p = 0.000) and higher SHBG (p = 0.000) and DHEA (p < 0.05) than the PCOS. Compared with the HC, they had elevated SHBG (p < 0.05) and DHEA (p = 0.001) and reduced CL (p = 0.000). TT (p = 0.001) and FAI (p = 0.000) were higher and SHBG (p = 0.000) and CL (p = 0.001) lower in the PCOS than in the HC group. At week 16, TT (p = 0.000) and FAI (p = 0.000) were higher, and SHBG (p = 0.000) and CL (p < 0.05) lower in PCOS than in RM and HC. The PCOS had elevated FAI than the RM (p = 0.000) and HC (p = 0.001) at week 20. The DHEA, SHBG and CL abnormalities in PCOS and RM may compromise pregnancy outcomes.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? Hyperandrogenaemia, low sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), shortened cervical length (CL) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are the most cited risk factors for recurrent miscarriages (RM). However, the published data are inconsistent, perhaps because of the confounding effects of ethnicity and nutritional milieu.What do the results of this study add? The study's findings comprising ethnically and socially homogenous women demonstrate that PCOS and RM are characterised by elevated dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and shortened CL, and PCOS by reduced SHBG. These abnormalities would be expected to have an adverse impact on pregnancy outcomes.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Twenty-weeks DHEA and CL values have the potential to predict outcome risk in women with a history of RM and PCOS. Further research on other population groups is required to validate the current study's findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Essam El Mahdi
- Barts Health NHS Trust and Queen Mary University, Newham University Hospital, London, UK
| | - Nabil Fekry
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Al Agouza Hospital, Agouza, Giza Governorate, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Ahmed
- Lipidomic and Nutrition Research Centre, School of Health Sciences, London Metropolitan University, London, UK
| | - Kebreab Ghebremeskel
- Lipidomic and Nutrition Research Centre, School of Health Sciences, London Metropolitan University, London, UK
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12
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Ding H, An G. Role of the CD40-CD40L expression level pathway in the diagnosis of unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2023; 43:2280840. [PMID: 38035611 DOI: 10.1080/01443615.2023.2280840] [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: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unexplained recurrent spontaneous pregnancy loss (URPL) lacks effective treatment and reliable early diagnosis and prediction. Immunologic dysfunction can be an underlying cause of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Considering the regulatory role of CD40-CD40L in immune responses, we explored its clinical significance in URPL. METHODS The 108 women with URPL who were treated in Hebei Yanda Hospital from January 2020 to December 2022 were selected as study subjects, and another 108 healthy women who were not pregnant and matched with the age and body mass index of the study group were selected as the control group. CD40 and CD4 + CD25 + Treg cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and CD40L in peripheral blood platelets were measured by flow cytometry. The predictive value of CD40-CD40L in URPL for the risk of RPL was determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The correlations of CD40-CD40L with CD4 + CD25 + Treg cells and serum pro-inflammatory factors were assessed by Pearson's analysis. RESULTS CD40 on the surface of PBMCs and CD40L on the surface of platelets were up-regulated in URPL patients. CD40 in combination with CD40L had high predictive value for the risk of RPL in URPL patients. Peripheral blood CD40-CD40L was positively linked to IL-17 and IL-23, and negatively to CD4 + CD25 + Treg cells and IL-10 in URPL patients. CONCLUSIONS The CD40-CD40L pathway expression in peripheral blood can help predict the risk of RPL in URPL patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Ding
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hebei Yanda Hospital, Langfang City, China
| | - Guoqian An
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hebei Yanda Hospital, Langfang City, China
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13
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Stefańska K, Kurkowiak M, Piekarska K, Chruściel E, Zamkowska D, Jassem-Bobowicz J, Adamski P, Świątkowska-Stodulska R, Abacjew-Chmyłko A, Leszczyńska K, Zieliński M, Preis K, Zielińska H, Tymoniuk B, Trzonkowski P, Marek-Trzonkowska NM. High maternal-fetal HLA eplet compatibility is associated with severe manifestation of preeclampsia. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1272021. [PMID: 38022600 PMCID: PMC10655094 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1272021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Preeclampsia is responsible for more than 70 000 and 500 000 maternal and fetal deaths, respectively each year. Incomplete remodelling of the spiral arteries in placenta is the most accepted theory of preeclampsia pathogenesis. However, the process is complexed with immunological background, as pregnancy resembles allograft transplantation. Fetus expresses human leukocyte antigens (HLA) inherited from both parents, thus is semiallogeneic to the maternal immune system. Therefore, induction of fetal tolerance is crucial for physiological outcome of pregnancy. Noteworthy, the immunogenicity of discordant HLA antigens is determined by functional epitopes called eplets, which are continuous and discontinuous short sequences of amino acids. This way various HLA molecules may express the same eplet and some HLA incompatibilities can be more immunogenic due to different eplet combination. Therefore, we hypothesized that maternal- fetal HLA incompatibility may be involved in the pathogenesis of gestational hypertension and its progression to preeclampsia. We also aimed to test if particular maternal-fetal eplet mismatches are more prone for induction of anti- fetal HLA antibodies in gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. Methods High resolution next-generation sequencing of HLA-A, -B, -C, -DQB1 and -DRB1 antigens was performed in mothers and children from physiological pregnancies (12 pairs) and from pregnancies complicated with gestational hypertension (22 pairs) and preeclampsia (27 pairs). In the next step HLA eplet identification and analysis of HLA eplet incompatibilities was performed with in silico approach HLAMatchmaker algorithm. Simultaneously maternal sera were screened for anti-fetal HLA class I, class II and anti-MICA antibodies with Luminex, and data were analyzed with HLA-Fusion software. Results We observed that high HLA-C, -B, and DQB1 maternal-fetal eplet compatibility was associated with severe preeclampsia (PE) manifestation. Both quantity and quality of HLA epletmismatches affected the severity of PE. Mismatches in HLA-B eplets: 65QIA+76ESN, 70IAO, 180E, HLA-C eplets: 193PL3, 267QE, and HLA-DRB1 eplet: 16Y were associated with a mild outcome of preeclampsia if the complication occurred. Conclusions High HLA-C, HLA-DQB1 and HLA-B eplet compatibility between mother and child is associated with severe manifestation of preeclampsia. Both quantity and quality of maternal-fetal HLA eplet mismatches affects severity of preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Stefańska
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics Medical University of Gdansk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Kurkowiak
- International Centre for Cancer Vaccine Science (ICCVS), University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Karolina Piekarska
- Laboratory of Immunology and Clinical Transplantology, University Clinical Centre in Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdańsk, Poland
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation and Cellular Therapies, Department of Family Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Chruściel
- International Centre for Cancer Vaccine Science (ICCVS), University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Dorota Zamkowska
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics Medical University of Gdansk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | | | - Przemysław Adamski
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics Medical University of Gdansk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | | | - Anna Abacjew-Chmyłko
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics Medical University of Gdansk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Leszczyńska
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics Medical University of Gdansk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Maciej Zieliński
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Preis
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics Medical University of Gdansk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Hanna Zielińska
- Laboratory of Immunology and Clinical Transplantology, University Clinical Centre in Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Bogusław Tymoniuk
- Department of Immunology and Allergy, Medical University of Łódź, Łódź, Poland
| | - Piotr Trzonkowski
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Natalia Maria Marek-Trzonkowska
- International Centre for Cancer Vaccine Science (ICCVS), University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation and Cellular Therapies, Department of Family Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdańsk, Poland
