bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Active Immunization Against LHRH Alone or Combined With LHRH‐Analogue Treatment Impedes Growth of Androgen‐Dependent Prostatic Carcinoma
Authors: LADD ANNA , WALFIELD ALAN , TSONG Y‐Y. , THAU ROSEMARY 
Published: May 2013

PROBLEM: To determine whether active immunization against LHRH can serve as treatment for androgen‐dependent prostatic carcinoma.METHOD: Male rats of Copenhagen X Fisher strain, implanted with Dunning R‐3327 prostatic carcinoma cells were either immunized against LHRH, treated with LHRH‐antago‐nist, or received a combined treatment of active immunization against LHRH and LHRH‐antagonist.RESULTS: Testicular histology was consistent with infertility in all treatment groups. The rate of tumor growth was inhibited by all three treatment regimens. Tumor size increased by 3.8 ± 1.4 cm2 in the LHRH‐antagonist group, 3.2 ± 1.1 cm2 in the immunized group, and 1.0 ± 0.4 cm2 in the combined treatment group, as compared to 8.2 + 2.6 cm2 in non‐treated control group.CONCLUSION: LHRH‐antagonist administration combined with immunization against LHRH appeared to exert a synergistic effect. This may be due to the blockade of prostatic LHRH‐like receptors by the antagonist, while androgen depletion was rapidly achieved by LHRH‐antagonist, and maintained by continued gonadotropin suppression caused by active immunization against LHRH once antagonist treatment had been discontinued.
Human Leukocyte Antigen DQ α Sharing Is Not Increased in Couples With Recurrent Miscarriage
Authors: DIZON‐TOWNSON DONNA , NELSON LESA , SCOTT J.R. , BRANCH D. WARE , WARD KENNETH 
Published: May 2013

PROBLEM: The results regarding human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DQ a allele sharing in recurrent miscarriage couples are conflicting. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of HLA DQ α allele sharing in our unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) patients using modern DNA analytical techniques.METHODS: DNA was extracted from whole blood samples of 1) 51 couples with at least three miscarriages, and 2) 43 fertile couples (with at least seven children and no known history of recurrent miscarriage). The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify the second exon of the HLA DQ α locus on chromosome 6. Genotypes were identified by allele specific hybridization with 12 sequence‐specific oligonucleotide probes.RESULTS: 47% of recurrent miscarriage couples and 35% of fertile couples shared no alleles. 47% of recurrent miscarriage couples compared to 58% of fertile couples shared one allele, and 6% of recurrent miscarriage couples and 7% of fertile couples shared two alleles.CONCLUSIONS: Reproductive partners with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss have no increased frequency of HLA DQ α allele sharing. It is unlikely that HLA DQ α genotyping will be helpful in the management of patients with RSA.
Reciprocal Alteration in Circulating TJ6+ CD19+ and TJ6+ CD56+ Leukocytes in Early Pregnancy Predicts Success or Miscarriage
Authors: COULAM C.B. , BEAMAN K.D. 
Published: May 2013

PROBLEM: TJ6 is a cytokine whose membrane form is regularly expressed on the B lymphocytes of women during pregnancy. In a previous study we have shown that pregnancies that end in a spontaneous abortion are characterized by an increase in natural killer (NK) cells and that NK cells in these pregnancies also expressed TJ6, whereas NK cells from pregnancies that terminate normally neither increase in number nor do they express significant amounts of the cytokine.METHODS: To evaluate the ability of TJ6 to predict pregnancy outcome, 61 blood samples from pregnant women were studied. Blood samples were drawn between 5 and 12 weeks of gestation and analyzed for lymphocyte expression of TJ6 using Cytoron Absolute flow cytometry and two‐color fluorescence. The percentage of CD19+ (B) cells and CD56+ (NK) cells that expressed TJ6 was calculated, and this percentage was correlated with subsequent pregnancy outcome classified as successful (viable birth) or unsuccessful (abortion, stillbirth). TJ6 CD19 and TJ6 CD56 was determined in 32 blood samples from women with successful pregnancy outcomes and 29 samples from women with unsuccessful pregnancy outcome.RESULTS: The mean TJ6 CD19 expression for successful pregnancies was 10.6% and for unsuccessful pregnancies was 5.1% (P < 0.03). The mean TJ6 CD56+ percentage of circulating cells that express TJ6 expression for successful pregnancies was 3.3% and for unsuccessful pregnancies was 10.4% (P = 0.02). All unsuccessful pregnancies had less than 90% of circulating CD19 cells express TJ6 and/or greater than 50% of circulating CD56 cells express TJ6. Use of the expression of TJ6 on CD19 and CD56 cells during the first trimester predicts viable pregnancy with a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 100%, positive predictive value of 100%, and negative predictive value of 100%.CONCLUSIONS: The work now being reported validates the hypothesis that expression of TJ6 on NK cells obtained from pregnant women predicts the outcome of pregnancy. In addition we show that this prognosticator can be reliably demonstrated early in the first trimester.
Effect of Leukemia Inhibitory Factor on Human Cytotrophoblast Differentiation Along the Invasive Pathway
Authors: BISCHOF P. , HAENGGELI L. , CAMPANA A. 
Published: May 2013

