bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Presence of a C1‐Inhibitor‐Like Molecule (C1‐INH‐L) On Human Sperm: Its Involvement in Sperm Motility
Authors: Jiang Haixiang , Pillai Subbi , Ruby Eric , Howard Leslie , Butler William J. , Zhang Huamei 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: An 88–92‐kDa C1‐inhibitor‐like molecule (C1‐INH‐L) was previously identified to elicit cytotoxic sperm antibody response in infertile men and women. Here, we document that it is present on the human sperm surface and could be detected by an enzyme‐labeled immunoglobulin G (IgG) fraction of anti‐human C1‐INH antibody. METHOD OF STUDY: Western blot analysis, enzyme‐lined immunoadsorbent assay (ELISA) and computerized sperm motion analysis.RESULTS: The existence of C1‐INH‐L on the sperm surface is calcium independent. Phosphatidylinositol‐specific phospholipase C (PIPLC), EDTA, and acid (pH 3.0) could not remove the C1‐INH‐L from sperm, but trypsin did. Activated C1s was able to bind to the sperm surface. Immunofluorescence studies localized the protein to the head and midpiece of the sperm membrane. The C1‐INH‐L exists on both uncapacitated and capacitated sperm surfaces, which suggests that this protein is a sperm‐surface protein. The heat‐treated (56°C, 30 min) IgG fraction of anti‐C1‐INH greatly reduced the percentage of motile spermatozoa and the progressive and path velocities in the absence of complement. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that C1‐INH is a sperm membrane‐anchored protein that may have complement and sperm motility regulatory function.
Lymphokine‐Activated Killer (LAK)‐Mediated Lysis of Sequentially Isolated Ovarian Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Yashar Catheryn M. , Taylor Duglas D. , Gibb Rndall K. , Gerçel‐Taylor çiçk 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: Understanding immunologic eradication of cancer is hampered by failure to explore tumor evolution. Cell surface molecules may alter with therapy and disease progression. These alterations can translate into variable susceptibility to immune‐mediated cell lysis.METHOD OF STUDY: Cell lines from a patient with ovarian carcinoma isolated at surgical debulking (UL‐3A), during chemotherapy (UL‐3B), and after progression (UL‐3C) were used to study changes in cell lysis by natural killer (NK) and lymphokine‐activated killer (LAK) cells. The role of adhesion molecules ICAM‐1, LFA‐3, and glycoproteins in the demonstrated differential killing was also examined.RESULTS: An inverse relationship between attachment and lysis was demonstrated. UL‐3C, the most sensitive to lysis (50%), attached the least lymphocytes (40%), whereas UL‐3A, the least sensitive (33%), attached the most lymphocytes (71%). A correlation with ICAM‐1 and LFA‐3 expression was not demonstrated.CONCLUSION: Ovarian cancer cells evolve throughout the disease course, and this may manifest as differential sensitivity to immune‐mediated cell lysis.
Regulation of Interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐8 Production in an Amnion‐derived Cell Line by Cytokines, Growth Factors, Glucocorticoids, and Phorbol Esters
Authors: Keelan Jeffrey A. , Sato Timothy , Mitchell Murray D. 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: To determine whether amnion cells produce interleukin (IL)−6 and −8 and thus may contribute to the high concentrations of these cytokines in amniotic fluid at term.METHOD OF STUDY: Amnion‐derived WISH cells were treated in culture with stimuli over 16 hr, and IL‐6 and IL‐8 concentrations in the conditioned media were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay or bioassay (IL‐6 only).RESULTS: IL‐8 production was ˜5‐fold higher than that of IL‐6 under basal and stimulated conditions. Significant (by Dunnett's test after analysis of variance) stimulation of production of both cytokines was achieved by IL‐1β (>0.2 ng/ml), TNFα (>10 ng/ml), and the phorbol ester, phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (>2 nM), over a 16‐hr culture period. Epidermal growth factor at 10 ng/ml induced a small increase in production of IL‐8, but not of IL‐6, whereas bacterial lipopolysaccharide had minimal effects on production of either cytokine. Basal and cytokine‐stimulated IL‐6 and IL‐8 production was inhibited by dexamethasone at concentrations equal to or greater than 1 nM.CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that amnion may be a significant contributor to the IL‐6 and IL‐8 content of amniotic fluid, and that WISH cells may be a suitable model for the study of cytokine production by amnion epithelial cells.