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Melo P, Dhillon-Smith R, Islam MA, Devall A, Coomarasamy A. Genetic causes of sporadic and recurrent miscarriage. Fertil Steril 2023; 120:940-944. [PMID: 37648143 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.08.952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Approximately 80% of miscarriages happen within the first 12 weeks of gestation. More than half of early losses result from genetic defects, usually presenting as abnormal chromosome numbers or gene rearrangements in the embryo. However, the impact of genetics on pregnancy loss goes well beyond embryonic aneuploidy. For example, the use of big data has recently led to the discovery of specific gene mutations that may be implicated in sporadic and recurrent miscarriages. Further, emerging data suggest that genetic factors play a role in conditions for which there is a causative association with recurrent pregnancy loss. Here, we summarize the evidence on the genetics of miscarriage and provide an overview of the diagnosis and prevention of genetic causes associated with sporadic and recurrent pregnancy loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Melo
- Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
| | - Rima Dhillon-Smith
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, United Kingdom
| | - Md Asiful Islam
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Global Women's Health, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, United Kingdom
| | - Adam Devall
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, United Kingdom; WHO Collaborating Centre for Global Women's Health, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, United Kingdom
| | - Arri Coomarasamy
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, United Kingdom; WHO Collaborating Centre for Global Women's Health, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, United Kingdom
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15
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Abstract
In this guideline, recurrent miscarriage has been defined as three or more first trimester miscarriages. However, clinicians are encouraged to use their clinical discretion to recommend extensive evaluation after two first trimester miscarriages, if there is a suspicion that the miscarriages are of pathological and not of sporadic nature. Women with recurrent miscarriage should be offered testing for acquired thrombophilia, particularly for lupus anticoagulant and anticardiolipin antibodies, prior to pregnancy. [Grade C] Women with second trimester miscarriage may be offered testing for Factor V Leiden, prothrombin gene mutation and protein S deficiency, ideally within a research context. [Grade C] Inherited thrombophilias have a weak association with recurrent miscarriage. Routine testing for protein C, antithrombin deficiency and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase mutation is not recommended. [Grade C] Cytogenetic analysis should be offered on pregnancy tissue of the third and subsequent miscarriage(s) and in any second trimester miscarriage. [Grade D] Parental peripheral blood karyotyping should be offered for couples in whom testing of pregnancy tissue reports an unbalanced structural chromosomal abnormality [Grade D] or there is unsuccessful or no pregnancy tissue available for testing. [GPP] Women with recurrent miscarriage should be offered assessment for congenital uterine anomalies, ideally with 3D ultrasound. [Grade B] Women with recurrent miscarriage should be offered thyroid function tests and assessment for thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies. [Grade C] Women with recurrent miscarriage should not be routinely offered immunological screening (such as HLA, cytokine and natural killer cell tests), infection screening or sperm DNA testing outside a research context. [Grade C] Women with recurrent miscarriage should be advised to maintain a BMI between 19 and 25 kg/m2 , smoking cessation, limit alcohol consumption and limit caffeine to less than 200 mg/day. [Grade D] For women diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome, aspirin and heparin should be offered from a positive test until at least 34 weeks of gestation, following discussion of potential benefits versus risks. [Grade B] Aspirin and/or heparin should not be given to women with unexplained recurrent miscarriage. [Grade B] There are currently insufficient data to support the routine use of PGT-A for couples with unexplained recurrent miscarriage, while the treatment may carry a significant cost and potential risk. [Grade C] Resection of a uterine septum should be considered for women with recurrent first or second trimester miscarriage, ideally within an appropriate audit or research context. [Grade C] Thyroxine supplementation is not routinely recommended for euthyroid women with TPO who have a history of miscarriage. [Grade A] Progestogen supplementation should be considered in women with recurrent miscarriage who present with bleeding in early pregnancy (for example 400 mg micronised vaginal progesterone twice daily at the time of bleeding until 16 weeks of gestation). [Grade B] Women with unexplained recurrent miscarriage should be offered supportive care, ideally in the setting of a dedicated recurrent miscarriage clinic. [Grade C].
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Ansariniya H, Hadinedoushan H, Zare F, Idali F, Shabani M, Mosaffa N. Study the effect of recombinant leukemia inhibitory factor on maintenance of pregnancy and frequency of regulatory T cells in abortion-prone mice. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 124:110908. [PMID: 37713786 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) can have a significant impact on a woman's quality of life. Understanding the mechanisms behind abortion is crucial for developing potential treatments. Among various models of abortion, the CBA/J(♀) × DBA/2J(♂) model stands out as the most extensively studied. This model reveals the influence of an altered immune system on resorption during pregnancy. The leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) holds considerable importance as a secretory glycoprotein essential for successful implantation. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been found to produce high levels of LIF in both mice and humans. LIF plays a vital role in the development of Tregs by upregulating the expression of the Foxp3 transcription factor while downregulating the expression of RORγt. To investigate the impact of recombinant LIF (rLIF) on pregnancy maintenance and Treg cell frequency in abortion-prone (AP) mice, a specific recombinant protein was used in this study. The AP group consisted of CBA/J(♀) × DBA/2J(♂) mice, while the control group comprised CBA/J(♀) × BALB/c(♂) mice. Intraperitoneal injections of rLIF were administered to the AP group on the third day of pregnancy, and its effects on Treg cell frequency and pregnancy maintenance were examined during this period. Following rLIF injections on the fourteenth day of pregnancy, the expression of Foxp3 significantly increased in AP mice (p = 0.02,0.008). Additionally, AP mice injected with rLIF demonstrated a significant reduction in resorption rate (p = 0.01) and a notable increase in birth rate (p = 0.01,0.0005). These findings provide new insights into the potential benefits of LIF in treating RSA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Ansariniya
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Reproductive Immunology Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Hossein Hadinedoushan
- Reproductive Immunology Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Fateme Zare
- Reproductive Immunology Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Farah Idali
- Reproductive Immunology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Evin, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Shabani
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nariman Mosaffa
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Zhou H, Zou Y, Guo Y, Lv X, Chen J, Guo X, Liu Q. Effect of COVID-19 inactivated vaccine on peripheral blood anti-β 2-GPI antibody and outcomes in vitro fertilization-embryo transplantation. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 122:110596. [PMID: 37441812 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110596] [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: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an acute respiratory infection and a global public health event. The level of aβ2GPI is significantly up-regulated in COVID-19 patients. The impact of inactivated vaccination against COVID-19 on aβ2GPI and in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) remains unknown amidst the universal administration of COVID-19 vaccines. We conducted a retrospective study to assess the impact of COVID-19 inactivated vaccination on aβ2GPI levels and its effect on superovulation and pregnancy outcomes. We found aβ2GPI level is significantly up-regulated after vaccination. There was no statistical difference in mature egg rate, 2PN fertilization rate, day 3 high-quality embryo rate, blastocyst formation rate, embryo implantation rate and miscarriage rate between the vaccine group and control group. Our findings showed vaccination with COVID-19 inactivated vaccine can elevate the level of aβ2GPI in peripheral blood but have no effect on the outcomes of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and pregnancy in IVF-ET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiling Zhou
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, Fujian, China
| | - Yilu Zou
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, Fujian, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Fuzhou 350004, Fujian, China
| | - Yujia Guo
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, Fujian, China
| | - Xiaoting Lv
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Research Laboratory of the Respiratory System Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, Fujian, China
| | - Jiajing Chen
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, Fujian, China
| | - Xinxin Guo
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, Fujian, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Fuzhou 350004, Fujian, China.
| | - Qicai Liu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, Fujian, China.