PROBLEM: Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is a pleiotropic secreted cytokine that was shown to be essential for blastocyst implantation in mice. Since it is well documented that LIF is produced by the human endometrium, we wondered if this cytokine was capable of modulating the invasive behaviour of human cytotrophoblastic cells (CTB).METHODS: CTB were isolated and purified from first trimester abortions, separated or not into cells bearing a laminin or a fibronectin receptor (α6β4 or α5β1 respectively) using specific monoclonal antibodies and magnetic particles.RESULTS: We observed that rhLIF inhibited the secretion of gelatinases and of hCG by CTB but remained without effects on the secretion of fetal fibronectin (fFN). These effects were exerted on different CTB subsets: although rhLIF inhibited the secretion of gelatinases by α6 positive cells, it stimulated the fFN secretion by α5 positive cells. The inhibitory effect of rhLIF on the secretion of hCG was mainly due to its effect on the hCG secretion of α5 positive CTB.CONCLUSIONS: Taken together these results suggest that in vitro LIF inhibits the differentiation of CTB towards an invasive phenotype by inhibiting the secretion of metalloproteinases, by increasing the deposition of fFN into the extracellular matrix and by inhibiting the differentiation of CTB into syncytium.
Regulation of Human Decidual Cell Macrophage Inflammatory Protein‐1α (MIP‐1α) Production by Inflammatory Cytokines
Authors: DUDLEY DONALD J. , SPENCER SLADE , EDWIN SAM , MITCHELL MURRAY D. 
Published: May 2013

PROBLEM: Inflammation of human gestational tissues is a key pathophysiologic event in the genesis of infection‐associated preterm labor. Human gestational tissues produce several inflammatory cytokines after stimulation with bacterial products. These include interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNFα), and IL‐6. Another class of cytokines includes chemokines of the “C‐C” subclassification such as macrophage inflammatory protein‐1α (MlP‐1α). The purpose of this study was to determine whether cultured human decidual cells produce MIP‐1α in response to other inflammatory cytokines.METHODS: Various concentrations of IL‐1β, TNFα, IL‐6, and IL‐4 were incubated with confluent monolayer cultures of decidual cells isolated from normal term placentae for 16 h at 37°C, and MlP‐1α concentrations in culture supernatants were measured by ELISA.RESULTS: We found that incubation of decidual cells with IL‐1β, TNFα, and IL‐4 resulted in significant concentration‐dependent increases in M1P‐1α production. IL‐6 had no effect on MlP‐1α production.CONCLUSIONS: Our data are the first to show that human decidual cells in culture produce MlP‐1α in response to other inflammatory cytokines. We suggest that decidual cell production of MIP‐1α is an important early event in the pathophysiology of infection‐associated preterm labor.
Decreased Expression of Endometrial Decay Accelerating Factor (DAF), a Complement Regulatory Protein, in Patients With Luteal Phase Defect
Authors: KAUL ANIL , NAGAMANI MANUBAI , NOWICKI BOGDAN 
Published: May 2013

PROBLEM: We investigated the level of decay accelerating factor (DAF) in the endometrium of luteal phase defect (LPD) patients, before and after treatment with progesterone.METHODS: Endometrial samples from fourteen normal‐cycling controls and six samples from infertility patients with LPD before and four samples after progesterone treatment were stained by anti‐DAF IgG using immunohistochemistry.RESULTS: Mean DAF OD in LPD patients was 15% compared to 60% in the control group. The mean DAF OD was 88% after treatment with progesterone.CONCLUSION: Results support interpretation that progesterone upregulates DAF while decreased progesterone may be associated with reduced expression of the DAF in LPD patients.
Placental Tissue From Human Miscarriages Expresses Class II HLA‐DR Antigens
Authors: ATHANASSAKIS IRENE , AIFANTIS YIANNIS , MAKRYGIANNAKIS ANTONY , KOUMANTAKIS EUGENE , VASSILIADIS SIMON 
Published: May 2013

