MedWorm.com provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest items from the 'Journal of Reproductive Immunology' source. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 06:43:00 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5646671&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037812000101%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5646671 Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5646671 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5646679&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811003317%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Adenomyosis, a condition usually associated with multiparity, is not generally seen as a cause of infertility. However, recent studies have reported a reduction in IVF implantation rates and a link with miscarriage, suggesting that adenomyosis may interfere with successful implantation. To investigate this hypothesis, the clinical records and laboratory results, which routinely include immunohistochemical examination of a late luteal phase endometrial biopsy for leukocytes, were retrospectively reviewed for 64 women with implantation failure and who previously had been screened for the presence of adenomyosis by pelvic MRI.The presence of either diffuse or “adenomyoma” type of adenomyosis was associated with a marked increase (p=0.004) in the density of macrophages and natura... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5646679 Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5646679 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5646673&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811003305%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Neurodevelopmental disorders may have their origins during intrauterine development. We used a well-defined animal model to test whether hematogenous infection with genital mycoplasma would alter the expression of genes associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). In a preliminary experiment, rats were exposed at 14 days gestation (GD14) to Mycoplasma pulmonis or sterile broth and sacrificed at GD18. Infection and inflammation status of the pups was ascertained by culture and cytokine ELISA. Intra-cardiac injection of 106CFU M. pulmonis resulted in amniotic infection of 100% of the pups and was accompanied by higher levels of IL-1β in amniotic fluids. In a second experiment, animals were infected in a similar manner but dams and their litters were sacrificed at GD18, GD21 or... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5646673 Mon, 19 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5646673 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5646674&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811003299%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Decidual cells are central to innate immunity at the maternal/fetal interface. We sought to characterize the response of decidual cells to stimulation and then removal of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) using a whole genome approach. Decidual cells were isolated from term unlabored cesarean sections. Cells were stimulated with LPS and RNA isolated both pre-stimulation and 2 and 24h post-stimulation. Media were changed and RNA extracted 48h later. Gene expression was measured using Agilent 44K whole genome microarrays. Data were visualized and interpreted using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) software and selected (n=5) target gene expression was verified with quantitative real-time PCR. Genes related to immune function were up-regulated at 2 and 24h after LPS exposure and then generall... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5646674 Wed, 14 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5646674 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5646676&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811003287%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Recurrent embryo implantation failure (RIF) is a disorder with potentially devastating physiological and psychological manifestations for those affected. Although its prevalence is not uncommon, many of the mechanisms involved still require elucidation. Both organ-specific and systemic autoimmunity are associated with an increased prevalence of recurrent miscarriage and reproductive failure, rendering the role of the maternal immunological system in fertility a key concept. It is believed by some that central to this theme is the maternal cytokine profile, with particularly T-helper (Th) cells. Immune modulating therapies have therefore been mooted as potential therapeutic strategies. Recent reports of high pregnancy rates achievable in women with RIF have added fuel to the debat... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5646676 Mon, 12 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5646676 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5646675&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811003275%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In this study, the presence of cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF) and interferon gamma (IFNG), and their receptors (TNFRI, TNFRII and IFNRI), was investigated in equine CL throughout the luteal phase. The effects of TNF and IFNG on secretory function and viability of luteal cells were defined in vitro. Cytokine ligands and receptors were present in steroidogenic and endothelial cells. Protein expression for TNF was greater in mid-phase and regressing CL, while TNFRI was increased in regressing CL and TNFRII did not change. IFNG and IFNRI showed the highest expression in regressing CL. Transcription of mRNA for TNF increased from mid-phase to regressing CL and both TNFRI and TNFRII decreased from early to regressing CL. Transcription of mRNA for IFNG was lower in CL from early phas... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5646675 Mon, 12 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5646675 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5646678&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811003263%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In this study, a total of 10 families comprising 30 persons with a history of positive hCG tests were investigated. Total hCG was measured in serum and urine samples using the Siemens Immulite hCG test. Total hCG, C-terminal peptide determinant, and hCGβ were measured in 96 well plate assays. Twenty-four of 30 family members produced only hCGβ, and hCG or hCGβ missing the β-subunit C-terminal peptide, two rarely detected hCG degradation products as the only source of hCG immunoreactivity. In every one of the 10 families, hCG related molecules were detected first in one member and then later detected in other family members. In 8 of 10 families, all members produced comparable hCG concentration (Cases 1–8). All of the 10 original family members investigated were otherwise asymptomatic... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5646678 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5646678 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5646680&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS016503781100324X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and/or neonatal low birth weight are often associated with increased intima/media thickness of the abdominal aortic wall (aIMT). Several studies in children suggested that aIMT might be related to inflammation, probably indicating an early stage of adulthood diseases, such as atherosclerosis. Our previous study performed on the abdominal aortic wall of a stillbirth presenting with IUGR and aIMT suggested an association among IUGR, aIMT, and inflammation, also highlighting the presence of fibroblastoid cells, which are thought to represent peculiar elements of the pre-atherosclerotic lesions. These observations led us to analyze two cytokines involved in the inflammation cascade, IL-1β and IL-23, in amniotic fluid samples of IUGR fetuses and... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5646680 Mon, 05 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5646680 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5646677&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811003251%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This report describes the underlying principles behind the use of the different immune-based therapies. The broad evidence supporting their efficacy is also described, as are the possible adverse consequences. Suggestions are also made on how the maternal immune system may be positively modulated using current, widely available treatments that have minimal or no side effects. (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5646677 Mon, 05 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5646677 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5646672&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811003238%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This article aims to review methodologies for enhancing adaptive immunity in the FGT to maximize the response to vaccination. Most components of the adaptive and innate mucosal immune system are present in the FGT and several features are common with the nasopharynx/bronchial and gastrointestinal tracts. In contrast to other mucosal sites, the FGT has minimal local lymphoid tissue. Other sites primarily produce IgA and IgM while in the FGT, especially the vaginocervix, IgG is the predominant immunoglobulin secreted. In rodents, data exist to substantiate a common mucosal immune system interconnecting the nasal/bronchial, gastrointestinal, and female genital tracts. The intranasal route seems the most efficacious to induce an immunity in the FGT especially when combined with a systemic or p... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5646672 Mon, 05 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5646672 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5449432&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811003159%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5449432 Sun, 27 Nov 2011 23:55:35 +0100 5449432 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5449446&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811003044%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Progesterone is indispensable in creating a suitable endometrial environment for implantation, and also for the maintenance of pregnancy. Successful pregnancy depends on an appropriate maternal immune response to the fetus. A protein called progesterone-induced blocking factor (PIBF) acts by inducing Th2-dominant cytokine production to mediate the immunological effects of progesterone. The aim of this prospective study was to compare serum concentrations of progesterone (P), estradiol (E2), anti-inflammatory (IL-10) and pro-inflammatory (IL-6, TNFα, IFNγ) cytokines, and serum PIBF concentrations in women with threatened preterm delivery who were given progesterone supplementation (study group) with those of women with threatened preterm delivery who were not given progesterone ... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5449446 Mon, 10 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5449446 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5449437&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811003056%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: PCOS, a major cause of anovulatory sterility, is associated with obesity, insulin resistance and chronic inflammation. New evidence suggests that the immune system aggravates the clinical features of PCOS. Our aim was to study the immune, metabolic and endocrine features of a mouse model of PCOS elicited by androgenisation using dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). We observed a significant weight gain and insulin resistance in DHEA-androgenised mice, coupled with the formation of ovarian follicular cysts. DHEA up-regulated the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 in the granulosa cell layer of the majority of cysts, and VCAM-1 expression in the theca cell layer of all follicles and cysts. The expression of these markers wa... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5449437 Mon, 10 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5449437 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5449440&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811003068%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In conclusion, these data suggest that certain MBL2 genotypes can be associated with tubal damage in patients with evidence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection and additionally may contribute to the pathogenesis of early pregnancy loss. (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5449440 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5449440 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5449433&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811003032%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In conclusion, these results indicate that the MR is involved in sperm cell–HIV-1 interaction. Our results also suggest that sperm cells could be an important source of infection. (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5449433 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5449433 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5449442&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811003019%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: In endometriosis, regurgitating endometrial cells fail to undergo apoptosis and implant themselves outside the uterus, particularly in the peritoneum. We studied Fas and FasL behaviour by evaluating the percentages of mFas and mFasL-bearing mononuclear cells from peritoneal fluid, the level of Fas and FasL gene expression at both mRNA and protein levels in the same cells, and the sFas and sFasL values in peritoneal fluid of 80 endometriotic women, at four stages of disease severity. We found no variation in percentage of mFas-bearing mononuclear cells; high and unchanging levels of Fas mRNA and protein, and high and invariable sFas values. Overproduction of sFas antagonises mFas function and plays a role as a decoy in the peritoneal fluid. The mFasL-bearing mononuclear cells and ... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5449442 Mon, 26 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5449442 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5449436&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811003020%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: While there is evidence that host genetics plays a role in susceptibility and subsequent sequelae of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), association findings have been inconsistent in deciphering the causal genes or biological pathways involved in the different life cycle and pathogenesis of infectious microbes. The lack of replication and validation studies from genome-wide association studies in general and specifically with infectious diseases, including STIs, is a continuing problem that limits the utility of these studies. Cohort heterogeneity, sample size, and confounding by population stratification due to differences in genetic polymorphisms in different ethnic groups are the usual explanations. However, in the context of genetic epidemiology studies of infectious dis... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5449436 Mon, 26 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5449436 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5449435&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811002981%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The mammalian fetuses are semi-allograft for mothers. Therefore the failure of immunological tolerance often causes pregnancy loss. Recently, the effects of helminthes therapy for immune mediated diseases have been reported. In the present study we employed the murine model to examine the therapeutic potential of the recombinant antigen from a nematoda parasite, Dirofilaria immitis for immune mediated pregnancy loss. Recombinant D. immitis polyproteins (rDiAg) had been cloned and selected by us for the strongest immuno-regulatory activities in parasite antigens. Female CBA/J mice were injected with sterilized rDiAg or PBS solution using micro-osmotic pumps before mating. Pregnant CBA/J mice were sacrificed on day 13.5 for scoring the number of resorbed and viable fetuses for hist... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5449435 Mon, 26 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5449435 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5449445&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811003007%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: CD4+CD25+ T cells (Treg cells) and macrophages play roles in the maintenance of maternal–fetal immunological tolerance. Treg cells suppress the function of macrophages via mechanisms mediated by cell–cell contact and production of soluble factors. The purpose of this study was to investigate regulation of macrophages by Treg cells within decidua from patients with unexplained recurrent miscarriage (RM) and normal control women during early pregnancy. Treg cells and macrophages were isolated from deciduas of unexplained RM (n=15) and control women (n=15) by magnetic cell separation and co-cultured for six days. Regulation of macrophages by Treg cells was assessed in the presence and absence of neutralizing anti-TGFβ antibodies and in transwell experiments. Expression of CD80,... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5449445 Mon, 19 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5449445 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5449439&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811002993%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Daily variation in the peripheral level of melatonin plays a major role in integrating reproduction and environmental information for seasonally breeding birds. However, the variation in immunity and reproduction has never been assessed in any avian species on a 24h time scale. Therefore, to understand the relationship between immune function and reproductive phases in a seasonally breeding bird, Perdicula asiatica, the Indian jungle bush quail, we studied the daily variation of melatonin and testosterone levels along with expression of their receptors Mel1a, Mel1b, and androgen receptor in the spleen during the reproductively active phase. Immunocytochemistry for the melatonin receptors Mel1a and Mel1b presented a differential distribution pattern. Western blot of splenic protei... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5449439 Mon, 19 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5449439 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5449443&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811002786%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In this study, we examined the effects of intrauterine administration of freshly isolated PBMC on clinical pregnancy and the implantation rates of patients who received frozen/thawed embryo transfer by prospective cohort study. Patients who had not achieved a successful pregnancy despite at least one or more IVF-ET sessions were enrolled in this study (n=253, 253 cycles). Based on the patient's treatment preferences, PBMC were freshly isolated from each patient and then administered to the intrauterine cavity of that patient. Frozen/thawed embryo transfer was performed and the success of implantation in the PBMC-treated group (n=83, 83 cycles) was compared with that in the non-treated control groups (n=170, 170 cycles). There were no significant differences in the clinical pregnancy rate (... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5449443 Mon, 05 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5449443 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5449441&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811002774%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes The objective of this study was to evaluate the levels of sIL1RAcP, together with those of sIL1R2 and IL1β, in the peritoneal fluid of women with and without endometriosis. Peritoneal fluid samples were obtained at laparoscopy and assessed by ELISA. sIL1RAcP concentrations were reduced in endometriosis stages I–II and III-IV. sIL1R2 concentrations were decreased, and those of IL1β were significantly increased in endometriosis stages I–II. sIL1RAcP and sIL1R2 concentrations were significantly decreased in the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle, and IL1β concentrations were elevated in the proliferative and the secretory phases. sIL1RAcP and sIL1R2 concentrations were reduced in women with endometriosis who were infertile, fertile, suffering from pelvic pain or pain-free. However,... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5449441 Mon, 05 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5449441 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5449438&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811002798%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Cytokines present in the reproductive system play an important role both in the modulation of immune responses to infectious challenge and in the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. Interleukin 18 (IL-18) has been regarded as an important regulator of innate and acquired immune response, but its expression and distribution in the hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian axis remain unclear. In this paper, the expression and distribution of IL-18 in non-pregnant, pregnant, and early abortive rats were examined using an ultra-sensitive immunohistochemical streptavidin–peroxidase method, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The results showed that IL-18 expression in the pituitary, in follicular ovaries, and in the corpus luteum... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5449438 Mon, 05 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5449438 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5449434&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811002804%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The endocervix in the female reproductive tract (FRT) is susceptible to sexually transmitted pathogens such as Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Endocervical epithelial cells in vivo make innate immune mediators that likely aid in the protection from these pathogens. In vitro studies to investigate the innate epithelial cell immune response to endocervical pathogens have been hindered by the paucity of human endocervix-derived epithelial cell lines that display the differentiation proteins and functional characteristics of their site of origin. We have established an immortalized epithelial cell line (A2EN) derived from an endocervical tissue explant that can be polarized to exhibit distinct apical and basolateral membrane domains. Polarized A2EN cells secrete mucu... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5449434 Mon, 05 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5449434 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5195793&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811002890%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5195793 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5195793 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5449444&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811002762%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Immunity and hormonal responses in the reproductive tissues of postmenopausal women are poorly understood. Secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI), a multifunctional antimicrobial protein expressed at mucosal surfaces, is thought to play a key role in infectious and inflammatory contexts. The aim of this study was to measure SLPI production along the female reproductive tract in postmenopausal women with and without hormonal treatment. We additionally quantified estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and progesterone receptor A (PRA) in these tissues. Expression of SLPI was decreased in the vagina and ectocervix of women under hormonal treatment. Endocervical ERα mRNA expression was increased while this did not reach significance at the protein level. SLPI expression in the endome... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5449444 Mon, 22 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5449444 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5195797&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811002713%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes The objective of this work was to identify a human use-permissible adjuvant to enhance significantly the antibody response to a recombinant anti-hCG vaccine. Previous Phase II efficacy trials in sexually active women have demonstrated the prevention of pregnancy at hCG bioneutralization titers of 50ng/ml or more. Mycobacterium indicus pranii (MIP), a non-pathogenic Mycobacterium employed as an autoclaved suspension in aqueous buffer, significantly increased antibody titers in the FVB strain of mice. Three other genetic strains of mice: SJL, C3H, and C57Bl/6 responded with antibody titers several-fold higher than 50ng/ml, which is the protective threshold in women, although there were differences in the peak titers attained. In addition, the duration of the antibody response was lengthened.... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5195797 Mon, 15 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5195797 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5195805&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811002701%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes The objective of this study was to determine if peripheral NK percentage and activity are altered in women with reproductive failure after artificial insemination by donor (AID), and which parameters can best discriminate women with AID failure and normal controls. A case–control study of 20 fertile controls, 25 patients undergoing more than four treatment cycles without success (Group I), 25 experiencing biochemical pregnancy loss (Group II), and 25 undergoing embryo growth arrest or miscarriage (Group III) was performed. The peripheral NK percentage and cytotoxicity was evaluated by flow cytometry. Our results showed that a significantly increased percentage of NK cell cytotoxicity (NKCC) was detected in all study groups compared with the controls. The percentage of CD56+ NK cells was ... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5195805 Sun, 07 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5195805 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5195803&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811002683%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Mouse models have demonstrated a strong link between complement activation and pregnancy loss. The purpose of this study was to assess if mutations or polymorphisms in the complement regulatory gene membrane cofactor protein (MCP) are associated with recurrent miscarriage (RM) or sporadic fetal loss (FL). This was a case–control study comprising two different populations of cases and controls: subjects with recurrent miscarriage (RM) and controls and maternal–fetal pairs with early fetal loss (at 10–20 weeks’ gestation) and controls. In the RM cases and controls, we studied maternal DNA extracted from either whole blood or saliva samples. In the FL cases and controls, fetal DNA was obtained from evacuated products of conception (cases) or cord blood (controls). Exons from... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5195803 Sun, 07 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5195803 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5195799&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811002749%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: It has been suggested that obesity and loss of ovarian function alter the inflammatory response to immune stress. Ovariectomized (OVX) rats, which are used as a model of human menopause, exhibit both hyperphagia-induced obesity and gonadal steroid deficiency. To evaluate the effects of ovariectomy on inflammatory responses, we compared the anorectic response to LPS in OVX rats and gonad intact female rats. As leptin and hypothalamic interleukin-1β (IL1β) play pivotal roles in the anorectic response to immune stress, these factors were also measured. It was found that the OVX rats exhibited an increased anorectic response to LPS compared with the sham-operated rats. The OVX rats showed higher serum leptin concentrations and a greater increase in hypothalamic IL1β mRNA expressio... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5195799 Sun, 07 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5195799 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5195796&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811002737%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Progesterone has been demonstrated to be involved in maintaining pregnancy by regulating immunocytes. Dendritic cells (DCs), the most potent triggers of the adaptive immune response, express receptors for steroid hormones and are regarded as one of the primary targets of progesterone. However, the functional modification of DCs by progesterone remains poorly understood. Here, we report that progesterone does not affect the morphology or apoptosis of murine bone marrow-derived DCs. Progesterone-treated DCs were characterized by decreased expression of Ia (MHC class II), CD80 and CD86, increased production of IL-10, and decreased secretion of IL-12. Compared with mature DCs (mDCs), activated progesterone-treated DCs had a reduced capacity to stimulate CD4+ T cell proliferation. The... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5195796 Sun, 07 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5195796 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5195795&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811002725%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Chlamydia trachomatis is a major cause of sexually transmitted diseases worldwide. There is currently no vaccine to protect against chlamydial infection of the female reproductive tract. Vaccine development has predominantly utilised the murine model; however, infection of female guinea pigs with Chlamydia caviae more closely resembles chlamydial infection of the human female reproductive tract, and presents a better model to assess potential human chlamydial vaccines. We immunised female guinea pigs intranasally with recombinant major outer membrane protein (r-MOMP) combined with CpG-10109 and cholera toxin adjuvants. Both systemic and mucosal immune responses were elicited in immunised animals, with MOMP-specific IgG and IgA present in the vaginal mucosae, and high levels of MO... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5195795 Sun, 07 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5195795 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5195794&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811002750%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) have been shown to be important in physiological and pathophysiological processes in humans. Several HERVs have been found to be expressed in the placenta—a tissue with special immunomodulatory functions that is responsible for nutrition of the embryo and the ability of the semiallogenic trophoblast to invade. The envelope proteins of HERV-W (also known as syncytin 1) and HERV-FRD (syncytin 2) were shown to be involved in cell fusion leading to the generation of the syncytiotrophoblast. Syncytin 2 was further shown to have immunosuppressive properties. Herein we analyse the expression of another HERV, HERV-K, which is characterised by open reading frames for all viral genes. Using immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis, expression o... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5195794 Sun, 07 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5195794 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5195802&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811002695%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Endometriosis is a common gynaecological disorder characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. This disease is associated with pelvic inflammation and displays some features of autoimmune disorder. Human neutrophil peptides 1, 2, and 3 (HNP 1–3) belonging to α-defensin family play a crucial role in innate immunity against infections and may exert immunoregulatory effects. They may play a role in various inflammatory reactions; however, their role in endometriosis has not been studied. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate HNP 1–3 in the peritoneal fluid of 67 patients with endometriosis and 16 healthy control women in relation to peritoneal leukocyte subpopulations (neutrophils, T cells, and macrophages) and inflammatory c... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5195802 Wed, 03 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5195802 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029812&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811002488%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029812 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:34 +0100 5029812 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029811&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811002269%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: HTR8/SVneo cells are non-cancerogenic cells derived from human extavillous trophoblast (EVT) that were transfected with a plasmid containing a large T-antibody (TAG) from “simian virus 40(SV40)”. HTR8/SVneo share many characteristics with EVT (invasion, morphology), but are proliferative and immortal. HTR8/SVneo model EVT functionally, but are still genetically anonymous. Our aim was to characterize the HTR8/SVneo cytogenetically in order to better understand functional alterations, but also to distinguish these cells from others. Furthermore, we wished to characterise the expression of stem cell markers like Notch1, Sox2, Oct4, Nanog, Cdx2 as well as STAT3 is in this cell line. LIF stimulation of embryonic stem cells maintains their stem cell phenotype. (Source: Journal ... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029811 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:33 +0100 5029811 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029810&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS016503781100221X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: Cell–cell fusion is the main biological event driving the formation of syncytia, such as skeletal muscle, osteoclasts and the syncytiotrophoblast (STB). The fusion capacities of trophoblast cells will help to understand the development of so called cancer stem cells. Several theories discuss cell–cell fusion between cells of different origins. Our aim for this study was to show a fusion between two different cell lines, therefore we use HUVEC cells as a model for maternal cells and HTR8/SVneo as trophoblast cells. (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029810 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:33 +0100 5029810 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029809&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811002208%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: Cell–cell fusion is the main biological event driving the formation of syncytia, such as skeletal muscle, osteoclasts and the syncytiotrophoblast (STB). ADAM12 a disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain 12; meltrin plays a role in this regulation. Dysferlin, a transmembrane protein, is associated with the development of certain muscular dystrophies due to its involvement in the repair of damaged skeletal muscle cell membranes. Dysferlin is also concentrated in STB and in cytotrophoblast (CTB) undergoing spontaneous fusion. Our aim was to investigate the expression profile of these two proteins in placental samples of problem pregnancies associated with altered trophoblast invasion and fusion: choriocarcinoma and molar pregnancy. (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029809 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:33 +0100 5029809 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029808&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811002130%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Background: Preeclampsia (PE) is a serious pregnancy disorder accompanied by endothelial dysfunction as distinguished by vasoconstriction and platelet activation. When PE exacerbates, the Hemolysis Elevated Liver enzymes Low Platelet (HELLP) Syndrome is often the result. The release of placental microparticles (pMPs) into the maternal circulation is a characteristic of severe forms of PE. Much research has been dedicated to the effects of MPs on vessels; however, their thrombogenic potential is not well characterized. The aim of this study was to investigate the pro-coagulant activity of pMPs. (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029808 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:33 +0100 5029808 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029807&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811002129%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: The success or failure of a pregnancy depends on formation of the placenta. A comprehensive analysis of placental tissues can be expected to contribute to the elucidation of the complex molecular mechanisms of pregnancy and related complications. The aim of present thesis was to identify and compare placental proteome map of first and third trimester normal human pregnancy. (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029807 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:33 +0100 5029807 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029806&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811002117%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Background: The descriptive term pregnancy of unknown location (PUL) is used to classify an early pregnancy not visible, or not yet visible, by transvaginal sonography (TVS). Several strategies have been developed for women with a PUL. These diagnostic strategies include clinical examination, TVS and (repeated) serum human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) to ensure careful follow-up of women, because not only the location but also the viability of the pregnancy is of importance to both doctor and patient. To date, there is no consensus which diagnostic strategy should be followed to gain the best performance and moreover to rule out an ectopic pregnancy (EP) with all its drawbacks. (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029806 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:33 +0100 5029806 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029805&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811002105%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes We present data of G-CSF (CSF3) administration to RIF patients undergoing ART with special regard to KIR profiling within the study population. (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029805 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:33 +0100 5029805 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029804&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811002099%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: The management of the patients with repeated unsuccessful ART cycles is a corner stone of modern reproductive medicine. In cases when immunological nature of implantation failure is supposed we use intrauterine administration of autologous PBMCs, cultivated with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), before embryo transfer, as well as IVIG infusion. Our results show that the efficiency of these treatment options may essentially vary in different groups of patients depending on Тh1/Тh2 ratio in peripheral blood and also on some genes expression level in PBMCs patients (Sudoma et al., 2010). (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029804 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:32 +0100 5029804 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029803&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811002087%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: Today it is generally recommended to perform medical treatment with prostaglandin derivates rather than surgical treatment (curettage) after missed abortion (MA). However, at a tertiary recurrent miscarriage clinic the impression is that the patients with recurrent miscarriage who experience surgical treatment rarely choose medical treatment for the next treatment. The aim of this study is to compare the experience of women with the diagnosis recurrent miscarriage regarding medical and surgical treatment for MAs, respectively. (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029803 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:32 +0100 5029803 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029802&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811002075%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Objectives: To compare and assess the acceptability of medical management of missed miscarriage at home and in hospital. Materials and methods: Design: prospective, comparative, study. Setting: early pregnancy assessment unit in Cardiff, United Kingdom. Subjects: Women with a miscarriage choosing medical management. (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029802 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:32 +0100 5029802 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029801&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811002063%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: It has been suggested that increased numbers of CD57+ cells in human endometrium may alter the balance of Th1 cytokines to Th2 cytokines and may attack the trophoblast. Despite increasing knowledge about the cell populations that exist in the decidualized endometrium and peripheral blood in normal early human pregnancy, little is known about the endometrium CD57+ cells in women suffering repeated implantation failure after IVF-ET. (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029801 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:31 +0100 5029801 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029800&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811002051%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: Previous studies from our laboratory have shown some prognostic changes in immune parameters observed in the first trimester of complicated IVF pregnancy. Our research question is whether the changes are related to pregnancy or inherent to the individual female irrespective of pregnancy. Individual immune variability before and during pregnancy is one of the possible way to understand immune mechanisms of human pregnancy. (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029800 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:31 +0100 5029800 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029799&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS016503781100204X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: The differences in male (M) and female (F) fetus and newborn growth are well known and are thought to be connected to the distinction of androgen and other sex-related products level. At the same time, the variations in M and F embryos development at preimplantation and implantation stages have been shown. M and F embryos have different metabolism. On the other hand, it was found that M fetuses are more likely to survive than F in allo-immune recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) due to allo-immune reproductive wastage of chromosomally normal F concepti in early human pregnancy, and that allo-immune RSA makes up the highest proportion of unexplained RSA. So, it can be supposed that immunological mechanisms of fetus sex recognition exist. (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immuno... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029799 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:31 +0100 5029799 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029797&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811002038%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Background: Granulosa cells compose a layer between theca cells and the oocyte within the ovarian follicle. They support the development of follicles through “bi-directional communication” between oocyte/granulosa cells and granulosa/theca cells. This communication is moderated by regulatory proteins, mostly members of the TGF-ß and the IGF family. Understanding these complex communicatory signals may serve for a better understanding of folliculargenesis. Furthermore, these molecules might serve as developmental markers for assessing ovarian follicles or oocyte “quality”. (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029797 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:28 +0100 5029797 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029796&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811002026%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: Cryptorchidism is a frequent syndrome occurring in 1–2% of males within the first year of age. Autoimmune reactions, particularly directed to testicular elements and/or spermatozoa have been found to be often associated with cryptorchidism. Therefore we investigated in this study the frequency of HLA class II alleles in order to recognize possible genetic predisposition for antisperm antibodies development in prepubertal boys with diagnosed cryptorchidism in a Caucasian population. (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029796 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:28 +0100 5029796 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029795&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811002014%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: Immunological background is one of several factors responsible for human infertility. It has been suggested that an immune disturbance may underlie 2–30% of all reproductive failures. In body fluids of infertile couples antisperm antibodies (ASA) can be present. These antibodies react with sperm antigens and thus prevent different stages of the fertilization process. On the other hand antisperm antibodies are also sometimes present in fertile couples, suggesting that not all antibodies directed against spermatozoa lead to reproductive failure. (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029795 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:28 +0100 5029795 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029794&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811002002%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: Antisperm antibodies may influence fertility in males and females. The presence of antisperm antibodies in male individuals before puberty is controversial due to the lack of finally differentiated sperm cells. In prepubertal boys the blood-testis barrier is not developed and immunosuppressive mechanisms towards male germ cells are not very efficient. Our research question was whether the pathologic conditions within the male gonads may influence antisperm antibody formation in male individuals before puberty. (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029794 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:28 +0100 5029794 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029793&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001999%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: Heat shock proteins (HSP) were originally described as molecular chaperones induced by temperature shock as well as various other kind of stress which provoke a cell to undergo apoptosis. The mechanisms of cellular damage caused by heat are intensively studied. One of the main modulators of apoptosis, Hsp70, interacts with key components of survival and apoptotic pathways. It is known that Hsp70 and Hsp27 prevent cytochrome c release from mitochondria. Apoptosome formation is blocked by Hsp27 binding to cytochrome c and by Hsp90 and Hsp70 binding to Apaf-1. Hsp70 also prevent apoptosis downstream of caspase-3 activation by an unknown mechanism. Hsp70 prevents release of AIF from mitochondria and also prevents the nuclear import of released AIF. Although a number of HSPs and a... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029793 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:28 +0100 5029793 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029792&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001987%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: Bacterial invasion into the male reproductive tract results in an inflammatory response and is usually accompanied by oxidative stress with detrimental consequences for sperm biological function. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of bacteria-induced semen infection on membrane integrity and mitochondrial activity in experimental conditions. (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029792 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:28 +0100 5029792 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029791&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001975%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: The expression of the non classical major histocompatibility complex (NC MHC-I) antigens at the trophoblast cell surface during the early stages of bovine development may play a central role in maternal tolerance to the foetus. The aim of the current study was to characterize NC MHC-I expression by the bovine conceptus during the implantation period. (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029791 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:28 +0100 5029791 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029790&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001963%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: The Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) class Ib molecules, HLA-E, -F, and -G, are expressed at the materno–fetal interface and they may be involved in successful acceptance of the semi-allogenic fetus during pregnancy. HLA-G displays low polymorphism and decreased tissue expression compared to the classical HLA molecules. The protein is expressed in a membrane-anchored as well as a soluble isoform. Several studies point towards that HLA-G has an important immunoregulatory function during fertilization, implantation and early pregnancy. A polymorphism in the 3′-untranslated region (3′UTR) of the HLA-G gene consisting of a 14bp insertion/deletion sequence has been suggested to influence pregnancy success. Several studies have examined the distribution of this polymorphism amon... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029790 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:27 +0100 5029790 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029789&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001951%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: The interactions between receptors of the KIR family and specific HLA-C molecules expressed on trophoblast appear to be involved in the function of an NK cell mediated allorecognition system in pregnancy. So far reports have suggested that, in subfertile couples, weak maternal inhibitory KIR/trophoblast HLA-C interactions predispose to implantation failure and/or fetal loss. In the present study, the possibility that specific maternal activating KIR/trophoblast HLA-C pairs are associated with implantation failure after IVF/ET was investigated. (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029789 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:27 +0100 5029789 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029788&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS016503781100194X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: Pregnancy depends on a highly developed system of feto–maternal immunotolerance. Fas and Fas ligand (FasL) are cell-surface proteins and expressed by the trophoblast facilitating maternal immune response to fetal antigens via T-cell activation. (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029788 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:27 +0100 5029788 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029787&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001938%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In this study we investigated couples with recurrent miscarriage for thrombophilia and other bleeding disorders. (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029787 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:27 +0100 5029787 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029786&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001926%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: Exposure to a strong T-helper 2 (Th2)-like environment during fetal development may have an impact on the shaping of immune responses in the offspring. We have previously observed positive correlations between maternal IgE levels during pregnancy and cord blood (CB) IgE and CCL22 levels. Increased CB IgE and CCL22 levels were associated with development of allergy in the offspring. The aim of this study was to characterize the influence of the maternal immunity on the shaping of immune responses in the offspring by measuring circulating Th1- and Th2-associated chemokines in allergic and non-allergic mothers during and after pregnancy and their children during childhood. (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029786 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:27 +0100 5029786 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029785&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001914%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: The aim of the study was to examine the association between cervical insufficiency (CI) and polymorphisms in cytokine genes, mannose- binding lectin 2 (MBL-2) gene, and genes related to the connective tissue metabolism. (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029785 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:27 +0100 5029785 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029784&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001902%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: Endometrial natural killer cells (NK) seem to be involved in the receptivity and vascularization of the endometrium during embryo implantation. Adequate levels of total NK cells as well as a balance in the expression of endometrial cytokines are necessary to prevent implantation failure. In this sense, we demonstrate that IL-6 regulates trophoblast invasion implicated in embryo implantation. On the other hand, we have demonstrated that ovarian stimulation affects NK cell counts and cytokine expression. The goal of this work was to investigate NK cell counts and IL6 levels as potential endometrial biomarkers of human fertility in natural and hormonally stimulated cycles. (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029784 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:27 +0100 5029784 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029783&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001896%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: Different strategies for implantation in mammals require specific endometrial remodeling as well as specific distribution and quantity of the immune cell populations. The involvement of the endometrial innate immune system cells in implantation and establishment of the epitheliochorial pig placenta, characterized by completely non-invasive trophoblast and lack of decidua development is not fully clear. Here we aimed to follow up the dynamics of endometrium-based eozinophilic leucocytes, monocytes/macrophages, classical (CD16+) NK cells and uNK (CD56+) cells during the phases of implantation and early pregnancy. (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029783 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:27 +0100 5029783 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029782&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001884%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: Especially first trimester extravillous cytotrophoblast (EVT) invasion plays an important role for placental growth and the success of pregnancy. Several cytokines and growth factors influence trophoblast behavior, of which epidermal growth factor (EGF) is prominent due to its ability to positively or negatively influence a variety of fundamental EVT properties like proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, motility, secretion and invasion/ migration. The role of this growth factor in fetal growth regulation and its relation with the JAK/STAT pathway are still only partially understood. STAT5 is an intracellular protein downstream of tyrosine-kinase receptors, which stimulates proliferation and cell cycle progression. The aim of this study was to analyze EGF propensity to ac... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029782 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:27 +0100 5029782 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029781&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001872%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: TNFα is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that in animal models and also in smaller human studies seems to be associated with an increased risk of pregnancy loss. However, previous studies have not correlated TNFα levels to the patients’ clinical history. In theory high TNFα plasma levels measured in connection with miscarriage could be a result of the failed pregnancy e.g. an inflammatory reaction caused by retained necrotic fetal tissue. (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029781 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:27 +0100 5029781 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029780&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001860%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: Migration and trophoblast invasion are controlled functionally along with the active participation of cytokines and growth factors. Two important intracellular signaling pathways are the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK–STAT) and extracellular regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2). These pathways have been associated with the regulation of gene expression, cellular proliferation, differentiation, angiogenesis, embryo development and invasion in tumor and trophoblast cells. The aim of our study is to characterize and analyze the regulation and crosstalks of STAT1 and ERK1/2 in trophoblast cells and the identification of activating cytokines. (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029780 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:26 +0100 5029780 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029779&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001859%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: To study the immunological aspects of infertile women who resort to IVF-ET. Methods: In a retrospective randomized double-blind comparison study, 34 infertile women with normal ovarian reserve were selected, and all received a controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) protocol using the conventional GnRHa long protocol. The immunological aspects were evaluated at three time points: the beginning day of GnRHa administration, the beginning day of COH, and the day of HCG administration following the COH. After the IVF-ET, the infertile women were assigned to two groups according to the clinical pregnancy result: a pregnant group (14 women) and a non-pregnant group (19 women). One woman was excluded because of ectopic pregnancy. The parameters measured were as follows: percentag... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029779 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:26 +0100 5029779 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029778&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001847%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: Cytotrophoblast cells invade the decidua, manly towards the myometrium and maternal blood vessels. The responsible (chemo-) attractants are not completely identified. (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029778 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:26 +0100 5029778 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029777&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001835%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: Well balanced functions and differentiation of trophoblast cells are essential for inception and maintenance of successful pregnancy. Trophoblast cells perform invasion similar to tumors, but in a well regulated physiological manner and dysregulation may lead to severe pathologies. Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) induces trophoblast invasiveness via signal transducers and activators of transcription 3(STAT3), but activation mechanisms seem to differ in different cell lines and are not yet completely investigated. Therefore, the aim of our study is to analyze and compare the role of extracellular regulated kinase (ERK)/STAT in trophoblast and choriocarcinoma cells with different invasive capacities. (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029777 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:26 +0100 5029777 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029776&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001823%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: A substantial number of observations support the concept of a role of the immune system in the aetiology of infertility and in successful as well as unsuccessful implantation. Previous investigations of Th1/Th2 immune responses during normal pregnancy suggest a redirection towards a Th2-type immune response, in particular during the third trimester. The aim of this study was to compare the numbers of spontaneously and paternal antigen-induced cytokine-secreting peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) and to examine the predictive value of the cytokine secretion in the outcome of IVF treatment. (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029776 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:26 +0100 5029776 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029775&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001811%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: Uterine receptivity is diminished during controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) cycles, where supra physiological levels of estradiol (E2) are deleterious to embryonic implantation. On the other hand, we previously demonstrated that elevated counts of cytotoxic endometrial natural killer cells (uNK) as well as inadequate expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) are associated with ovarian stimulation and implantation failure. Moreover, the activation of NK cell in peripheral blood is related to the dimerization of gp130 membrane receptor on target cells. The aim of this study was to compare the impact of two different COS protocols using recombinant Follicle Stimulating Hormone (rFSH) or human Menopausal Gonadotropin (hMG) on endometrial NK cell counts and cytokine expression in fert... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029775 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:26 +0100 5029775 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029774&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS016503781100180X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: IL-35 is an immunomodulatory cytokine that has been linked to murine but not human regulatory T (Treg) cells. In humans the IL-35 subunits EBV-induced gene 3 (EBI3) and p35 (the alpha chain of the IL12 receptor) were reported to co-precipitate in trophoblast cells. However, the role of IL-35 in pregnancy has not been established. Macrophages represent one of the major leukocyte subsets in the decidua where they cooperate with trophoblast cells. We here investigate whether trophoblast cells are able to polarize blood monocytes in vitro to a phenotype resembling decidua macrophages. Further, we test if such an effect could be mediated by IL-35. (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029774 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:26 +0100 5029774 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029773&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001793%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes We describe the distribution of IDO1 in vascular endothelium of human first-trimester and term placenta. (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029773 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:25 +0100 5029773 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029771&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS016503781100177X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: One of the first proteins synthesized by the conceptus is human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Besides its luteotropic function hCG regulates implantation and immunomodulation at maternal-fetal interface. A low level of hCG is related to miscarriage. The specific function of hCG is determined by the beta-subunit of the hormone coded by four genes: CGB, CGB5, CGB7, CGB8 that share a common gene cluster with highly homologous LHB and two beta-subunit non-coding CGB genes. Our previous study revealed several polymorphisms in CGB5 and CGB8—two genes with highest contribution in hCG production, that either increased or decreased teh risk for recurrent miscarriage (RM) (). The aim of the current study was to conduct a replication study in Danish and extended Estonian sample set wi... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029771 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:25 +0100 5029771 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029770&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001768%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: Pregnancy is associated with immunological tolerance favoring survival of the conceptus. A cascade of cytokines intervenes in this dialogue which is a crucial step at the crossroad between immunology and endocrinology. The first known human embryo specific signal is chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) which is produced by the embryo before implantation. Data from the literature shows that through hCG, the embryo profoundly intervenes in its own implantation and favors immunological tolerance and active angiogenesis that are crucial for successful implantation (). HCG is the major pregnancy glycoprotein hormone whose maternal concentration and glycan structure change all along pregnancy. It is mainly secreted by the syncytiotrophoblast covering the chorionic villi, and the source of ... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029770 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:25 +0100 5029770 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029769&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001756%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: Human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) has been used to prevent subsequent miscarriages in women with recurrent miscarriages, originally due to its effect on the luteal hormones, and more recently the direct uterine effects including: differentiation of endometrial stromal cells to deciduas, regulation of myometrial gap junctions and prevention of T-cell activation at the maternal-fetal interface, and cytokine expression. The purpose of this study is to assess whether hCG increases the live birth rate in women with threatened miscarriage. (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029769 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:25 +0100 5029769 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029768&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001744%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: Both by its endocrine- and immunological effects, progesterone is indispensable in creating a suitable endometrial environment for implantation. Progesterone plays a role in uterine homing of NK cells and indirectly regulates decidual NK function. A progesterone induced protein-PIBF activates a number of genes, which not only affect the immune response, but might also play a role in trophoblast invasiveness. This paper will review the effects of progesterone in early pregnancy, with special emphasis on its involvement in regulating trophoblast invasion. (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029768 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:24 +0100 5029768 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029767&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001732%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Good clinical practice starts with a clear definition of the clinical problem. Currently, no consensus exists on the definition of recurrent miscarriage. Several national and international guidelines have been published on this topic, but their definitions vary with regard to the number of preceding miscarriages as well as the sequence of previous pregnancies (). As a result of this discrepancy, it is unclear in daily clinical practice which couples should be diagnosed with recurrent miscarriage and when to start the diagnostic work-up. Other unsolved issues surrounding the definition of recurrent miscarriage are the role of biochemical pregnancies, and consensus about the upper gestational age of a miscarriage. A recent opinion is that good clinical practice in recurrent miscarriage moves... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029767 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:24 +0100 5029767 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029766&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001720%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: Despite recent advances concerning pronuclear morphology pattern, sperm characterization and embryo scoring, the implantation process remains altered in a subgroup of infertile couples. The maternal immune system with key players in the endometrium can influence the fate of the developing embryo. Therefore, immune modulating treatment options seem to be promising tools especially in patients with recurrent implantation failure (RIF) or recurrent miscarriages (RM). Although natural killer cell (NK) profiles as well as interleukin concentrations differ between RIF patients and controls, data are missing for helping to identify patients which may benefit from immune modulating therapy. Within our retrospective study, we summarize 5 years experience with G-CSF (CSF3) application ... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029766 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:24 +0100 5029766 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029765&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001719%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: We have investigated the role of G-CSF (CSF3) in the trophoblast and in early pregnancy by a series of clinical and experimental studies, testing its effectiveness in the treatment of recurrent miscarriage (RM) women and in women with recurrent implantation failure. (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029765 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:24 +0100 5029765 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029764&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001707%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes The objective of this lecture is to present the highest level of evidence for these three devastating reproductive problems. (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029764 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:23 +0100 5029764 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029763&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001690%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: Supportive care is regularly offered to women with recurrent miscarriages (RM), reporting live birth rates up to 85%. What these women prefer as supportive care in their next pregnancy has recently been identified by qualitative research. The aim of this study was to quantify these supportive care options and identify women's characteristics that predict the need for supportive care in women with RM. (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029763 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:23 +0100 5029763 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029762&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001689%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: Physical exercise is widespread among women in the fertile age, and many women seek medical advice on whether or not they can continue to exercise during their pregnancy1. Guidelines in countries like the USA, Great Britain and Denmark now recommend physical activity during pregnancy at a level almost similar to that of the non-pregnant population. These recommendations are based on health benefits of physical activity for the mother, including prevention of obesity and gestational diabetes, but it remains less clear whether any health benefits apply to the fetus (). Physical activity might also be associated with potential risks, and suspected pathways to mediate a potential effect of maternal exercise on fetal health include: (1) reduction of placental blood flow due to red... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029762 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:22 +0100 5029762 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029761&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001677%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: The experience of stress by a pregnant mother has profound and long term detrimental consequences on both her health and that of her offspring, including on the maintenance of gestation itself. However, while intrauterine mechanisms underlying adverse effects on the developing embryo/fetus are becoming clearer, the maternal neuroendocrine responses that mediate stress perception and signal to the periphery are often not known or reported. Many neuroendocrine hormones respond to stress and affect the feto-maternal interface, including the delicate pregnancy-protective cytokine balance and, vice versa, cytokines act on the brain and pituitary to disrupt neuroendocrine secretion; for example, mimicking infection with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a well-known physical stressor. Ge... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029761 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:22 +0100 5029761 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029760&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001665%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: Biochemical pregnancies (BP) or pregnancies of unknown location are pregnancies identified by a positive urine/serum hCG that terminate before a gestational sac can be detected by ultrasound. BPs can in theory be very early miscarriages or spontaneously resorbed ectopic pregnancies. BPs constitute a significant proportion of the pregnancy losses of women referred with a diagnosis of recurrent miscarriage (RM) but it is unclear to what extent they should be included in the diagnostic criteria of RM and whether they have prognostic impact. We wanted to assess the proportion of BPs of all pregnancy losses in the history of a large cohort of patients with unexplained RM and evaluate their impact on subsequent pregnancy outcome. (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029760 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:22 +0100 5029760 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029759&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001653%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: Previous research has focused on miscarriage risk in the next pregnancy as a prognostic marker in women with recurrent miscarriage (RM) but the range of reported risk estimates is wide. We found no long-term follow-up studies on live birth outcome in patients with RM. We propose that live birth rate per time unit is a more reproducible outcome and more relevant from the patients’ perspective than future miscarriage rate per pregnancy. The aim of our study was thus to estimate the proportion of women with a subsequent live birth after a well defined time period in an open cohort of women referred to a tertiary RM clinic and followed for 2–24 years. (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029759 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:21 +0100 5029759 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029757&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001641%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: Metabolic and hormonal changes associated with pregnancy may contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Studies that have examined pregnancy loss and subsequent risk of CVD have shown inconsistent results. Although miscarriage is the most common complication of pregnancy, occurring in 15–20% of ongoing pregnancies, long-term effects of miscarriage on maternal health have received only modest attention. Given the importance of placental function for the risk of miscarriage, it may be speculated that women with a tendency for repeated miscarriages may also be at higher risk of vascular disease later in life. To further elucidate the association between pregnancy loss (miscarriage, abortion and stillbirth) and higher risk of cardiovascular health in women, ... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029757 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:21 +0100 5029757 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029756&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS016503781100163X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes A.M. Nybo Andersen Department Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029756 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:20 +0100 5029756 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029755&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001628%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Trophoblast cells start invasion into the decidua shortly after implantation, which approaches to the maximum during the first trimester of gestation period. Proliferation and invasion of trophoblast cells is spatially and temporally regulated by several growth factors, hormones and cytokines present at the site of implantation. We have made a comprehensive analysis of the regulation of invasion and proliferation of trophoblastic JEG-3 and HTR-8/SVneo cells under the influence of IL-6 group (IL-11, LIF and IL-6) of cytokines. IL-11 increases the invasiveness of JEG-3 choriocarcinoma cells through activation of STAT3 signaling pathway with a concomitant upregulation of the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), MMP23B and mucin 1 (MUC1). Silencing the signal transduction and activ... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029755 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:20 +0100 5029755 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029754&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001616%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes The antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) is characterized by recurrent arterial and venous thrombosis and/or pregnancy complications (miscarriage and fetal death, preeclampsia, placental insufficiency, and fetal growth restriction) in association with antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies. APL antibodies are present in 25–45% of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The pathogenic mechanisms in APS that lead to in vivo injury are incompletely understood. Recent experimental observations suggest that altered regulation of complement, an ancient component of the innate immune system, can cause and may perpetuate complications of pregnancy. Evidence from mouse models will be presented showing that aPL antibodies mediate pregnancy complications through activation of the complemen... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029754 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:20 +0100 5029754 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029753&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001604%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Mannan (or mannose)-binding lectin (MBL) and the three ficolins, H-ficolin, L-ficolin and M-ficolin are now recognized as the first components in the lectin pathway of complement activation. These macro-molecules circulate in complexes with serine proenzymes, the MASPs. When the complexes bind to suitable patterns on microorganisms or altered-self, the complement cascade is initiated, providing for the elimination of the infectious agent or the damaged or otherwise altered-self cells. Concomitantly a number of inflammatory mediators are generated. Results indicate that these molecules are involved in processing apoptotic cells. While MBL is a classical C-type lectin, reacting with various terminal hexoses, the ficolins are not lectins, but react with acetyl groups variously presented. Many... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029753 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:18 +0100 5029753 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029752&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001598%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: MicroRNAs are small single-stranded RNA molecules playing an important role in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. We analyzed miRNA expression in four trophoblastic cell lines (JEG-3, ACH-3P, AC1-M59, HTR8/SV neo) before and after LIF challenge. (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029752 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:18 +0100 5029752 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029751&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001586%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: The fetus represents a foreign entity to the maternal immune system. This ‘natural’ allograft is not normally rejected. About 1% of couples will be confronted with recurrent miscarriage, which is often defined as 3 consecutive early miscarriages ( (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029751 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:18 +0100 5029751 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029750&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001574%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: We have recently observed (Svensson et al., data to be published) that M-CSF and IL-10, among several factors tested, are able to induce macrophages (MΦ) with phenotypic characteristics of decidual MΦ with expression of typical M2, or immune regulatory, cell surface markers (scavenger receptor, mannose receptor, DC-SIGN). The aim of this study was to investigate in a comprehensive manner whether this finding could be shown by an extended mapping of secreted molecules and also at the gene expression level. (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029750 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:18 +0100 5029750 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029749&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001562%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: Lymphocyte immunotherapy is an effective treatments for unexplained recurrent miscarriage, to study the mechanism for the maintenance of pregnancy, the immnunological aspects of the women who suffering recurrent miscarriage were detected before and after the lymphocyte immunotherapy. (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029749 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:18 +0100 5029749 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029748&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001550%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: NK lymphocytes play an important role in implantation and early pregnancy development. Previously it was shown that NK cell stimulation by specific targets leads to NK cell activation and CD69 expression. Recently we showed that CD69+ NK numbers after incubation with K562 cells display NK activation reserve and have good correlation with NK cytotoxicity. In this double-blind study we investigate significance of NK activation levels for IVF success. (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029748 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:18 +0100 5029748 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029747&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001549%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: Despite improvements in the diagnostic management, ectopic pregnancy (EP) is still a cause of major maternal morbidity. It is unknown whether this morbidity is the consequence of patient related risk factors or doctor related substandard care. (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029747 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:18 +0100 5029747 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029746&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001537%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: Pregnancy challenges the immune system. Thus, tolerance to the semi-allogenic fetus must be supported while the mother and fetus still must be protected against infectious agents. Pregnancy is associated with a Th2 deviated immune system, away from a harmful Th1 associated immunity, although this may be a simplified view. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are enriched in the uterus, but occur at normal frequency in the circulation. It has become increasingly evident that Tregs and T helper cells are not stably committed lineages but are plastic, showing close relationships between subsets. We hypothesize that an increased T cell flexibility in pregnancy can help to explain the paradox of simultaneous tolerance and strong antimicrobial responses. Our aim was to investigate whether th... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029746 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:18 +0100 5029746 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029745&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001525%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: The effect of (sub) clinical thyroid dysfunction and thyroid autoimmunity on pregnancy outcomes has become more clear in recent years; there is more evidence about its associations with pregnancy complications. Recently, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis and a strong association was found between (sub) clinical hypothyroidism and preeclampsia (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1–2.6), perinatal mortality (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.6–4.7) and lower intelligence scores in the offspring. Thyroid autoimmunity was associated with an increased risk of unexplained subfertility (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1–2.0), miscarriage (OR 3.73, 95% CI 1.8–7.6), recurrent miscarriage (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.5–3.5), preterm birth (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.1–3.5) and maternal post-partum thyroiditis (OR 11.5, 95% CI ... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029745 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:17 +0100 5029745 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029744&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001513%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: HLA-G is the dominant HLA molecule expressed on human trophoblast. Membrane-bound and soluble HLA-G probably modify the maternal immune response to the trophoblast. Soluble HLA-G can be detected in non-pregnant individuals but seems to increase during pregnancy probably due to secretion/shedding from the placenta. Low plasma concentration of soluble HLA-G before pregnancy seems to predispose to miscarriage and recurrent miscarriage. A 14 base pair (14bp) insertion in exon 8 of the HLA-G gene reduces the stability of HLA-G messenger-RNA and previous studies have shown that homozygocity for this insertion is associated with very low concentrations of soluble HLA-G in the plasma of non-pregnant individuals. However, it is not known whether the HLA-G 14bp polymorphism is associat... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029744 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:16 +0100 5029744 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029742&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001501%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This study is based on affected sibling pair analysis, a genetic statistical method based on sharing of chromosomal areas among full-blood siblings with the same genetic condition. (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029742 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:15 +0100 5029742 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029741&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001495%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: PCOS is an endocrine disease affecting a wealth of women in their reproductive years. It is one of the main causes for anovulatory sterility and is associated with obesity, insulin resistance and chronic inflammation. Rapidly emerging evidence suggests that the immune system aggravates the onset and/or clinical features of PCOS symptoms at systemic and ovarian levels. Therefore, the aim of this study was to unveil alterations on immune, metabolic and endocrine PCOS-like symptoms in a mouse model of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)-induced PCOS. (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029741 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:14 +0100 5029741 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029740&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001483%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: Natural killer (NK) cells have been shown to be involved in embryo implantation. In humans but not mice or other species with post implantation decidualization, uterine natural killer (uNK) cells may contribute to blastocyst implantation and are of interest as therapeutic targets in female infertility. Uterine natural killer cells seem to have a special phenotype: CD56 bright and CD16 dim. In contrast, natural killer T (NKT) cells (CD56+CD3+) are known to be especially cytotoxic. However, the possible association between NK cells and implantation failure is not yet clear. The relationship between blood and uterine NK cells is not completely understood. The object of this study is to investigate the correlation between implantation failure and the number and type of NK cells i... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029740 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:14 +0100 5029740 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029739&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001471%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: Recurrent miscarriage (RM) (≥3 miscarriages before 22 gestational weeks or spontaneous abortion of fetus (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029739 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:13 +0100 5029739 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029738&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS016503781100146X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: The biological significance of the selective expression of MHC on trophoblast cells is not well understood. Extravillous trophoblast cells invade the maternal decidua and are intimately in contact with maternal immune effector cells. The unique MHC class I expression pattern on invasive extravillous trophoblast shows that classical transplantation antigens HLA-A and HLA-B expression is down-regulated; these cells however, express HLA-G, HLA-E and HLA-C. The expression of MHC class Ib products with limited polymorphism (HLA-G and HLA-E) or class Ia with limited expression half life (HLA-C) protect extravillous trophoblast cells from natural killer (NK)-like large granular lymphocytes (LGL)-mediated attack. Trophoblast expressed HLA-C, HLA-E and HLA-G interacts with surface rec... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029738 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:13 +0100 5029738 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029737&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001458%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: During pregnancy there is intimate cellular interaction between mother and fetus, with maternal immunological awareness of the allogenic pregnancy. In addition to the decidual maternal-fetal interface there is a peripheral interface due to the transplacental ‘traffic’ of fetal cells and material into the maternal circulation. Fetal cells may also persist after pregnancy, a phenomenon termed ‘fetal microchimerism’. A maternal cellular immune response to fetal minor-histocompatibility HY antigens can be detected after pregnancy. This can influence stem cell transplantation outcomes if parous female donors are used. It may also be important in recurrent miscarriage. However, the development, dynamics, phenotype and function of these fetal specific T cells during human pr... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029737 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:13 +0100 5029737 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029736&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001446%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: The fact that pregnancy is immunologically successful is a mystery. The fetus has the potential to bear major transplantation antigens that are 50% different from the mother that should be more than sufficient to cause rapid immune mediated tissue (fetus) rejection. Immune tolerance during pregnancy likely uses the same mechanisms that the immune system has developed a number of strategies to deal with potentially autoreactive T cells that escape central tolerance. Among the most potent of these countermeasures is the action of a specialized subtype of CD4+ helper T cell, the FoxP3+ T regulatory cell (Treg). Tregs play an active role in maternal tolerance of her fetus. Tregs are central in the maintenance of immune homeostasis in the healthy individual. The mechanisms by whic... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029736 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:12 +0100 5029736 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029734&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001434%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: Secondary RM (SRM) is, in contrast to primary RM, preceded by a birth, which increases the transfer of fetal cells into the maternal circulation. Mothers of boys are often immunized against male-specific minor histocompatibility (H-Y) antigens, and H-Y immunity can cause graft-versus-host disease after stem-cell transplantation. SRM is more common after the birth of a boy and the subsequent live birth rate is reduced for SRM patients with a firstborn boy. We tested the association between maternal carriage of HLA alleles know to restrict cell mediated anti H-Y responses and pregnancy outcome in the first pregnancy after referral for SRM. Additionally, we tested for the presence and impact of H-Y and HLA antibodies. (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029734 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:12 +0100 5029734 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029733&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001422%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes We reported that PIF is essential for pregnancy—present in viable, while absent in non-viable pregnancy and its levels correlate with outcome. sPIF (synthetic analog) promotes embryo implantation by modulating decidual immunity, promoting adhesion, and controlling apoptosis (targets insulin-degrading-enzyme (IDE) and potassium channel (Kv1.3b) (human). sPIF furthermore enhances trophoblast invasion facilitating placental development (human). PIF levels correlate with embryo development (mouse, cow, human) and embryo viability is reduced when cultured with anti-PIF-Mab that negates endogenous PIF (mouse) while sPIF promotes single IVF embryo development (cow). Outside pregnancy, low-dose, short-term sPIF prevents juvenile diabetes (NOD murine model) while preserving pancreatic islets, ref... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029733 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:11 +0100 5029733 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029732&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001410%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: As the age of a woman increases, her monthly chance to conceive declines, whereas her chance of having a miscarriage or a child with a chromosomal abnormality increases. This phenomenon of female reproductive ageing is attributed to a decline in both the quantity and the quality of a woman's oocytes. The decrease in oocyte quantity eventually leads to menopause. The decrease in oocyte quality is caused by an increase in meiotic errors, resulting in oocytes with a deviant number of chromosomes. It is unknown whether the decline in oocyte quantity is related to the decline in oocyte quality. If so, the estimated number of remaining oocytes of a woman may be predictive for her chance of conception, miscarriage or a child with a chromosomal aberration. (Source: Journal of Reprodu... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029732 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:10 +0100 5029732 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029731&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001409%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: Oxidative stress underlies a wide range of pathologies including male reproductive system. It is usually associated to inflammation of reproductive tract, it may be also idiopathic (unknown reason) or endogenous due to inefficiency of antioxidative system which in normal circumstances may counterattack subclinical conditions of diseases. Since ‘male factor’ of infertility is still on rise the molecular background of this phenomenon must be carefully elucidated. (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029731 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:10 +0100 5029731 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029730&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001392%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: Because of the increasing epidemic of obesity and the fact that obesity is linked with several known disorders, there has been concern that obesity may have effects on pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to determine whether obesity increases the risk of spontaneous abortion. (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029730 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:10 +0100 5029730 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029729&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001380%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Maternal obesity is the commonest co-morbidity in pregnancy and currently affects one in five of the antenatal population. In early pregnancy, maternal obesity is associated with an increased risk of miscarriage, and congenital anomalies in the offspring. Later in pregnancy, maternal obesity is associated with increased risk of gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, peripartum complications, stillbirth and fetal macrosomia. However, the mechanisms that link poor obstetric outcome to pre-pregnancy obesity are not well understood. This paper will review the evidence base for maternal and fetal factors, which have been suggested as mediating adverse pregnancy outcome. These will include systemic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, maternal metabolism, oocyte and embryo quality and the endome... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029729 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:10 +0100 5029729 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029728&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001379%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: There is significant evidence from the literature to suggest an increased risk of miscarriage in obese women. The mechanism for this relationship is still largely unknown but may be a result of an adverse effect on the embryo, endometrium or both. (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029728 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:10 +0100 5029728 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029727&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001367%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: In early human pregnancy uterine natural killer (uNK) cells play roles in regulation of trophoblast invasion and initiation of spiral artery remodeling. Uterine NK cells are a major source of cytokines and angiogenic growth factors (AGFs) in decidua during the early stages of pregnancy. We have previously demonstrated that levels of AGFs secreted by uNK cells decrease with gestational age (8–10 v. 12–14 weeks gestation) while levels of uNK cell secreted cytokines increase over the same time period. The factors that regulate AGF and cytokine secretion by uNK cells are unclear but may involve interactions between uNK cells and extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cells. We hypothesised that uNK/EVT cell interactions would alter their cytokine and AGF secretion. (Source: Journal o... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029727 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:09 +0100 5029727 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029726&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001355%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: The aim of the Workshop study was to investigate whether the maternal repertoire of Killer Immunoglobulin-like Receptors (KIR) or functional maternal KIR2DL—trophoblast HLA-C pairs are associated with recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) and unexplained embryo implantation failure after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (RIF). (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029726 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:09 +0100 5029726 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029725&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001343%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes The Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) class Ib genes, HLA-E, -G, and -F, are located in the human Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC). HLA class Ib molecules resemble the HLA class Ia molecules in many ways, but several major differences exist. All three HLA class Ib proteins are expressed on extravillous trophoblast cells. HLA-G seems to be important in the modulation of the maternal immune system during pregnancy and thereby the maternal acceptance of the semiallogenic fetus. Recent findings regarding aspects of HLA-G polymorphism and soluble HLA-G expression are presented and discussed in respect to certain complications of pregnancy, such as recurrent spontaneous abortions (RSA), pre-eclampsia, and treatment of infertility. Certain HLA-G genotypes are significantly associated to unexpla... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029725 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:07 +0100 5029725 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029723&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001331%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: Successful pregnancy requires that trophoblast invasion of the uterus be appropriately calibrated to ensure that neither fetus nor mother is compromised. We have investigated the regulation of placentation by interactions between maternal KIR on uterine Natural Killer cells (uNK) and HLA-C expressed by fetal trophoblast. (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029723 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:07 +0100 5029723 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029722&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS016503781100132X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: Blood transfusion and fetal maternal hemorrhage (FMH) in pregnancy may lead to maternal IgG red blood cell (RBC) allo-antibody formation, that may cause fetal anemia leading to hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN). In more than 80% of cases anti-D is responsible for HDFN. Treatment of fetal anemia with intra-uterine transfusions (IUT) nowadays results in a >90% survival rate. The LOTUS study aims to identify factors explaining induction, specificity and persistence of alloantibodies against particular RBC antigens in women whose children have been treated with IUTs. We further investigated whether pregnancy (fetus) induced antibodies persisted longer compared to IUT-donor induced antibodies. We postulated that pregnancy induced anti-D antibodies may be maintained... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029722 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:06 +0100 5029722 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029721&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001318%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) is highly efficient as a serum marker in first-trimester screening for chromosomal abnormalities, particularly Down syndrome, since levels of PAPP-A are decreased in pregnancies affected with Down syndrome. Furthermore, there is increasing evidence that low levels of PAPP-A in the first trimester is associated with adverse pregnancy outcome such as preterm delivery, fetal growth restriction, preeclampsia and stillbirth. PAPP-A is a glycoprotein, produced in the placenta soon after implantation, and it is present in the maternal circulation in increasing concentrations during pregnancy. By means of its proteolytic activity, PAPP-A functions as a regulatory protein in the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system, known to be important for placent... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029721 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:05 +0100 5029721 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029720&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001306%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: Although the etiology of recurrent miscarriages (RM) remains largely unexplained, recent studies have indicated that a putative ‘embryo selection’ function of decidualized endometrial stromal cells (H-ESCs) may be dysregulated in women with RM. We hypothesized that part of this selective response by decidualized H-ESCs may be manifest in their migration towards the implanting embryo. We anticipated therefore that the migratory capacity of H-ESCs from women with a history of RM differs from that of H-ESCs from fertile women. To test this hypothesis, we quantified undirected migration of H-ESCs under non-stimulated conditions and in the presence of platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) and trophoblast conditioned medium (TCM). (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunolo... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029720 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:05 +0100 5029720 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029719&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS016503781100129X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes S. Quenby University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029719 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:05 +0100 5029719 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029718&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001288%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: Antigen presenting cells (APCs) such as dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages are abundant populations in the uterine endometrium. DCs and macrophages are critical for the processing and presentation of paternal antigens to maternal T cells which allows development of the maternal immune tolerance required to accomodate the semi-allogeneic conceptus. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (CSF2, GM-CSF), a known regulator of DC and macrophage maturation and function, is expressed by uterine epithelial cells, under regulation of steroid hormones and male seminal fluid factors. To investigate the importance of CSF2 in regulating uterine APCs, this study aimed to assess the abundance, phenotype and functionality of DCs and macrophages in Csf2-null mutant (Csf2−/−) ... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029718 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:05 +0100 5029718 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029717&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001276%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: During pregnancy maternal adaptive and innate immunity is regulated to accommodate the immunologically foreign conceptus. Previously, maternal immunoregulation was perceived in terms of a bias towards adaptive T-helper (Th)2 activity with inhibition of cytotoxic Th1 responses In pregnancy-related complications such as recurrent miscarriage or pre-eclampsia, the Th2 bias associated with healthy pregnancy either fails to develop or is reversed, such that Th1 responses predominate. However, the finding that inflammation is important in early implantation events, systemic inflammation occurs in normal pregnancy and cells of the innate immune system can also be biased towards Type 1 or Type 2 cytokine production, suggests that the Th1/Th2 hypothesis is too simplistic. However a sh... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029717 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:04 +0100 5029717 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029716&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001264%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: Due to the predominant role of maternal factors during early embryo development, oocyte quality remains the main factor limiting the success of ART in human fertility. Only 5% of oocyte collected lead to the birth of healthy baby. Physicians are currently able to evaluate in routine the overall ovarian reserve of a patient but failed to define individual oocyte quality and competence and subsequent reliable parameters despite extensive researches. We will focus our attention on the immune environment of individual ovarian follicles, especially on granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF, CSF3), the third member of the CSF family. Indeed, G-CSF quantified in individual follicular fluids appeared in three distinct experiments measuring simultaneously 26 cytokines/chemokines... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029716 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:03 +0100 5029716 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029715&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001252%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: Cytokines have central roles in the immunological adaptation and tissue remodelling processes essential for initiation and progression of pregnancy. They provide the intercellular communication signals that govern leukocyte recruitment and function in the endometrium, and orchestrate an appropriate immune response to pregnancy. Through targeting cells in the pre-implantation embryo and placenta, cytokines are also key mediators of the tissue restructuring processes essential for normal fetal growth and pregnancy success. One key cytokine regulating events in early pregnancy is GM-CSF (CSF2). On the basis of rigorous laboratory research this cytokine has now been developed for use in human reproductive medicine. (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029715 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:03 +0100 5029715 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029714&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001240%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: Bidirectional cell transfer during pregnancy can lead to postpartum persistence of small quantities of allogeneic cells in both the mother and in her offspring. This cell trafficking frequently, but not exclusively, induces maternal and fetal cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) directed against fetal inherited paternal alloantigens (IPA) and non-inherited maternal antigens (NIMA) respectively; these alloantigens include non-shared human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and minor histocompatibility antigen (mHag). We questioned whether IPA- or NIMA-specific tolerance was established in individuals who do not display cytolytic activity and how microchimerism could be involved in the establishment of these apparent opposite states of pregnancy-induced alloimmunization. (Source: Journal of Repr... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029714 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:03 +0100 5029714 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029713&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001239%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes During normal pregnancy, there is little evidence for fetus-specific immune regulation in the peripheral blood of the mother. In contrast, maternal lymphocytes at the fetal-maternal interface seem to play a key role in the immune acceptance of the allogeneic fetus. Decidual NK cells contain immune modulatory properties and facilitate trophoblast invasion into maternal tissue. More recently, CD4+CD25bright regulatory T cells have shown to be concentrated in decidual tissue where they are able to suppress fetus-specific and non-specific responses. Immunogenetic analyses showed that a fetal-maternal HLA-C mismatch is crucial for both activation of CD4+ T cells and induction of functional CD4+CD25bright regulatory T cells. However, decidual CD8+ T cells form the largest fraction of T cells at ... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029713 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:03 +0100 5029713 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029712&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001227%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Introduction: Subsets of CD4+ T helper cells govern immune responses into various types of protective responses or tolerance. An increasing number of T helper subsets have been identified based on their patterns of cytokine secretion, while the fully established subsets can be identified also by their expression of lineage-specific transcription factors; Th1 (Tbet), Th2 (GATA3), Th17 (RORC) and regulatory T cells (Foxp3). Immune tolerance in pregnancy has, at a general level, been associated with an increase in Th2 and Treg-like immunity, whereas Th1-responses promote abortions and the role of Th17 has not yet been established. However, methods for detection of Treg cells have improved and, in addition, a higher degree of plasticity amongst T helper subsets has been recognized. Thus, a rev... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029712 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:03 +0100 5029712 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029710&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811002580%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029710 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:02 +0100 5029710 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5195806&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811002403%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Recurrent miscarriage affects approximately 1% of the population and in half of these cases no cause is found. Abnormally functioning immunocompetent cells, including natural killer (NK) cells, in the endometrium, are thought to be responsible for many such cases and treatment trials including oral prednisolone and intravenous immunoglobulins are now underway. Despite these encouraging developments, there is neither adequate standardization of counting uterine NK cells nor consensus as to what constitutes an abnormal level. To address this issue, immunohistochemistry was used to examine the presence and distribution of selected immune cells and macrophages in the endometrium from 222 women who had a routine endometrial biopsy for investigation of recurrent miscarriage or IVF fail... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5195806 Sun, 10 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5195806 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5195804&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811002415%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Immunological mechanisms play a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia. T regulatory cells (Treg cells, FoxP3+) suppress the cytotoxic T cell (CD8+) and natural killer (NK) cell response, thereby promoting immunological tolerance to the fetus. In peripheral blood, Treg cells are elevated during pregnancy, decrease throughout gestation, and are decreased in preeclampsia. To determine their role at the implantation site, we characterized the proportion of decidual Treg and CD8+ cells, and compared these with placental histology, villous sFlt expression, and chorionic trophoblast apoptotic index in normal and preeclamptic pregnancies. Decidua from first (n=5) and second (n=4) trimester terminations and chorioamniotic membranes, containing decidua, from term deliveries (... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5195804 Sun, 10 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5195804 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5195801&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811002257%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Preeclampsia (PE) is a severe complication of pregnancy characterized by an excessive maternal systemic inflammatory response with activation of both the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system. Granulysin is a cytolytic and pro-inflammatory molecule expressed by activated human cytotoxic T lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) cells. Recent data show that serum granulysin levels are elevated in preeclampsia. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the proportion of peripheral blood cytotoxic T lymphocytes and NK cells that express intracellular granulysin is altered in PE. Twenty-two preeclamptic patients and 29 healthy pregnant women were involved in this case-control study. Intracellular granulysin expression of lymphocytes was determined with flow cytometric ex... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5195801 Wed, 22 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5195801 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5195807&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811002191%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Several studies have reported that fetuses with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and infants with low birth weight present increased intima/media thickness (aIMT) of the abdominal aorta wall compared with fetuses and infants appropriate for gestational age (AGA). Evidence suggested that aIMT might be related to inflammation, probably indicating a very early stage of future adulthood disease, such as atherosclerosis. We aimed to investigate histological findings in the abdominal aorta wall of one IUGR stillbirth in which ultrasound had detected aIMT. Microscopy observations of the abdominal aorta wall confirmed the intima thickening and detected condensation of the elastic fibers forming an evident internal elastic membrane and presence of inflammatory elements, such as macr... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5195807 Sun, 19 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5195807 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5195800&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811002245%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The sensitivity and specificity of CA125, as a sole serum marker of endometriosis, are not high enough for routine clinical assessment. To explore new markers for the diagnosis of endometriosis, serum autoantibodies in endometriotic patients were investigated employing a fibroblast cell line, two-dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis and Western blotting. Proteins reacting with serum autoantibodies by Western blotting were identified using MASCOT analysis. ELISAs were then prepared using recombinant proteins and titers of serum autoantibodies were determined in the endometriotic patients, disease controls, and healthy subjects. Among the autoantibodies identified, anti-syntaxin 5 (STX5) autoantibody levels were significantly elevated in endometriotic patients. Sensitivity (53.6%) ... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5195800 Sun, 19 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5195800 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5195798&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811002178%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Regulation of expression of the class I major histocompatability complex (MHC class I) at the maternal fetal interface may play a critical role in embryo survival and the establishment of pregnancy in cattle. However, information concerning immunoregulation of implantation in cattle remains quite limited. Therefore, our current research is concerned with characterizing the expression and regulatory effect of a number of immune factors in the developing bovine embryo. We have analysed the effect of embryo culture in vitro (IVC) in medium supplemented with progesterone (P4): leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), interferon gamma (IFNG), interleukin (IL)-1B, IL3, IL4, IL10 and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) on in vitro embryo development and expression of the bovine non-c... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5195798 Sun, 19 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5195798 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029819&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS016503781100218X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Intrauterine inflammation is followed by elevated concentrations of inflammation-related proteins in the newborn's blood. Many of these proteins have short half-lives. The persistence of this postnatal inflammation has not previously been investigated. In a sample of 834 infants born before the 28th week of gestation, 12% (103) had grade 1 or 2, and 17% (142) had grade 3, 4, or 5 umbilical cord inflammation. Concentrations of nine proteins previously shown to be associated with umbilical cord inflammation at birth were measured on the first postnatal day and at two weekly intervals after birth. We evaluated the hypothesis that children who had umbilical cord inflammation were no more likely than others to have elevated concentrations of inflammation-related proteins in postnatal ... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029819 Sun, 19 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5029819 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029818&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811002233%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The aim of the present study was to determine the influence of acute estrogen deficiency induced by administration of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist on circulating levels of cytokines and chemokines. Eighty-three women with uterine leiomyoma were assigned in open, parallel-group fashion to a no-treatment (control) group and a GnRH-agonist group. Serum levels of nine cytokines and chemokines as well as vascular inflammatory markers were measured. Serum levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) in the GnRH-agonist group were increased significantly at 6 months. There were also significant differences in percentage changes in interleukin (IL)-6, IL8, MCP1, and macrophage inflammatory protein-1β (MIP1β) between the cont... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029818 Sun, 19 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5029818 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029816&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811002221%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Pregnant ewes were challenged with Chlamydia abortus at 91–98 days of gestation and euthanised at 14, 21 and 28 days post-challenge. IFNγ mRNA labelling appeared to be co-localised with Chlamydial lipopolysaccharide within trophoblast cells in discrete areas lining the primary villi in the limbus and hilar zone of the placentomes from challenged sheep on days 21 and 28 post-infection. The presence of IFNγ was also demonstrated by immunohistochemistry. No labelling was seen in tissues from the non-infected ewes. The presence of IFNγ in trophoblast cells from infected ewes may indicate an attempt to restrict the replication of the organism and be an important trigger for the inflammatory responses that develop on the fetal side of the placenta in enzootic abortion. (Source: Jo... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029816 Sun, 19 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5029816 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029815&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811002154%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In this study, we primarily attempted identification of the mAb-recognized molecules within the mouse testis. An immunoprecipitation method, together with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, revealed that the testicular immunoprecipitants with Ts4 contained dipeptidase 3 (DPEP3), a member of the membrane-bound dipeptidase family. A Western blot analysis using an anti-DPEP3 polyclonal antibody established in this study showed that this molecule was glycosylated and formed a disulfide-linked homodimer within the testis. Expression of DPEP3 protein was observed in the testicular germ cells, but not in the Sertoli or interstitial cells, or in any other major organs. Although Western blot analysis of testicular proteins separated by two-dimensional SDS-PAGE failed to demonstrate b... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029815 Sun, 19 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5029815 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029814&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811002142%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Haploid germ cells (spermatids and spermatozoa) develop in the testis after immune tolerance has been established. Therefore, they contain various autoimmunogenic antigens, but the testis is known to be an immunologically privileged organ. In particular, the blood–testis barrier formed by Sertoli cells protects autoimmunogenic haploid germ cells from attack by the autoimmune system. Experimental autoimmune orchitis (EAO), a breakdown of the testicular immune privilege leading to immunological male infertility, has been ordinarily induced in mice by immunization twice with testicular antigens+complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)+Bordetella pertussis (BP). We previously found that two subcutaneous injections of viable syngeneic testicular germ cells induced murine EAO without the use... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029814 Sun, 19 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5029814 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029813&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811002166%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes The objective of this study was to determine if fetal–maternal cell trafficking is affected by maternal immune competence and/or parental background strain using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). In our experience the sensitivity of FACS allows for the detection of 5 fetal in 107 maternal cells and assessment of cell surface phenotype. Wild-type C57BL/6J (n=18), FVB/NJ (n=15), and immunodeficient B6129S7-Rag1tm1Mom/J (n=16) female mice were mated to C57BL/6J males homozygous for the green fluorescent protein (GFP) transgene. Single cell suspensions of maternal lung, liver, spleen, bone marrow, and blood were analyzed between late gestation (day e16–18) and 1 day post-partum for the number of GFP-positive fetal cells in relation to 107 maternal cells and the percentage of GFP-... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029813 Sun, 19 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5029813 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029711&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001203%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029711 Sun, 12 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5029711 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5009277&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001197%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily that controls in a ligand-dependent manner the expression of a large array of genes involved in the control of energy homeostasis and in cell differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, and the inflammatory process. Unexpectedly, genetic studies performed in mice established that PPARγ is essential for placental development. In the human placenta, PPARγ is specifically expressed in the trophoblast, both endocrine villous and invasive extravillous cytotrophoblasts (EVCT). Activation of PPARγ induces accumulation of lipids, villous trophoblast differentiation and inhibits trophoblast invasiveness. Oxidized LDLs that contain potential PPARγ ligands, but not native LDL, induc... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5009277 Tue, 07 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5009277 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029817&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001185%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes The objective was to assess the impact of genetic variation on cervical cytokine concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and first, to determine if these variants interact with polymorphisms in Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) that were previously shown to associate with pro-inflammatory cervical cytokine concentrations, and second, to determine if findings are affected by bacterial vaginosis (BV). We examined 183 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 13 cytokine genes and receptors for associations with cervical cytokine levels in 188 African American and European American women. We tested for associations of gene–gene interactions between SNPs in TLR4 and cytokine gene and receptor polymorphisms with cervical pro-inflammatory ... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029817 Sun, 05 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5029817 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5009280&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811001173%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Capacity to cope with stress is crucial for survival and also reproduction. The stress response differs in the various parts of an organism. Central corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) has been identified to be the main stress regulator. In the reproductive system, stress has a deleterious effect on reproduction and CRH is associated with dysfunction of the reproductive endocrine axis. Members of the CRH family have been detected in different reproductive organs of males and females. Ovarian CRH is probably involved in steroid biosynthesis and inflammatory like processes, ovulation and luteolysis. These effects are mediated via the CRH receptors CRH-R1 and CRH-R2. CRH-Rs are G protein-coupled receptors that drive different signalling pathways in the cell. In human, ligands for ... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5009280 Thu, 02 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5009280 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5009270&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811002270%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes We are pleased to present the Proceedings of the 8th European Congress on Reproductive Immunology as a Special Issue of the Journal of Reproductive Immunology. The Congress was held in Munich from the 10th to the 13th of November 2010. It was organized by the European Society for Reproductive Immunology (ESRI) and hosted by Udo Jeschke at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Innenstadt of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich. Klaus Friese served as the Honorary President of the meeting. (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5009270 Tue, 31 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5009270 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5009269&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS0165037811002312%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology) Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5009269 Tue, 31 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5009269 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5009286&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS016503781100115X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The incidence of gestational diabetes (GD) is rising worldwide, in parallel with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Obesity and GD are conditions that have in common a state of chronic, low-grade subclinical inflammation characterized by abnormal production of cytokines and mediators. Genetic polymorphisms may influence the production of inflammatory mediators and predispose to different disorders, including diabetes. The aim of this study was to review the existing literature on the relationship between inflammatory mediator gene polymorphisms and GD. The search in PubMed was restricted to articles published in English, from January 1990 to December 2010. Eight studies were included. These publications evaluated 13 different SNPs and six inflammatory mediators in the blood of women wi... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5009286 Sun, 29 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5009286 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5009288&cid=s_37056_3_f&fid=37056&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrijournal.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS016503781100101X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: During the 8th European Congress of Reproductive Immunology, November 2010 in Munich, Germany, the European Society of Reproductive Immunology provided the opportunity for young investigators to present their work. Short talks from students and post-doctoral trainees were scheduled immediately after the keynote speakers in each session. The Society presented two “Young Investigator Awards” in basic science as well as in clinical application, sponsored by Elsevier. Here we present a summary of the nominees in a single article. The nominees were asked to give a guided interview to provide an insight into their motivation and career aspirations for the future. We hope that the Young Investigator Award might be an ongoing tool to motivate and encourage young investigators to stay... Journal of Reproductive Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5009288 Tue, 24 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5009288