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Braun AS, Vomstein K, Reiser E, Tollinger S, Kyvelidou C, Feil K, Toth B. NK and T Cell Subtypes in the Endometrium of Patients with Recurrent Pregnancy Loss and Recurrent Implantation Failure: Implications for Pregnancy Success. J Clin Med 2023; 12:5585. [PMID: 37685653 PMCID: PMC10488644 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12175585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND RPL and RIF are challenges in reproductive medicine. The immune system plays a pivotal role in endometrial receptivity, successful implantation, and pregnancy complications. Immunological changes have been associated with RPL and RIF. Understanding immune dysregulation especially in NK and T cell subtypes may lead to better diagnostic concepts and treatments. From July 2019 to August 2020 patients with RPL and RIF underwent a standardized diagnostic procedure including endometrial biopsies. Immune cell analysis was performed using flow cytometry. Patients were contacted in March 2023 and interviewed concerning their pregnancy outcomes following diagnostics. RESULTS Out of 68 patients undergoing endometrial biopsies, 49 patients were finally included. Live birth rates were high with 72% in RPL and 86% in RIF. Immune cell analysis revealed that patients with RPL had more cytotoxic CD56dimCD16high cells, while RIF patients had more CD56+ uNK cells. RPL patients with pregnancy complications showed increased NKT cell percentages. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest specific immune changes in RPL and RIF patients, offering potential therapeutic targets. Tailored immunotherapy based on endometrial immunophenotyping might be an option, but further research is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Sophie Braun
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (A.-S.B.); (K.V.); (E.R.); (S.T.); (C.K.); (B.T.)
| | - Kilian Vomstein
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (A.-S.B.); (K.V.); (E.R.); (S.T.); (C.K.); (B.T.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Fertility Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Kettegård Allé 30, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark
- Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet and Hvidovre Hospital), 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Elisabeth Reiser
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (A.-S.B.); (K.V.); (E.R.); (S.T.); (C.K.); (B.T.)
| | - Susanne Tollinger
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (A.-S.B.); (K.V.); (E.R.); (S.T.); (C.K.); (B.T.)
| | - Christiana Kyvelidou
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (A.-S.B.); (K.V.); (E.R.); (S.T.); (C.K.); (B.T.)
| | - Katharina Feil
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (A.-S.B.); (K.V.); (E.R.); (S.T.); (C.K.); (B.T.)
| | - Bettina Toth
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (A.-S.B.); (K.V.); (E.R.); (S.T.); (C.K.); (B.T.)
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Vomstein K, Egerup P, Kolte AM, Behrendt-Møller I, Boje AD, Bertelsen ML, Eiken CS, Reiersen MR, Toth B, la Cour Freiesleben N, Nielsen HS. Biopsy-free profiling of the uterine immune system in patients with recurrent pregnancy loss and unexplained infertility. Reprod Biomed Online 2023; 47:103207. [PMID: 37211442 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION What are the differences in menstrual blood lymphocytes between controls, patients with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and patients with unexplained infertility (uINF)? DESIGN Prospective study including 46 healthy controls, 28 RPL and 11 uINF patients. A feasibility study compared lymphocyte compositions of endometrial biopsies and menstrual blood collected during the first 48 h of menstruation in seven controls. In all patients, peripheral and menstrual blood from the first and subsequent 24 h were analysed separately by flow cytometry, focusing on the main lymphocyte populations and natural killer (NK) cell subsets. RESULTS The first 24 h of menstrual blood resembles the uterine immune milieu as tested by endometrial biopsy. RPL patients showed significantly higher menstrual blood CD56+ NK cell numbers than controls (mean ± SD: 31.13 ± 7.52% versus 36.73 ± 5.4%, P = 0.002). Menstrual blood CD56dimCD16bright NK cells within the CD56+ NK cell population were decreased in RPL (16.34 ± 14.65%, P = 0.011) and uINF (15.7 ± 5.91%, P = 0.02) patients versus control (20.42 ± 11.53%). uINF patients had the lowest menstrual blood CD3+ T cell counts (38.81 ± 5.04%, control versus uINF: P = 0.01) and cytotoxicity receptors NKp46 and NKG2D on CD56brightCD16dim cells were higher in uINF (68.12 ± 11.84%, P = 0.006; 45.99 ± 13.83%, P = 0.01, respectively) and RPL (NKp46: 66.21 ± 15.36%, P = 0.009) patients versus controls. RPL and uINF patients had higher peripheral CD56+ NK cell counts versus controls (11.42 ± 4.05%, P = 0.021; 12.86 ± 4.29%, P = 0.009 versus 8.4 ± 3.5%). CONCLUSIONS Compared with controls, RPL and uINF patients had a different menstrual blood-NK-subtype profile, indicating an altered cytotoxicity. In future studies, this non-invasive analysis might enable identification and monitoring of patients receiving immunomodulatory medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kilian Vomstein
- Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Unit, The Capital Region, Copenhagen University Hospitals, Hvidovre Hospital, DK-2650, Hvidovre, Denmark and Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Fertility Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, DK-2650, Denmark.
