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Andreoli L, Regola F, Caproli A, Crisafulli F, Fredi M, Lazzaroni MG, Nalli C, Piantoni S, Zatti S, Franceschini F, Tincani A. Pregnancy in antiphospholipid syndrome: what should a rheumatologist know? Rheumatology (Oxford) 2024; 63:SI86-SI95. [PMID: 38320595 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
This review focuses on the management of reproductive issues in women who have antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) or are carriers of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). The importance of aPL detection during preconception counselling relies on their pathogenic potential for placental insufficiency and related obstetric complications. The risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes can be minimized by individualized risk stratification and tailored treatment aimed at preventing placental insufficiency. Combination therapy of low-dose acetylsalicylic acid and heparin is the mainstay of prophylaxis during pregnancy; immunomodulation, especially with hydroxychloroquine, should be considered in refractory cases. Supplementary ultrasound surveillance is useful to detect fetal growth restriction and correctly tailor the time of delivery. The individual aPL profile must be considered in the stratification of thrombotic risk, such as during assisted reproduction techniques requiring hormonal ovarian stimulation or during the follow-up after pregnancy in order to prevent the first vascular event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Andreoli
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit - ERN ReCONNET, ASST Spedali Civili; Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesca Regola
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit - ERN ReCONNET, ASST Spedali Civili; Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alessia Caproli
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit - ERN ReCONNET, ASST Spedali Civili; Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesca Crisafulli
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit - ERN ReCONNET, ASST Spedali Civili; Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Micaela Fredi
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit - ERN ReCONNET, ASST Spedali Civili; Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Maria-Grazia Lazzaroni
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit - ERN ReCONNET, ASST Spedali Civili; Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Cecilia Nalli
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit - ERN ReCONNET, ASST Spedali Civili; Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Silvia Piantoni
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit - ERN ReCONNET, ASST Spedali Civili; Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Sonia Zatti
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - Franco Franceschini
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit - ERN ReCONNET, ASST Spedali Civili; Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Angela Tincani
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit - ERN ReCONNET, ASST Spedali Civili; Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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Ma Y, Yu X, Ye S, Li W, Yang Q, Li YX, Wang Y, Wang YL. Immune-regulatory properties of endovascular extravillous trophoblast cells in human placenta. Placenta 2024; 145:107-116. [PMID: 38128221 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Uterine spiral artery remodeling is the prerequisite for ensuring adequate blood supply to the maternal-fetal interface during human pregnancy. One crucial cellular event in this process involves the extensive replacement of the spiral artery endothelial cells by endovascular extravillous trophoblasts (enEVTs), a subtype of extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs). However, our understanding of the properties of enEVTs remains limited. METHODS Human enEVTs in decidual tissues during early pregnancy was purified using flow sorting by specific makers, NCAM1 and HLA-G. The high-throughput RNA sequencing analysis as well as the cytokine antibody array experiments were carried out to analyze for cell properties. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment, kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment, and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were performed on differentially expressed genes of enEVTs. Immunofluorescent assays were used to verify the analysis results. RESULTS Both enEVTs and interstitial EVTs (iEVTs) exhibited gene expression patterns typifying EVT characteristics. Intriguingly, enEVTs displayed gene expression associated with immune responses, particularly reminiscent of M2 macrophage characteristics. The active secretion of multiple cytokines and chemokines by enEVTs provided partial validation for their expression pattern of immune-regulatory genes. DISCUSSION Our study reveals the immune-regulatory properties of human enEVTs and provides new insights into their functions and mechanisms involved in spiral artery remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeling Ma
- School of Medicine, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, 312000, China; State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Xin Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Shenglong Ye
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wenlong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Yang
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Reproductive Health Drug and Devices, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Xia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Yongqing Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | - Yan-Ling Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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Vrzić Petronijević S, Vilotić A, Bojić-Trbojević Ž, Kostić S, Petronijević M, Vićovac L, Jovanović Krivokuća M. Trophoblast Cell Function in the Antiphospholipid Syndrome. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2681. [PMID: 37893055 PMCID: PMC10604227 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a complex thrombo-inflammatory autoimmune disease characterized by the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). Women with APS are at high risk of recurrent early pregnancy loss as well as late obstetrical complications-premature birth due to placental insufficiency or severe preeclampsia. Accumulating evidence implies that vascular thrombosis is not the only pathogenic mechanism in obstetric APS, and that the direct negative effect of aPL on the placental cells, trophoblast, plays a major role. In this review, we summarize the current findings regarding the potential mechanisms involved in aPL-induced trophoblast dysfunction. Introduction on the APS and aPL is followed by an overview of the effects of aPL on trophoblast-survival, cell function and aPL internalization. Finally, the implication of several non-coding RNAs in pathogenesis of obstetric APS is discussed, with special emphasis of their possible role in trophoblast dysfunction and the associated mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana Vrzić Petronijević
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Medicine, University Clinical Center of Serbia Clinic for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Koste Todorovića 26, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Aleksandra Vilotić