Amniotic Fluid Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor Levels: A Rapid Marker for Diagnosing Chorioamnionitis
Authors: Hoskins Iffath Abbasi , Zandieh Peyman , Schatz Frederick , Lee Christina 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: To assess the usefulness of amniotic fluid (AF) granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G‐CSF) levels as a rapid marker for diagnosing chorioamnionitis.METHOD OF STUDY: AF levels were obtained from term and preterm patients with and without chorioamnionitis (CAM). Patients with urinary tract, respiratory tract, and other infections were excluded. Results obtained from the AF G‐CSF assays were compared with those from other parameters used for diagnosing CAM: maternal fever, leukocytosis, tachycardia, fetal tachycardia, AF glucose levels, white blood cell count, Gram stain, and aerobic and anaerobic cultures. The sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values were calculated.RESULTS: In the uninfected AF samples, G‐CSF levels were present but low, ranging from 400 to 1600 pg/ml. Levels in the infected samples, however, were markedly increased, ranging from 1600 to 14,000 pg/ml; P < 0.05. When a cutoff of 2000 pg/ml was used as a clear marker for CAM, the sensitivity was 67%, the specificity was 100%, and the positive and negative predictive values were 100% and 86%, respectively. The comparison of the other AF G‐CSF laboratory parameters also revealed high sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values for detecting CAM.CONCLUSION: (i) AF G‐CSF levels are elevated in CAM. (ii) An AF G‐CSF level >2000 pg/ml is a strong positive predictor of CAM. (iii) Elevated AF G‐CSF levels appear to be more reliable in predicting CAM than any other single test currently used in clinical practice.
Expression of Cell Adhesion Molecules in the Extravillous Trophoblast Is Altered in IUGR
Authors: Zygmunt M. , Boving B. , Wienhard J. , Münstedt K. , Braems G. , Bohle R.M. , Lang U. 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: The invasion of trophoblast cells into the uterine wall and its arterial system is essential for the normal development of pregnancy. Cell adhesion molecules (CAM), such as the immunoglobulin superfamily and integrins, play a crucial role in a number of immunological reactions and in the invasion of the human trophoblast. Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) has been associated with abnormal trophoblast invasion. Therefore, the expression of CAM in the extravillous trophoblast of pregnancies complicated by IUGR might be different from normal pregnancies.METHOD OF STUDY: Normal (n = 21) and IUGR (n = 19) placentas were collected and stored at −70°C. Immunohistochemistry (avidin‐biotin complex peroxidase‐doublestaining) of frozen tissue sections was performed using antibodies specific for the immunoglobulin superfamily vascular adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1; CD 106), intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM‐1) (CD 54), ICAM‐2 (CD 102), ICAM‐3 (CD 50), the integrins α2β1, α3β1, α4β1, α5β1, α6β1 and cytokeratin. The percentage of immunopositive extravillous trophoblast cells (EVT) and the intensity of the immunoreactivity for the various CAM and integrin antibodies was assessed.RESULTS: In IUGR placentas, there was less expression of VCAM‐1 (CD 106), α2β1, α3β1, and α5β1 (P < 0.05) in the extravillous trophoblast than in normal pregnancies. Finally we observed for the first time that ICAM‐3 was expressed on EVT and that its expression was markedly up‐regulated in the EVT of IUGR placentas. No differences were found for ICAM‐1 (CD 54), ICAM‐2 (CD 102), α4β1 and α6β1.CONCLUSION: Our data show that there are significant differences in the expression of cell adhesion molecules of the extravillous trophoblast from IUGR and normal pregnancies. These differences might reflect changes in the immunological reactions and cell‐cell interactions between mother and the developing fetus which could interfere with fetal growth.
Novel Implications in the Development of Endometriosis: Biphasic Effect of Macrophage Activation on Peritoneal Tissue Expression of Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase‐1
Authors: Nothnick Warren B. , Soloway Paul D. 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: Elevated levels of activated macrophages are associated with endometriosis, but their role in the etiology of the disease is uncertain. The current study was undertaken to examine whether activated macrophages could modulate peritoneal tissue expression of the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1 (TIMP‐1), which may play a role in the development of endometriosis.METHOD OF STUDY: Female mice were treated with the macrophage activator lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and peritoneum TIMP‐1 mRNA was examined by Northern blot analysis.RESULTS: LPS induced a dose‐dependent increase (P < 0.05) in TIMP‐1 mRNA expression at levels of 1 μg (70.0% ± 5.8% greater than the control), 10 μg (83.0% ± 12.0% greater than the control), and 25 μg (100.0% ± 10.0% greater than the control). In contrast, the administration of 50 μg of LPS resulted in a decrease in TIMP‐1 mRNA expression below baseline levels (18.0% ± 6.0% less than the control values).CONCLUSIONS: Activated macrophages and/or their products modulate peritoneum TIMP‐1 expression. These data suggest that, in addition to their phagocytotic role in the peritoneal cavity, these immune cells also may play a novel role in influencing the ability of the peritoneum to regulate tissue/cell invasion and in the development of endometriosis through TIMP‐1 expression.