| | - Pia Egerup
- Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Unit, The Capital Region, Copenhagen University Hospitals, Hvidovre Hospital, DK-2650, Hvidovre, Denmark and Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Astrid Marie Kolte
- Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Unit, The Capital Region, Copenhagen University Hospitals, Hvidovre Hospital, DK-2650, Hvidovre, Denmark and Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ida Behrendt-Møller
- Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Unit, The Capital Region, Copenhagen University Hospitals, Hvidovre Hospital, DK-2650, Hvidovre, Denmark and Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Fertility Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, DK-2650, Denmark
| | - Amalie Dyhrberg Boje
- Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Unit, The Capital Region, Copenhagen University Hospitals, Hvidovre Hospital, DK-2650, Hvidovre, Denmark and Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marie-Louise Bertelsen
- Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Unit, The Capital Region, Copenhagen University Hospitals, Hvidovre Hospital, DK-2650, Hvidovre, Denmark and Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Cecilie Sofie Eiken
- Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Unit, The Capital Region, Copenhagen University Hospitals, Hvidovre Hospital, DK-2650, Hvidovre, Denmark and Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michelle Raupelyté Reiersen
- Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Unit, The Capital Region, Copenhagen University Hospitals, Hvidovre Hospital, DK-2650, Hvidovre, Denmark and Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bettina Toth
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Nina la Cour Freiesleben
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Fertility Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, DK-2650, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Henriette Svarre Nielsen
- Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Unit, The Capital Region, Copenhagen University Hospitals, Hvidovre Hospital, DK-2650, Hvidovre, Denmark and Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Fertility Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, DK-2650, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
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20
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Cavalcante MB, Alcântara da Silva PH, Sampaio OGM, Câmara FEA, de Melo Bezerra Cavalcante CT, Barini R. The use of immunotherapies for recurrent miscarriage: An overview of systematic reviews and meta-analysis. J Reprod Immunol 2023; 158:103986. [PMID: 37413775 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2023.103986] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapies have been a treatment proposed for recurrent miscarriages (RMs). The use of immunotherapies remains not recommended in the management of couples with RM. This overview of systematic reviews and meta-analysis (SRs-MAs) aims to identify and evaluate the quality of SRs-MAs that studied the effectiveness of immunotherapies in the treatment of RM patients. SRs-MAs were searched in PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Web of Science. SRs-MAs were analyzed using AMSTAR-2, PRISMA 2020, Risk of Bias in Systematic (ROBIS), and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) tools to evaluate the methodological quality, reporting quality, risk of bias, and evidence quality of included SRs-MAs, respectively. This review included 20 SRs-MAs that evaluated the following immunotherapies: intravenous immunoglobulin (13 publications), lymphocyte immunotherapy (6 publications), corticosteroids (3 publications), and lipid emulsion (1 publication). SRs-MAs were rated as high methodological, moderate, and critically low quality in 14 (70 %), 1 (5 %), and 5 (25 %) SRs-MAs and high reporting, moderate, and low quality in 13 (65 %), 4 (20 %), and 3 (5 %) SRs-MAs, respectively. The overall risk of bias revealed a low risk of bias for three-quarters of the SRs-MAs. Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) analysis resulted in 23 outcomes, of which 4, 3, 5, and 11 results were of high, moderate, low, and very low quality, respectively. An improvement has been observed over the past few years in the quality of systematic reviews (SR)-MAs that have investigated the efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulin, lymphocyte immunotherapy, lipid emulsion therapy, and corticosteroids as a therapy for RM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo Borges Cavalcante
- Post Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, Universidade de Fortaleza (UNIFOR), Fortaleza, CE 60.811-905, Brazil; CONCEPTUS - Reproductive Medicine, Fortaleza, CE 60.170-240, Brazil.
| | | | - Olga Goiana Martins Sampaio
- Post Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, Universidade de Fortaleza (UNIFOR), Fortaleza, CE 60.811-905, Brazil
| | | | | | - Ricardo Barini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Campinas University (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP 13.083-887, Brazil
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21
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Tomkiewicz J, Darmochwał-Kolarz D. The Diagnostics and Treatment of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4768. [PMID: 37510883 PMCID: PMC10380966 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12144768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Recurrent pregnancy loss is a common problem in the reproductive age population of women. It can be caused by many different conditions. This problem is addressed in international guidelines that take a slightly different approach to its diagnosis and treatment. The guidelines used in this review mainly use the guidelines of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE). This review shows how much the approach to miscarriages has changed and how much more needs to be explored and refined. The review also addresses the topic of unexplained pregnancy loss, which continues to be a challenge for clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Tomkiewicz
- Fryderyk Chopin University Hospital No 1, 35-055 Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Dorota Darmochwał-Kolarz
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Medical College, University of Rzeszow, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland
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22
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Najjar AA, Hassouna I, Srour MA, Ibrahim HM, Assi RY, Abd El Latif HM. Evaluation of platelet parameters, coagulation markers, antiphospholipid syndrome, and thyroid function in palestinian women with recurrent pregnancy loss. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:459. [PMID: 37340363 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05764-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple etiologies contribute to recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) including immunological, endocrine, anatomical, genetic and infection but more than 50% of cases remain unexplained. Evidences of thrombotic and inflammatory processes were observed at maternal-fetal interface and considered pathological findings in most RPL cases including unexplained cases. This study aimed to evaluate the association between RPL and several risk factors: platelet parameters, coagulation factors, antiphospholipid syndrome, and thyroid function. METHODS This is an unmatched case-control study that included 100 RPL and 100 control women. Anthropometric and health data were collected and a gynecologist examined participants to assure fitting the inclusion criteria. Platelet parameters [including Mean Platelet Mass (MPM), Concentration (MPC) and Volume (MPV)] and ratios (MPV/Platelet, MPC/Platelet, MPM/Platelet, Platelet/Mononuclear cells), coagulation markers [Protein C (PC), Protein S (PS), Antithrombin III, D-dimer], antiphospholipid antibodies [Anti-phospholipid (APA), Anti-cardiolipin (ACA) and anti-B2-glycoprotein 1], Lupus anticoagulant, Antinuclear antibodies, and thyroid function (Thyroid stimulating hormone and anti-thyroid peroxidase) were measured. RESULTS Mean ages of cases and controls at marriage were 22.5 years for both, and their current ages were 29.4 and 33.0, respectively. 92% of cases and 99% of controls aged blow 30 years at marriage. 75% of cases have 3-4 miscarriages and 9% have ≥ 7 miscarriages. Our results indicated significantly lower male/female age ratio (p = .019), PC (p = .036) and PS (p = .025) in cases compared to controls. Plasma D-dimer (p = .020) and antiphospholipid antibodies [ACA (IgM and IgG), APA (IgM)] were significantly higher in cases compared to controls. No significant differences were observed between cases and controls concerning APA (IgG), anti-B2-glycoprotein 1 (IgM and IgG), Lupus anticoagulant, Antinuclear antibodies, platelet parameters, thyroid markers, family history of miscarriage, consanguineous marriage, and other health data. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study that investigated the association between platelet, coagulation, antiphospholipid, autoimmune and thyroid parameters, and RPL in Palestinian women. Significant associations between male/female age ratio, PC, PS, D-dimer, ACA (IgM, IgG), APA (IgM) and RPL were observed. These markers could be used in evaluating RPL. These findings confirm the heterogeneous nature of RPL and emphasize the need for further studies to find out risk factors for RPL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayman A Najjar
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Imam Hassouna
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud A Srour
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Birzeit University, Birzeit, Palestine.