- University of Belgrade, Institute for the Application of Nuclear Energy, Department for Biology of Reproduction, Banatska 31b, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Žanka Bojić-Trbojević
- University of Belgrade, Institute for the Application of Nuclear Energy, Department for Biology of Reproduction, Banatska 31b, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Sanja Kostić
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Medicine, University Clinical Center of Serbia Clinic for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Koste Todorovića 26, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Miloš Petronijević
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Medicine, University Clinical Center of Serbia Clinic for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Koste Todorovića 26, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ljiljana Vićovac
- University of Belgrade, Institute for the Application of Nuclear Energy, Department for Biology of Reproduction, Banatska 31b, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milica Jovanović Krivokuća
- University of Belgrade, Institute for the Application of Nuclear Energy, Department for Biology of Reproduction, Banatska 31b, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia
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Wang Y, Xiao N, Hu L, Deng M, Zong F, Zhang Z, Su D, Zhou D, Yang H, Dai E. Mechanism of pulmonary plague biphasic syndrome: inhibition or activation of NF-κB signaling pathway. Future Microbiol 2023; 18:267-286. [PMID: 36971082 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2023-0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Pneumonic plague is a fatal respiratory disease caused by Yersinia pestis. Time-course transcriptome analysis on the mechanism of pneumonic plague biphasic syndrome is lacking in the literature. Materials & methods: This study documented the disease course through bacterial load, histopathology, cytokine levels and flow cytometry. RNA-sequencing technology was used to investigate the global transcriptome profile of lung tissue in mice infected with Y. pestis. Results: Inflammation-related genes were significantly upregulated at 48 h post-infection, while genes related to cell adhesion and cytoskeletal structure were downregulated. Conclusion: NOD-like receptor and TNF signaling pathways play a plausible role in pneumonic plague biphasic syndrome and lung injury by controlling the activation and inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway.
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Motomura K, Hara M, Ito I, Morita H, Matsumoto K. Roles of human trophoblasts' pattern recognition receptors in host defense and pregnancy complications. J Reprod Immunol 2023; 156:103811. [PMID: 36669386 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2023.103811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The immune system in pregnancy is able to protect pregnant mothers and fetuses from pathogenic microorganisms even while permitting the mother to tolerate the semi-allogenic fetus. Trophoblasts, which are fetal-derived placental cells, play a central role on both sides of this duality at the maternal-fetal interface. In brief, the trophoblasts express pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and are involved in the local innate immune response in the placenta. That response eliminates pathogenic microbes but also causes tissue damage. In this review, we summarize the research findings to date regarding the roles of those human trophoblast PRRs. Multiple types of PRRs (Toll-like receptors, Nod-like receptors, and RIG-I-like receptors) are expressed in the placenta and on trophoblasts. Trophoblasts' PRRs participate in protecting the fetus against viruses, bacteria, and parasites by triggering production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the placenta. On the negative side, PRR signaling in trophoblasts can also initiate inflammation and trophoblast cell death, which can lead to placental inflammation-associated pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, anti-phospholipid antibody syndrome, and miscarriage. Further elucidation of these dual roles of trophoblasts' PRRs may shed light on the mechanisms by which fetuses are protected against congenital infections and also give us a better understanding of the etiologies of pregnancy complications, which can help us prevent/reduce adverse prenatal/neonatal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenichiro Motomura
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan; Center for Maternal-Fetal, Neonatal and Reproductive Medicine, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan.
| | - Mariko Hara
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan; Department of Otorhinolaryngology, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan
| | - Ikuyo Ito
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan; Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Yokohama City University, Kanagawa 236-0004, Japan
| | - Hideaki Morita
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan; Allergy Center, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan
| | - Kenji Matsumoto
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan.
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Root-Bernstein R. From Co-Infections to Autoimmune Disease via Hyperactivated Innate Immunity: COVID-19 Autoimmune Coagulopathies, Autoimmune Myocarditis and Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24033001. [PMID: 36769320 PMCID: PMC9917907 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24033001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Neutrophilia and the production of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are two of many measures of increased inflammation in severe COVID-19 that also accompany its autoimmune complications, including coagulopathies, myocarditis and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). This paper integrates currently disparate measures of innate hyperactivation in severe COVID-19 and its autoimmune complications, and relates these to SARS-CoV-2 activation of innate immunity. Aggregated data include activation of Toll-like receptors (TLRs), nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD) receptors, NOD leucine-rich repeat and pyrin-domain-containing receptors (NLRPs), retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) and melanoma-differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA-5). SARS-CoV-2 mainly activates the virus-associated innate receptors TLR3, TLR7, TLR8, NLRP3, RIG-1 and MDA-5. Severe COVID-19, however, is characterized by additional activation of TLR1, TLR2, TLR4, TLR5, TLR6, NOD1 and NOD2, which are primarily responsive to bacterial antigens. The innate activation patterns in autoimmune coagulopathies, myocarditis and Kawasaki disease, or MIS-C, mimic those of severe COVID-19 rather than SARS-CoV-2 alone suggesting that autoimmunity follows combined SARS-CoV-2-bacterial infections. Viral and bacterial receptors are known to synergize to produce the increased inflammation required to support autoimmune disease pathology. Additional studies demonstrate that anti-bacterial antibodies are also required to account for known autoantigen targets in COVID-19 autoimmune complications.