PROBLEM: Class II major histocompatibility antigens occupy a central role in the development of humoral or cellular immunologic responses. Surprisingly, in the maternal‐fetal interphase, where two genetically different organisms come in direct contact, these antigens are absent. Based on previous studies in mice we have demonstrated that the absence of class II antigens represents another mechanism of fetal protection from the maternal immune response and, furthermore, that the induction of these antigens in the placenta makes the tissue immunogenic and susceptible to maternal immune attack, leading thus to fetal abortion. In order to test this hypothesis in humans, we analyzed the presence of class II antigens in aborted placentae.METHOD: Class II expression on aborted placentae was examined by immunoperoxidase staining on frozen sections. We also studied hematologic changes that accompany such events, measuring white and red blood cell counts, hematocrit, hemoglobin, as well as IgG serum levels by standard techniques.RESULTS: The detection of class II antigens on the aborted tissue indicates that these antigens are indeed major components of a pathway, which leads to a plethora of abnormal phenomena for the maternal organism such as low hematocrit levels, elevated IgG production, and increase of white blood cell numbers.CONCLUSION: The results presented are consistent with our previous observations in mice and point to novel directions not only to pregnancy failure diagnosis, but also to new therapeutic approaches.
Metalloproteinase Secretion by Endometrial Leukocyte Subsets
Authors: SHI WENLIANG , MOGNETTI BARBARA , CAMPANA ALDO , BISCHOF PAUL 
Published: May 2013

PROBLEM: Human endometrium contains up to 40% leukocytes. Since their function is unclear, we cultured these cells separately to analyze their proteolytic potential in vitro.METHOD: Endometrium was obtained from hysterectomies or from first trimester abortion. After collagenase digestion, the different leukocyte subsets (CD56, CD3, CD19, CD16, CD45) were immuno‐separated and cultured. Gelatine zymography and a quantitative type IV gelatinase assay were run on all culture supernatants.RESULTS: On zymography, all subtypes of endometrial leukocytes released gelatinases. The 72‐kDa gelatinase was absent from peripheral leukocyte supernatants, whereas it was secreted by all endometrial leukocytes. The 92‐kDa gelatinase was present in all culture supernatants. Large granular lymphocytes (CD56+, LGL) expressed the highest type VI gelatinase activity as compared to all other leukocytes. This activity increased during the cycle in LGL and T cells but remained unchanged in glandular and stromal cells.CONCLUSIONS: Endometrial leukocytes, particularly LGL, secrete significant amounts of gelatinases.
Regulation of Classical HLA Class I Genes in Human Choriocarcinoma Cells by Nuclear Proteins Binding to MHC Class I Regulatory Elements
Authors: WAKIMOTO AKINORI , OHASHI KAZUTOMO , KOYAMA MASAYASU , KATO MUNEHIRO , TSUTSUI TATEKI , SAJI FUMITAKA , TANIZAWA OSAMU 
Published: May 2013

PROBLEM: The regulation of classical HLA class I genes in choriocarcinoma have been reported.METHODS: We determined whether four choriocarcinoma cell lines expressed classical HLA class I or HLA‐G by a reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and studied the regulatory mechanism of classical class I using a gel mobility shift assay.RESULTS: NUC1 and SCH expressed classical class I but not HLA‐G. GCH1 and Jar did neither. Nuclear protein binding to the class I regulatory element (CRE) was detected in NUC1 and SCH. Interferon‐γ augmented both classical class I expression and the DNA‐protein complex in NUC1. The DNA‐protein complex was not observed in GCH1, and Jar showed a CRE‐binding protein with different electrophoretic mobility and binding affinity from that of SCH and NUC1.CONCLUSION: The CRE is one of the regulatory elements of classical HLA class I genes in choriocarcinoma cells.
Intravenous Immunoglobulin for Treatment of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
Authors: COULAM CAROLYN B. , KRYSA LOIS , STERN J. JAROSLAV , BUSTILLO MARÍA 
Published: May 2013