- Clinical Laboratory Science program, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nursing and Health Professions, Birzeit University, Birzeit, Palestine.
| | - Hany M Ibrahim
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt.
| | - Randa Y Assi
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Heba M Abd El Latif
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt
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23
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Turesheva A, Aimagambetova G, Ukybassova T, Marat A, Kanabekova P, Kaldygulova L, Amanzholkyzy A, Ryzhkova S, Nogay A, Khamidullina Z, Ilmaliyeva A, Almawi WY, Atageldiyeva K. Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Etiology, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, and Management. Fresh Look into a Full Box. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4074. [PMID: 37373766 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12124074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Recurrent pregnancy loss is a complex health challenge with no universally accepted definition. Inconsistency in definitions involves not only the number of spontaneous abortions (two or three) that are accepted for recurrent pregnancy loss but the types of pregnancy and gestational age at miscarriage. Due to the heterogeneity of definitions and criteria applied by international guidelines for recurrent pregnancy loss, the true incidence of recurrent miscarriage, which is reported to range from 1% to 5%, is difficult to estimate. Moreover, the exact etiology of recurrent pregnancy loss remains questionable; thus, it is considered a polyetiological and multifactorial condition with many modifiable and non-modifiable factors involved. Even after thoroughly evaluating recurrent pregnancy loss etiology and risk factors, up to 75% of cases remain unexplained. This review aimed to summarize and critically analyze accumulated knowledge on the etiology, risk factors, relevant diagnostic options, and management approach to recurrent pregnancy loss. The relevance of various factors and their proposed roles in recurrent pregnancy loss pathogenesis remains a matter of discussion. The diagnostic approach and the management largely depend on the etiology and risk factors taken into consideration by a healthcare professional as a cause of recurrent miscarriage for a particular woman or couple. Underestimation of social and health consequences of recurrent pregnancy loss leads to compromised reproductive health and psychological well-being of women after miscarriage. Studies on etiology and risk factors for recurrent pregnancy loss, especially idiopathic, should be continued. The existing international guidelines require updates to assist clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akbayan Turesheva
- Department of Normal Physiology, West-Kazakhstan Marat Ospanov Medical University, Aktobe 030000, Kazakhstan
| | | | - Talshyn Ukybassova
- Clinical Academic Department of Women's Health, CF "University Medical Center", Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Aizada Marat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology #1, NJSC "Astana Medical University", Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Perizat Kanabekova
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Lyazzat Kaldygulova
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology #2, West-Kazakhstan Marat Ospanov Medical University, Aktobe 030000, Kazakhstan
| | - Ainur Amanzholkyzy
- Department of Normal Physiology, West-Kazakhstan Marat Ospanov Medical University, Aktobe 030000, Kazakhstan
| | - Svetlana Ryzhkova
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology #2, West-Kazakhstan Marat Ospanov Medical University, Aktobe 030000, Kazakhstan
| | - Anastassiya Nogay
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Zaituna Khamidullina
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology #1, NJSC "Astana Medical University", Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Aktoty Ilmaliyeva
- Department of Medicine #3, NJSC "Astana Medical University", Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Wassim Y Almawi
- Faculte' des Sciences de Tunis, Universite' de Tunis El Manar, Tunis 5000, Tunisia
| | - Kuralay Atageldiyeva
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
- Clinical Academic Department of Internal Medicine, CF "University Medical Center", Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
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24
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Stope MB, Mustea A, Sänger N, Einenkel R. Immune Cell Functionality during Decidualization and Potential Clinical Application. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13051097. [PMID: 37240742 DOI: 10.3390/life13051097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to a vast influx in the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle, leukocytes represent 40-50% of the decidua at the time of implantation. Their importance for the implantation, maintenance of pregnancy, and parturition are known yet not fully understood. Thus, in idiopathic infertility, decidual immune-related factors are speculated to be the cause. In this review, the immune cell functions in the decidua were summarized, and clinical diagnostics, as well as interventions, were discussed. There is a rising number of commercially available diagnostic tools. However, the intervention options are still limited and/or poorly studied. In order for us to make big steps towards the proper use of reproductive immunology findings, we need to understand the mechanisms and especially support translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias B Stope
- Department of Gynecology and Gynecological Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Alexander Mustea
- Department of Gynecology and Gynecological Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Nicole Sänger
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Rebekka Einenkel
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
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25
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Ticconi C, Nicastri E, D'Ippolito S, Chiaramonte C, Pietropolli A, Scambia G, Di Simone N. Diagnostic factors for recurrent pregnancy loss: an expanded workup. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2023; 308:127-142. [PMID: 36964323 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-023-07001-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE There is limited information on the risk factors for recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). METHODS In this study, a patient-based approach was used to investigate the possible involvement and relative relevance of a large number of diagnostic factors in 843 women with RPL who underwent an extensive diagnostic workup including 44 diagnostic factors divided into 7 major categories. RESULTS The rates of abnormalities found were: (1) genital infections: 11.74%; (2) uterine anatomic defects: 23.72%; (3) endocrine disorders: 29.42%; (4) thrombophilias: 62%; (5) autoimmune abnormalities: 39.2%; (6) parental karyotype abnormalities 2.25%; (7) clinical factors: 87.78%. Six hundred and fifty-nine out of eight hundred and forty-three women (78.17%) had more than one abnormality. The mean number of pregnancy losses increased by increasing the number of the abnormalities found (r = 0.86949, P < 0.02). The factors associated with the highest mean number of pregnancy losses were cervical isthmic incompetence, anti-beta-2-glycoprotein-1 antibodies, unicornuate uterus, anti-prothrombin A antibodies, protein C deficiency, and lupus anticoagulant. The majority of the considered abnormalities had similar, non-significant prevalence between women with 2 versus ≥ 3 pregnancy losses with the exception of age ≥ 35 years and MTHFR A1298C heterozygote mutation. No difference was found between women with primary and secondary RPL stratified according to the number of abnormalities detected (Chi-square: 8.55, P = 0.07). In these women, the only factors found to be present with statistically different rates were age ≥ 35 years, cigarette smoking, and genital infection by Ureaplasma. CONCLUSION A patient-based diagnostic approach in women with RPL could be clinically useful and could represent a basis for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Ticconi
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Section of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
| | - Elena Nicastri
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Section of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia D'Ippolito
- U.O.C. di Ostetricia e Patologia Ostetrica, Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A.Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Istituto di Clinica Ostetrica e Ginecologica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Chiaramonte
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford 81, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Adalgisa Pietropolli
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Section of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Scambia
- Istituto di Clinica Ostetrica e Ginecologica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- U.O.C. di Ginecologia Oncologica, Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A.Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Di Simone
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20072, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IRCCS, Via Manzoni 56, 20089, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
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26