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DeSpenza RA, Jones DM, Chamley LW, Abrahams VM. Antiphospholipid antibody-induced trophoblast responses are differentially modulated by viral dsRNA and viral ssRNA. Am J Reprod Immunol 2021; 87:e13516. [PMID: 34904767 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Women with antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) are at increased risk for pregnancy loss and preeclampsia. aPL target the trophoblast and induce a pro-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic and anti-migratory profile. Since infection during pregnancy can increase the risk for preeclampsia, a viral infection could further increase this in women with aPL. The goal of this study was to characterize the effect of viral components on trophoblast responses to aPL. METHOD OF STUDY A human first trimester trophoblast cell line was treated with or without aPL or control IgG in the presence of media, viral dsRNA or viral ssRNA. Supernatants were measured for inflammatory IL-1β and IL-8; inflammasome-associated uric acid and caspase-1 activity; and anti-angiogenic sFlt-1. Trophoblast migration was measured using a two-chamber assay. RESULTS Viral dsRNA augmented aPL-induced trophoblast caspase-1 activity, and IL-1β and IL-8 secretion in an additive manner. Viral ssRNA inhibited aPL-induced uric acid, IL-1β and sFlt-1 secretion, and further exacerbated aPL-inhibition of trophoblast migration. CONCLUSION While viral ssRNA may have some protective effects on aPL-induced inflammation and anti-angiogenic responses, viral dsRNA exacerbated aPL-mediated inflammation and viral ssRNA further limited cell migration, which could prove detrimental to placentation. Thus, viral infections may contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with aPL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A DeSpenza
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Deidre M Jones
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Lawrence W Chamley
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Vikki M Abrahams
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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Dias ML, O'Connor KM, Dempsey EM, O'Halloran KD, McDonald FB. Targeting the Toll-like receptor pathway as a therapeutic strategy for neonatal infection. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2021; 321:R879-R902. [PMID: 34612068 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00307.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are crucial transmembrane receptors that form part of the innate immune response. They play a role in the recognition of various microorganisms and their elimination from the host. TLRs have been proposed as vital immunomodulators in the regulation of multiple neonatal stressors that extend beyond infection such as oxidative stress and pain. The immune system is immature at birth and takes some time to become fully established. As such, babies are especially vulnerable to sepsis at this early stage of life. Findings suggest a gestational age-dependent increase in TLR expression. TLRs engage with accessory and adaptor proteins to facilitate recognition of pathogens and their activation of the receptor. TLRs are generally upregulated during infection and promote the transcription and release of proinflammatory cytokines. Several studies report that TLRs are epigenetically modulated by chromatin changes and promoter methylation upon bacterial infection that have long-term influences on immune responses. TLR activation is reported to modulate cardiorespiratory responses during infection and may play a key role in driving homeostatic instability observed during sepsis. Although complex, TLR signaling and downstream pathways are potential therapeutic targets in the treatment of neonatal diseases. By reviewing the expression and function of key Toll-like receptors, we aim to provide an important framework to understand the functional role of these receptors in response to stress and infection in premature infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria L Dias
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Karen M O'Connor
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Eugene M Dempsey
- Irish Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Ken D O'Halloran
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,Irish Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Fiona B McDonald
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,Irish Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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9
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Green D. Pathophysiology of the Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome. Thromb Haemost 2021; 122:1085-1095. [PMID: 34794200 PMCID: PMC9391091 DOI: 10.1055/a-1701-2809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The antiphospholipid syndrome is characterized by antibodies directed against phospholipid-binding proteins and phospholipids attached to cell membrane receptors, mitochondria, oxidized lipoproteins, and activated complement components. When antibodies bind to these complex antigens, cells are activated and the coagulation and complement cascades are triggered, culminating in thrombotic events and pregnancy morbidity that further define the syndrome. The phospholipid-binding proteins most often involved are annexins II and V, β2-glycoprotein I, prothrombin, and cardiolipin. A distinguishing feature of the antiphospholipid syndrome is the "lupus anticoagulant". This is not a single entity but rather a family of antibodies directed against complex antigens consisting of β2-glycoprotein I and/or prothrombin bound to an anionic phospholipid. Although these antibodies prolong in vitro clotting times by competing with clotting factors for phospholipid binding sites, they are not associated with clinical bleeding. Rather, they are thrombogenic because they augment thrombin production in vivo by concentrating prothrombin on phospholipid surfaces. Other antiphospholipid antibodies decrease the clot-inhibitory properties of the endothelium and enhance platelet adherence and aggregation. Some are atherogenic because they increase lipid peroxidation by reducing paraoxonase activity, and others impair fetal nutrition by diminishing placental antithrombotic and fibrinolytic activity. This plethora of destructive autoantibodies is currently managed with immunomodulatory agents, but new approaches to treatment might include vaccines against specific autoantigens, blocking the antibodies generated by exposure to cytoplasmic DNA, and selective targeting of aberrant B-cells to reduce or eliminate autoantibody production.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Green