PROBLEM: Efficacy of immunotherapy for treatment of recurrent spontaneous abortion (SA) has been controversial. The low treatment effect of white blood cell immunization lead to investigations of alternative treatments including intravenous (IV) immunoglobulin (Ig). To evaluate the efficacy of IVIg for treatment of recurrent SA, a prospective, randomized, double blinded, placebo‐controlled trial was performed.METHODS: Ninety‐five women experiencing two or more consecutive spontaneous abortions with no known cause were randomized and received either IVIg 500 mg/kg/month or placebo (albumin).RESULTS: Of 95 women participating in the study, 47 received IVIg and 48 received placebo. Medication was discontinued in 34 women who failed to conceive within four cycles. The remaining 61 women achieved pregnancy. Pregnancy outcomes included 29 deliveries and 32 recurrent SA. Among women delivering live births 18 (62%) received IVIg and 11 (38%) received placebo. By contrast, 21 (66%) women experiencing recurrent SAs received placebo and 11 (34%) received IVIg. Among 61 women who conceived, 29 received IVIg and 32 received placebo. Of the 29 women who conceived and received IVIg, 18 (62%) delivered live births and 11 (38%) experienced recurrent SA. Of 32 women who conceived and received placebo 11 (34%) delivered live births and 21 (66%) had recurrent SA. The difference in live birth rates between women receiving IVIg and placebo was significant (P = 0.04, odds ratio 3.1).CONCLUSION: IVIg is effective in enhancing the percentage of live births among women experiencing unexplained recurrent SA.
The Expression of a Progesterone‐Induced Immunomodulatory Protein in Pregnancy Lymphocytes
Authors: SZEKERES‐BARTHO JULIA , FAUST ZS. , VARGA P. 
Published: May 2013

PROBLEM: The immunological effects of progesterone are mediated by a protein, named the progesterone‐induced blocking factor (PIBF). The PIBF blocks NK activity in vitro and therefore prevents the abortive effect of high NK activity in mice. Increased NK activity has been suggested to play a role in pregnancy termination; thus NK inhibitory effect of the PIBF should contribute to the maintenance of normal gestation. This study was designed to investigate the relationship between in vivo PIBF‐producing capacity and in vitro cytotoxic activity of pregnancy lymphocytes, as well as the clinical status or the outcome of pregnancy.METHOD: Lymphocytes of 168 pregnant women (96 normal pregnancies, 16 showing clinical symptoms of threatened preterm pregnancy termination, 46 recurrent aborters, and 10 women sampled at the onset of spontaneous abortion or preterm delivery) were isolated on Ficoll‐Paque gradient. The lymphocytes were tested for reactivity with a PIBF‐specific antibody by immunocytochemistry, and simultaneously for cytotoxic activity to human embryonic fibroblast targets.RESULTS: The percentage of PIBF‐positive lymphocytes in peripheral blood of healthy pregnant women was significantly higher than in that of women at risk for premature pregnancy termination. In peripheral blood of patients undergoing spontaneous pregnancy termination at the time of sampling, and in those of women showing symptoms of premature pregnancy termination we found lower than normal percentage of PIBF‐positive cells. PIBF expression of the lymphocytes showed an inverse correlation with NK activity, and the rate of PIBF positive lymphocytes was related to the outcome of pregnancy.CONCLUSION: These data suggest a strong relationship between PIBF producing capacity as well as NK activity of the lymphocytes and the success of gestation.
Interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) Is Increased in the Follicular Fluids of Patients With Premature Luteinization
Authors: CHEN HSIN‐FU , HO G‐NERNG , CHEN SHEE‐UAN , CHAO KUANG‐HAN , LIN HENG‐RU , HUANG SU‐CHENG , LEE TZU‐YAO , YANG YU‐SHIH 
Published: May 2013

PROBLEM: Most, but not all, studies indicate that premature luteinization correlates with poor pregnancy outcome in in‐vitro fertilization (IVF) programs. It remains unclear whether cytokines (IL‐1β, TNFα), the established immune mediators, play a role in regulation or initiation of an abnormal follicular or embryo development in patients with premature luteinization.METHODS: Levels of cytokines (IL‐1β, TNFα), estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4), and androstenedione (Aione) were examined in 18 preovulatory follicular fluid (FF) samples from patients with premature luteinization (group 1) and 37 FF samples from patients without premature luteinization (group 2). The number of oocytes recovered, fertilization rate, and pregnancy outcome were evaluated in these two groups.RESULTS: IL‐1β (25.4±11.9 pg/ml, mean ±SD) and TNFα (13.4±10.7 pg/ml) were present in these FF samples. The mean level of IL‐1β in group 1 was significantly higher than that in group 2 (37.3±12.3 vs. 20.0±7.6 pg/ml; P<0.00001) and the mean level of E2 was significantly lower in group 1 than that in group 2 (1064±686 vs. 1570±641 ng/ml; P=0.02). The levels of TNFα, P4, and A'ione showed no distinction between these two groups. There was no correlation between the levels of either IL‐1β or TNFα and P4, E2 or A'ione. The fertilization rate in group 1 (62/77; 80%) was similar to that in group 2 (124/160;78%). Five of 7 patients in group 1 and seven of 20 patients in group 2 achieved pregnancy following embryo transfer. One of five pregnancies in group 1 aborted.CONCLUSION: The exaggerated levels of IL‐1β in patients with premature luteinization may arise from accumulation of this cytokine owing to sustained high LH stimulation, and this may be a protective response to the abnormal LH surge and function to inhibit prematurely increased secretion of P4. These data indicate the important role of LH in the induction of IL‐1β secretion and the possible regulatory action of IL‐1β in luteinization. According to the diminution of E2 in group 1, there may be a subtle atretic process progressing in follicles primed with prematurely elevated LH. However, the detrimental effect of premature luteinization, if it exists, may work at the stage during or after implantation.
Menopause Is Associated With a Significant Increase in Blood Monocyte Number and a Relative Decrease in the Expression of Estrogen Receptors in Human Peripheral Monocytes
Authors: BEN‐HUR H. , MOR G. , INSLER V. , BLICKSTEIN I. , AMIR‐ZALTSMAN Y. , SHARP A. , GLOBERSON A. , KOHEN F. 
Published: May 2013