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Issakhanova A, Issanov A, Ukybassova T, Kaldygulova L, Marat A, Imankulova B, Kamzayeva N, Almawi WY, Aimagambetova G. Depression, Anxiety, and Stress in Kazakhstani Women with Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: A Case-Control Study. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12020658. [PMID: 36675585 PMCID: PMC9863265 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12020658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is associated with increased incidence and severity of depression, anxiety, and stress, and screening for these comorbidities following miscarriages is beneficial for women with RPL who are planning future pregnancies. This study aims to investigate depression, anxiety, and stress among Kazakhstani women with RPL. Methods: This was a case−control study involving 70 women with confirmed RPL and 78 ethnically matched control women. Depression, anxiety, and stress were evaluated using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS)-21 instrument. Linear regression and correlation analysis were used in assessing the association of RPL with symptoms of depression, and/or anxiety, and/or stress, after adjusting for key covariates. Results: Women with RPL were found to have significantly higher mean scores for depression (p < 0.001), anxiety (p < 0.001), and stress (p < 0.001) symptoms. Mild−moderate stress and mild−moderate and severe−extreme depression and anxiety symptoms were more frequent in the RPL group than in the control group. Regression analysis demonstrated that RPL was the only significant variable associated with anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that women with RPL are more likely to experience heightened symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Proper psychological counseling is recommended for women with RPL, as well as their spouses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alpamys Issanov
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Talshyn Ukybassova
- Clinical Academic Department of Women’s Health, Corporate Fund “University Medical Center”, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Lyazzat Kaldygulova
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology #2, West-Kazakhstan Marat Ospanov Medical University, Aktobe 030012, Kazakhstan
| | - Aizada Marat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology #1, NJSC “Astana Medical University”, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Balkenzhe Imankulova
- Clinical Academic Department of Women’s Health, Corporate Fund “University Medical Center”, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Nazira Kamzayeva
- Clinical Academic Department of Women’s Health, Corporate Fund “University Medical Center”, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Wassim Y. Almawi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
- Faculte’ des Sciences de Tunis, Universite’ de Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1068, Tunisia
| | - Gulzhanat Aimagambetova
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
- Correspondence:
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27
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Betti M, Vizza E, Piccione E, Pietropolli A, Chiofalo B, Pallocca M, Bruno V. Towards reproducible research in recurrent pregnancy loss immunology: Learning from cancer microenvironment deconvolution. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1082087. [PMID: 36911667 PMCID: PMC9996132 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1082087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The most recent international guidelines regarding recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) exclude most of the immunological tests recommended for RPL since they do not reach an evidence-based level. Comparisons for metanalysis and systematic reviews are limited by the ambiguity in terms of RPL definition, etiological and risk factors, diagnostic work-up, and treatments applied. Therefore, cohort heterogeneity, the inadequacy of numerosity, and the quality of data confirm a not standardized research quality in the RPL field, especially for immunological background, for which potential research application remains confined in a separate single biological layer. Innovative sequencing technologies and databases have proved to play a significant role in the exploration and validation of cancer research in the context of dataset quality and bioinformatics tools. In this article, we will investigate how bioinformatics tools born for large-scale cancer immunological research could revolutionize RPL immunological research but are limited by the nature of current RPL datasets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Betti
- Biostatistics, Bioinformatics and Clinical Trial Center, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Vizza
- Gynecologic Oncology Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical Oncology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Emilio Piccione
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Catholic University Our Lady of Good Counsel, Tiranë, Albania
| | - Adalgisa Pietropolli
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Section of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Roma Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Benito Chiofalo
- Gynecologic Oncology Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical Oncology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Pallocca
- Biostatistics, Bioinformatics and Clinical Trial Center, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Bruno
- Gynecologic Oncology Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical Oncology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
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Zhao QY, Li QH, Fu YY, Ren CE, Jiang AF, Meng YH. Decidual macrophages in recurrent spontaneous abortion. Front Immunol 2022; 13:994888. [PMID: 36569856 PMCID: PMC9781943 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.994888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is defined as two or more pregnancy loss, affecting the happiness index of fertility couples. The mechanisms involved in the occurrence of RSA are not clear to date. The primary problem for the maternal immune system is how to establish and maintain the immune tolerance to the semi-allogeneic fetuses. During the pregnancy, decidual macrophages mainly play an important role in the immunologic dialogue. The purpose of this study is to explore decidual macrophages, and to understand whether there is a connection between these cells and RSA by analyzing their phenotypes and functions. Pubmed, Web of Science and Embase were searched. The eligibility criterion for this review was evaluating the literature about the pregnancy and macrophages. Any disagreement between the authors was resolved upon discussion and if required by the judgment of the corresponding author. We summarized the latest views on the phenotype, function and dysfunction of decidual macrophages to illuminate its relationship with RSA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Yu-Han Meng
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
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Cao C, Bai S, Zhang J, Sun X, Meng A, Chen H. Understanding recurrent pregnancy loss: recent advances on its etiology, clinical diagnosis, and management. MEDICAL REVIEW (BERLIN, GERMANY) 2022; 2:570-589. [PMID: 37724255 PMCID: PMC10471095 DOI: 10.1515/mr-2022-0030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) has become an important reproductive health issue worldwide. RPL affects about 2%-3% of reproductive-aged women, and makes serious threats to women's physical and mental health. However, the etiology of approximately 50% of RPL cases remains unknown (unexplained RPL), which poses a big challenge for clinical management of these patients. RPL has been widely regarded as a complex disease where its etiology has been attributed to numerous factors. Heretofore, various risk factors for RPL have been identified, such as maternal ages, genetic factors, anatomical structural abnormalities, endocrine dysfunction, prethrombotic state, immunological factors, and infection. More importantly, development and applications of next generation sequencing technology have significantly expanded opportunities to discover chromosomal aberrations and single gene variants responsible for RPL, which provides new insight into its pathogenic mechanisms. Furthermore, based upon patients' diagnostic evaluation and etiologic diagnosis, specific therapeutic recommendations have been established. This review will highlight current understanding and recent advances on RPL, with a special focus on the immunological and genetic etiologies, clinical diagnosis and therapeutic management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunwei Cao
- Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Province, China
- Guangzhou laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Center for Reproductive Genetics and Reproductive Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Shiyu Bai
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Province, China
- Center for Reproductive Genetics and Reproductive Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xiaoyue Sun
- Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Province, China
- Center for Reproductive Genetics and Reproductive Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Anming Meng
- Guangzhou laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Hui Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
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Koshak E, Atwah A, Aljedani R, Aljaied Y, Gaddoury MA. Common Autoimmune Antibodies in Unexplained Infertile Female Patients in Saudi Arabia. Cureus 2022; 14:e31724. [DOI: 10.7759/cureus.31724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Moini A, Sepidarkish M, Dehpour AR, Rabiei M, Abiri A, Pirjani R. The effect of hydroxychloroquine on pregnancy outcomes in patients with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss: a placebo-controlled study “pilot study”. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2022; 42:3471-3476. [PMID: 37017412 DOI: 10.1080/01443615.2022.2141615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