- Medicine/Hematology/Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, United States
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10
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Villarreal R, Manzer HS, Keestra-Gounder AM, Doran KS. Vimentin Regulates Chemokine Expression and NOD2 Activation in Brain Endothelium during Group B Streptococcal Infection. Infect Immun 2021; 89:e0034021. [PMID: 34491787 DOI: 10.1128/IAI.00340-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus agalactiae (group B Streptococcus, or GBS) is an opportunistic pathogen capable of causing invasive disease in susceptible individuals, including the newborn. Currently, GBS is the leading cause of meningitis in the neonatal period. We have recently shown that GBS interacts directly with host type III intermediate filament vimentin to gain access to the central nervous system. This results in characteristic meningeal inflammation and disease progression; however, the specific role of vimentin in the inflammatory process is unknown. Here, we investigate the contribution of vimentin to the pathogenesis of GBS meningitis. We show that a CRISPR-targeted deletion of vimentin in human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (hCMEC) reduced GBS induction of neutrophil attractants interleukin-8 (IL-8) and CXCL-1 as well as NF-κB activation. We further show that inhibition of vimentin localization also prevented similar chemokine activation by GBS. One known chemokine regulator is the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain containing protein 2 (NOD2), which is known to interact directly with vimentin. Thus, we hypothesized that NOD2 would also promote GBS chemokine induction. We show that GBS infection induced NOD2 transcription in hCMEC comparably to the muramyl dipeptide (MDP) NOD2 agonist, and the chemokine induction was reduced in the presence of a NOD2 inhibitor. Using a mouse model of GBS meningitis, we also observed increased NOD2 transcript and NOD2 activation in brain tissue of infected mice. Lastly, we show that NOD2-mediated IL-8 and CXCL1 induction required vimentin, further indicating the importance of vimentin in mediating inflammatory responses in brain endothelium.
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Gao R, Zeng R, Qing P, Meng C, Cheng K, Zhang S, Chen H, Jin X, Qin L, Li T. Antiphospholipid antibodies and pregnancy outcome of assisted reproductive treatment: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Reprod Immunol 2021; 86:e13470. [PMID: 34018271 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) are a group of autoantibodies associated with a variety of pregnancy complications, but the impact of aPL on the outcomes of assisted fertility treatment (ART) is controversial. This systematic review and meta-analysis were designed to explore the association between aPL and ART outcomes and to explore in which stages does aPL play a role. METHOD OF STUDY PubMed and Cochrane database were systematically retrieved, and odds ratios (ORs) or risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated in a random-effect model or fixed-effect model according to the heterogenicity assessed by the Cochran Q and I2 statistic test. Of 246 records identified by the search, 10 case-control studies and 13 cohort studies that explored the association between aPL and in vitro fertilization (IVF) and/or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) were analyzed. RESULTS The results showed that aPL positive rate was higher in females who failed in IVF/ICSI than those who succeeded in IVF/ICSI (OR: 3.62, 95% CI: 1.95-6.74). This study also indicated that females positive for aPL have a higher miscarriage rate (RR: 1.68, 95% CI: 1.24-2.28) than those negative for aPL, but live birth rate, biochemical pregnancy rate, and clinical pregnancy rate were similar between two groups (RR: 1.01, 95% CI: 0.91-1.12; RR: 1.18, 95% CI: 0.57-2.43 and RR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.80-1.13). CONCLUSIONS There was higher aPL prevalence in females with adverse IVF/ICSI outcomes. It seems that aPL mainly affects the miscarriage rate, but has little effect on live birth rate, biochemical pregnancy rate, and clinical pregnancy rate. Routine detection of aPL before IVF/ICSI treatment is meaningful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Gao
- The Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Rujun Zeng
- The Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Pingying Qing
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Cheng Meng
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Kemin Cheng
- Department of Outpatients, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Sirui Zhang
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hanxiao Chen
- The Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaolei Jin
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lang Qin
- The Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tao Li
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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