PROBLEM: The clinical significance of the differential expression of estrogen receptor (ER) in human monocytes was evaluated.METHOD: Two color flow cytometry analysis was used on peripheral blood samples of young and postmenopausal females and postmenopausal females treated with estrogen replacement therapy. In addition, the monocyte and lymphocyte counts and the blood estrogen levels of each patient were determined.RESULTS: During menopause there is a significant decrease in the percentage of ER positive monocytes, and an increase in blood monocyte number, which declines following estrogen replacement therapy to values of the young.CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that estrogen modulates the monocyte numbers and its effects may be mediated through the ER in the monocytes.
IL‐1β TNF‐α, and IL‐2 in Peritoneal Fluid and Macrophage‐Conditioned Media of Women With Endometriosis
Authors: KEENAN JEFFREY A. , CHEN THOMAS T. , CHADWELL NANCY L. , TORRY DONALD S. , CAUDLE MICHAEL R. 
Published: May 2013

PROBLEM: The presence of various cytokines in human peritoneal fluid has been incompletely evaluated. Changes in cytokine levels may be related to the development of endometriosis, infertility, and activation of peritoneal macrophages. This study assesses levels of IL‐1β, IL‐2, and TNF‐α in peritoneal fluid and macrophage conditioned media of women with endometriosis.METHOD: Peritoneal fluid was collected from 51 women at the time of diagnostic or operative laparoscopy for benign gynecologic disease. Peritoneal macrophages were isolated, cultured for 24 h, and the culture media collected. IL‐1β, IL‐2, and TNF‐α levels were determined by commercial ELISA kits.RESULTS: The mean concentration of IL‐1β and TNF‐α was significantly higher in macrophage conditioned media of patients with endometriosis (P < 0.02). However, there were no significant changes in peritoneal fluid cytokine levels. Peritoneal macrophage concentrations were also higher in patients with endometriosis.CONCLUSION: This study supports the concept that endometriosis is associated with activation of peritoneal macrophages, and a higher concentration of these cells. This activation is reflected by the increased levels of cytokines found in macrophage conditioned media. The absence of significant changes in peritoneal fluid cytokine levels would seem to indicate that the above derangements are not responsible for the development or progression of endometriosis.
Maternal Cells in Chorionic Villi From Placentae of Normal and Abnormal Human Pregnancies
Authors: Labarrere Carlos A. , Faulk W. Page 
Published: May 2013

PROBLEM: We asked if activated macrophages and CD4 positive T lymphocytes in placental chorionic villi with villitis were of maternal or fetal origin.METHOD: We employed a double antibody immunocytochemical technique on placental sections from three normal and four abnormal pregnancies with small‐for‐gestational‐age infants. All studied placentae were mismatched for the maternal‐fetal HLA‐DRw 52 antigen. Areas of immunopathology were identified by using a monoclonal antibody to a monomorphic determinant on HLA‐DR, and the origin of immunological cells in areas of immunopathology was identified by using a monoclonal antibody to a polymorphic determinant on HLA‐DRw 52.RESULTS: We used a double antibody technique that employed monoclonal antibodies to HLA‐DR and HLA‐DRw 52 antigens and placentae that were mismatched for the maternal‐fetal HLA‐DRw 52 antigen. We found that the vast majority of immunological cells within villi with inflammation were of maternal origin. Quantitative studies showed that between 75 and 100% of the cells in normal as well as in abnormal pregnancies were of maternal origin, and that abnormal pregnancies had a significantly higher percentage of villi with maternal cellular infiltrates.CONCLUSION: Our data show unequivocally that cells in areas of placental immunopathology are predominantly of maternal origin, and that abnormal pregnancies are associated with significantly more villi containing immunological cells of maternal origin.