This double-blind placebo-controlled study investigated the effect of hydroxychloroquine on pregnancy outcomes in people with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss (URPL). The inclusion criteria included gestational age ≤6 weeks and a history of at least two miscarriages. The exclusion criteria included any known cause for previous abortions or a history of any chronic diseases. Participants were given 200 mg hydroxychloroquine or placebo twice a day until gestational week 20. Twenty-nine women were enrolled. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of age, BMI, gravidity, previous abortion, relative married couple, and infertility. Miscarriage occurred in five women including one in the hydroxychloroquine group (7.69%) and four women in the placebo group (28.57%) (OR: 2.36, 95% PL CI:1.07, 8.93). However, after adjusting for potential confounders, there was no significant difference between the two groups (aOR: 2.96, 95%CI: 0.91, 10.02).IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? Miscarriage, a prevalent concern in the field reproductive medicine, causes psychological and family problems for couples. Unfortunately, no effective treatment has been yet found for URPL. There are some hypotheses about the role of immunological factors in URPL. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has various immunological effects and may theoretically have a role in the treatment of URPL. Although few studies have been registered to investigate the effect of HCQ on URPL, none of them has been published.What do the results of this study add? In our double-blind placebo-controlled trial, the prevalence of abortion in the HCQ group was four times lower than that in the placebo group, however, this difference was not statistically significant, which can be attributed to the small sample size.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? We hope that HCQ will be of interest to researchers and future research help clarify the role of HCQ in preventing URPL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashraf Moini
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Breast Disease Research Center (BDRC), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Reproductive Epidemiology Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine
| | - Mahdi Sepidarkish
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Ahmad Reza Dehpour
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Rabiei
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ameneh Abiri
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reihaneh Pirjani
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Wang L, Jiang Y, Shen H, Ma X, Gao M, Jin P, Zhang R, Zhao L, Zhang X. Independent value of serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin in predicting early pregnancy loss risks in IVF/ICSI cycles. Front Immunol 2022; 13:992121. [PMID: 36248885 PMCID: PMC9556765 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.992121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Early pregnancy loss (EPL) is the most prevalent complication, particularly in couples undergoing assisted reproductive technology treatment. The present study aimed to determine whether the serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) level after 14 days of embryo transfer, either alone or in conjunction with other parameters in IVF/ICSI cycles, could be used to predict subsequent EPL. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of all couples who received clinical pregnancy and underwent fresh IVF/ICSI cycles at a single large reproductive medical center between January 2013 and June 2020. The research involved a total of 6600 cycles. For risk variables, we conducted the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analysis, and for risk scoring, we used logistic regression coefficients. To analyze relevant risk factors for EPL, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed. Areas under the curve (AUC) were determined and compared between β-hCG and other factors using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results β-hCG level was considerably lower in women who had EPL than in those who were ongoing pregnancy (564.03 ± 838.16 vs 1139.04 ± 1048.72 IU/L, p< 0.001). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression revealed that β-hCG levels were significantly correlated with the probability of EPL, independent of other risk factors. More importantly, the β-hCG level could independently predict the occurrence of EPL and was comparable to the model that combined other risk factors. The optimal serum β-hCG cut-off value for predicting EPL was 542.45 IU/L. Conclusions Our results suggest that the serum β-hCG level has a strong independent predictive value for EPL occurrence in fresh IVF/ICSI cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyan Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yanbiao Jiang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Haofei Shen
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaoling Ma
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo, Lanzhou, China
| | - Mingxia Gao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo, Lanzhou, China
| | - Panpan Jin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo, Lanzhou, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo, Lanzhou, China
| | - Lihui Zhao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xuehong Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo, Lanzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xuehong Zhang,
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Liu H, Zheng J, Liao A. The regulation and potential roles of m6A modifications in early embryonic development and immune tolerance at the maternal-fetal interface. Front Immunol 2022; 13:988130. [PMID: 36225914 PMCID: PMC9549360 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.988130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune microenvironment at the maternal-fetal interface was determined by the crosstalk between the trophoblast and maternal-derived cells, which dynamically changed during the whole gestation. Trophoblasts act as innate immune cells and dialogue with maternal-derived cells to ensure early embryonic development, depending on the local immune microenvironment. Therefore, dysfunctions in trophoblasts and maternal decidual cells contribute to pregnancy complications, especially recurrent pregnancy loss in early pregnancy. Since many unknown regulatory factors still affect the complex immune status, exploring new potential aspects that could influence early pregnancy is essential. RNA methylation plays an important role in contributing to the transcriptional regulation of various cells. Sufficient studies have shown the crucial roles of N6-methyladenosine (m6A)- and m6A-associated- regulators in embryogenesis during implantation. They are also essential in regulating innate and adaptive immune cells and the immune response and shaping the local and systemic immune microenvironment. However, the function of m6A modifications at the maternal-fetal interface still lacks wide research. This review highlights the critical functions of m6A in early embryonic development, summarizes the reported research on m6A in regulating immune cells and tumor immune microenvironment, and identifies the potential value of m6A modifications in shaping trophoblasts, decidual immune cells, and the microenvironment at the maternal-fetal interface. The m6A modifications are more likely to contribute to embryogenesis, placentation and shape the immune microenvironment at the maternal-fetal interface. Uncovering these crucial regulatory mechanisms could provide novel therapeutic targets for RNA methylation in early pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Liu
- Department of Reproduction, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province, Affiliated in Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jie Zheng
- Department of Reproduction, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province, Affiliated in Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Jie Zheng, ; Aihua Liao,
| | - Aihua Liao
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Jie Zheng, ; Aihua Liao,
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Tang J, Zhu J, Shu L, Huang X, Ma S. Study on the Relationship between Unexplained Recurrent Abortion and HLA-DQ Gene Polymorphism. COMPUTATIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND NEUROSCIENCE 2022; 2022:8005538. [PMID: 36072716 PMCID: PMC9444373 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8005538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Objective The study aimed to investigate the relationship between human leukocyte antigen (HLA-DQB1) gene variants and recurrent miscarriage. Methods HLA-DQ gene polymorphisms (PCR-SSP) were detected in 50 couples with recurrent miscarriage (URSA group) and 30 couples with normal births (control group) using sequence-specific primer-guided polymerase chain reaction. Results The frequency of the DQB1 ∗ 0303 allele in the URSA group (21.50%) was substantially higher than that of the control group (11.67%) (P=0.0260 0.05, RR = 1.754); however, the frequency of the DQB1 ∗ 0302 allele in the URSA group (4.00%) was substantially lower than that of the control pair (10.00%) (P=0.0318 0.05, RR = 0.400); the frequency of sharing one allele was 46.00% (23/50) in the URSA group and 0.00% (0/30) in the normal control group; the frequency of sharing two alleles was 40.00% (2/50) in the URSA group and 43.33% (13/30) in the normal control group, with no significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion For the Zhejiang population, HLA-DQB1 ∗ 0303 may be a susceptibility gene for recurrent miscarriage, while HLA-DQB1 ∗ 0302 may be protective against recurrent miscarriage, especially for women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Tang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Huzhou Central Hospital, Huzhou 313000, China
| | - Jichao Zhu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huzhou Central Hospital, Huzhou 313000, China
| | - Longwen Shu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Huzhou Central Hospital, Huzhou 313000, China
| | - Xiaohong Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Huzhou Central Hospital, Huzhou 313000, China
| | - Siming Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Huzhou Central Hospital, Huzhou 313000, China
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Robertson SA, Moldenhauer LM, Green ES, Care AS, Hull ML. Immune determinants of endometrial receptivity: a biological perspective. Fertil Steril 2022; 117:1107-1120. [PMID: 35618356 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Immune cells are essential for endometrial receptivity to embryo implantation and early placental development. They exert tissue-remodeling and immune regulatory roles-acting to promote epithelial attachment competence, regulate the differentiation of decidual cells, remodel the uterine vasculature, control and resolve inflammatory activation, and suppress destructive immunity to paternally inherited alloantigens. From a biological perspective, the endometrial immune response exerts a form of "quality control"-it promotes implantation success when conditions are favorable but constrains receptivity when physiological circumstances are not ideal. Women with recurrent implantation failure and recurrent miscarriage may exhibit altered numbers or disturbed function of certain uterine immune cell populations-most notably uterine natural killer cells and regulatory T cells. Preclinical and animal studies indicate that deficiencies or aberrant activation states in these cells can be causal in the pathophysiological mechanisms of infertility. Immune cells are, therefore, targets for diagnostic evaluation and therapeutic intervention. However, current diagnostic tests are overly simplistic and have limited clinical utility. To be more informative, they need to account for the full complexity and reflect the range of perturbations that can occur in uterine immune cell phenotypes and networks. Moreover, safe and effective interventions to modulate these cells are in their infancy, and personalized approaches matched to specific diagnostic criteria will be needed. Here we summarize current biological understanding and identify knowledge gaps to be resolved before the promise of therapies to target the uterine immune response can be fully realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Robertson
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
| | - Lachlan M Moldenhauer
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Ella S Green
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Alison S Care
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - M Louise Hull
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Sarkesh A, Sorkhabi AD, Ahmadi H, Abdolmohammadi-Vahid S, Parhizkar F, Yousefi M, Aghebati-Maleki L. Allogeneic lymphocytes immunotherapy in female infertility: Lessons learned and the road ahead. Life Sci 2022; 299:120503. [PMID: 35381221 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The endometrium is an essential tissue in the normal immunologic dialogue between the mother and the conceptus, which is necessary for the proper establishment and maintenance of a successful pregnancy. It's become evident that the maternal immune system plays a key role in the normal pregnancy's initiation, maintenance, and termination. In this perspective, the immune system contributes to regulating all stages of pregnancy, thus immunological dysregulation is thought to be one of the major etiologies of implantation failures. Many researchers believe that immune therapies are useful tactics for improving the live births rate in certain situations. Lymphocyte immunotherapy (LIT) is an active form of immunotherapy that, when used on the relevant subgroups of patients, has been shown in multiple trials to dramatically enhance maternal immunological balance and pregnancy outcome. The primary goal of LIT is to regulate the immune system in order to create a favorable tolerogenic immune milieu and tolerance for embryo implantation. However, there are a plethora of influential factors influencing its therapeutic benefits that merit to be addressed. The objective of our study is to discuss the mechanisms and challenges of allogeneic LIT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aila Sarkesh
- Student's Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amin Daei Sorkhabi
- Student's Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hamid Ahmadi
- Department of Medical Biology and Central Electron Microscope Laboratory, Medical School, Pécs University, Pécs, Hungary
| | | | - Forough Parhizkar
- Student's Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mehdi Yousefi
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Leili Aghebati-Maleki
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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Christiansen OB. Special Issue Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: Etiology, Diagnosis, and Therapy. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10215040. [PMID: 34768559 PMCID: PMC8584478 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10215040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
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A Brief Analysis of Tissue-Resident NK Cells in Pregnancy and Endometrial Diseases: The Importance of Pharmacologic Modulation. IMMUNO 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/immuno1030011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
NK cells are lymphocytes involved in the innate and adaptative immune response. These cells are located in peripheral blood and tissues with ample functions, from immune vigilant to tolerogenic reactions. In the endometrium, NK cell populations vary depending on age, hormones, and inflammation. When pregnancy occurs, tissue-resident NK cells and conventional NK cells are recruited to protect the fetus, a tolerogenic response. On the contrary, in the inflamed endometrium, various inflammatory cells down-regulate NK tolerance and impair embryo implantation. Therefore, NK cells’ pharmacological modulation is difficult to achieve. Several strategies have been used, from progesterone, lipid emulsions to steroids; the success has not been as expected. However, new therapeutic approaches have been proposed to decrease the endometrial inflammatory burden and increase pregnancy success based on understanding NK cell physiology.
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Pleguezuelo DE, Cabrera-Marante O, Abad M, Rodriguez-Frias EA, Naranjo L, Vazquez A, Villar O, Gil-Etayo FJ, Serrano M, Perez-Rivilla A, de la Fuente-Bitaine L, Serrano A. Anti-Phosphatidylserine/Prothrombin Antibodies in Healthy Women with Unexplained Recurrent Pregnancy Loss. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10102094. [PMID: 34068095 PMCID: PMC8152729 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10102094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) affects up to 6% of couples. Although chromosomal aberrations of the embryos are considered the leading cause, 50% of cases remain unexplained. Antiphospholipid Syndrome is a known cause in a few cases. Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) anticardiolipin, anti-Beta-2-Glycoprotein-I and Lupus Anticoagulant (criteria aPL) are recommended studies in RPL workup. We tested healthy women with unexplained RPL for criteria aPL and anti-Phosphatidylserine/Prothrombin antibodies (aPS/PT). Patients were classified into three groups according to the number and pregnancy week of RPL: Extra-Criteria (EC), with 2 miscarriages, Early Miscarriage (EM), with ≥3 before pregnancy at week 10 and Fetal Loss (FL), with ≥1 fetal death from pregnancy at week 10. Circulating criteria aPL were absent in 98.1% of EM, 90.9% of FL and 96.6% of EC groups. In contrast, aPS/PT were positive in 15.4% of EM, 15.1% of FL, 16.6% of EC patients and 2.9% in controls. aPS/PT posed a risk for RPL, with an odds ratio of 5.96 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.85-19.13. p = 0.002) for EM, 7.28 (95% CI: 2.07-25.56. p = 0.002) for FL and 6.56. (95% CI: 1.77-24.29. p = 0.004) for EC. A successful live birth was achieved in all pregnant patients positive for aPS/PT who received treatment with heparin, aspirin and/or hydroxychloroquine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel E. Pleguezuelo
- Department of Immunology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, 28041 Madrid, Spain; (O.C.-M.); (E.A.R.-F.); (L.N.); (F.J.G.-E.); (A.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-917792756
| | - Oscar Cabrera-Marante
- Department of Immunology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, 28041 Madrid, Spain; (O.C.-M.); (E.A.R.-F.); (L.N.); (F.J.G.-E.); (A.S.)
| | - Magdalena Abad
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, 28041 Madrid, Spain; (M.A.); (A.V.); (O.V.); (L.d.l.F.-B.)
| | - Edgard Alfonso Rodriguez-Frias
- Department of Immunology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, 28041 Madrid, Spain; (O.C.-M.); (E.A.R.-F.); (L.N.); (F.J.G.-E.); (A.S.)
| | - Laura Naranjo
- Department of Immunology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, 28041 Madrid, Spain; (O.C.-M.); (E.A.R.-F.); (L.N.); (F.J.G.-E.); (A.S.)
| | - Alicia Vazquez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, 28041 Madrid, Spain; (M.A.); (A.V.); (O.V.); (L.d.l.F.-B.)
| | - Olga Villar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, 28041 Madrid, Spain; (M.A.); (A.V.); (O.V.); (L.d.l.F.-B.)
| | - Francisco Javier Gil-Etayo
- Department of Immunology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, 28041 Madrid, Spain; (O.C.-M.); (E.A.R.-F.); (L.N.); (F.J.G.-E.); (A.S.)
| | - Manuel Serrano
- Healthcare Research Institute, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, 28041 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Alfredo Perez-Rivilla
- Department of Microbiology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, 28041 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Laura de la Fuente-Bitaine
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, 28041 Madrid, Spain; (M.A.); (A.V.); (O.V.); (L.d.l.F.-B.)
| | - Antonio Serrano
- Department of Immunology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, 28041 Madrid, Spain; (O.C.-M.); (E.A.R.-F.); (L.N.); (F.J.G.-E.); (A.S.)
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