Endometrial Leukocytes Are Altered Numerically and Functionally in Women with Implantation Defects
Authors: Stewart‐Akers Ann M. , Krasnow Joel S. , Brekosky Jill , Deloia Julie A. 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: A significant cohort of women with autoimmune thyroid disease (ATD) also suffer from reduced fertility. The finding that neither exogenous hormones nor donor eggs correct the infertility suggests that the problem involves an inherent endometrial defect.METHOD OF STUDY: Endometrial leukocyte populations in women with ATD were quantitated by immunohistochemistry. A semi‐quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) technique was used to examine the expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1, interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐10, and interferon (IFN)‐γ in the endometrial samples.RESULTS: A significant increase in the endometrial T‐cell population was observed in women with ATD compared to controls. The relative abundance of IL‐4 and IL‐10 was decreased in women with ATD compared to controls, whereas IFN‐γ was increased. No difference was noted in the abundance of TGF‐β1. The source of cytokine production for IL‐4, IL‐10, and IFNγ was the endometrial leukocytes.CONCLUSIONS: Both the leukocyte numbers and cytokine expression profile were altered significantly in a well‐defined group of women with implantation defects.
Placental Transport of Maternal Immunoglobulin G
Authors: Palfi Miodrag , Selbing Anders 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: How does the placental transport of immunoglobulin G (IgG) vary with gestational age?METHOD OF STUDY: MEDLINE was searched for the appearance of “pregnancy” and “IgG” in the title or abstract from 1966 up to 1995. All publications were reviewed for any kind of IgG data from the fetus and the mother and “known” gestational age. In total, 96 publications from the MEDLINE search fulfilled the search criteria. Seven of ninety‐six publications contained IgG and gestational age data from the fetus and/or the mother. Five other publications that fulfilled the same criteria were also available and were also included. RESULTS: Fetal serum IgG concentrations were found to increase with gestational age according to the formula: fetal IgG = 13.564 − 1.094* gestational age (GA) + 0.026* GA2 (R2 = 0.877). The fetomaternal (f/m) ratio was also found to increase with gestational age according to the formula: f/m IgG = 0.399 − 0.059* GA + 0.003* GA2 − 2.065* 10—5* GA3 (R2 = 0.831).CONCLUSIONS: The fetal IgG concentrations exceed maternal IgG concentrations after the 35th week of pregnancy. The fetal IgG concentrations are extremely low in the beginning of pregnancy, they exceed 2.5 g/L at >25 pregnancy weeks, and they reach 5 g/L at pregnancy week 30.
Intravenous Immunoglobulin Therapy for Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Daya Salim , Gunby Joanne , Clark David A. 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: Published randomized trials of the use of intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) as a treatment for recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) have produced conflicting results. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the current evidence to evaluate the effectiveness of IVIG for RSA.METHOD OF STUDY: After a thorough search of the literature, four randomized, doubleblind trials comparing IVIG with placebo for treatment of RSA were included in the metaanalysis. Live birth rates for each treatment group were extracted, and the overall odds ratio (OR) and absolute treatment effect for IVIG were calculated.RESULTS: Two of the trials showed an increase in successful pregnancy outcome with IVIG treatment and two did not. The overall OR was 1.48 (95% CI, 0.84–2.60) in favor of IVIG, with an absolute treatment effect of 10.1% (95% CI, −4.8–24.6). Excluding pregnancy failures with an obvious cause produced statistically significant results, but this approach may be subject to bias.CONCLUSION: This meta‐analysis suggests that IVIG may have a role in the treatment of recurrent abortion, but as yet no conclusive evidence is available.
Clinical Significance of Morphologic and Genetic Examination of Spontaneously Aborted Embryos
Authors: Kalousek Dagmar K. 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: In families with a history of multiple pregnancy losses, the prognosis of future pregnancies is critically dependent on recognizing an accurate pathogenesis of pregnancy loss.METHOD OF STUDY: Morphological and genetic evaluation of products of conception provides necessary information for clinicians. Modern molecular cytogenetic techniques such as in situ hybridization and comparative genomic hybridization allow cytogenetic diagnosis even when aborted tissues are nonviable.RESULTS: Correlation of morphological and cytogenetic findings allows distinction between developmental defects associated with chromosomal syndromes and other pathogenesis such as environmental teratogens, and Mendalian or multifactorial inheritance.CONCLUSION: Pathologists have the responsibility of ensuring that the answers to questions, such as why the failure occurred or whether there is any increased chance of having an abnormal liveborn infant in a future pregnancy, are obtained and that the information is communicated to the parent's obstetrician, geneticist, and family physician.
High Levels of Anticardiolipin Antibodies in Patients with Abnormal Embryo Morphology Who Attended an In Vitro Fertilization Program
Authors: Azem Foad , Geva Eli , Amit Ami , Lerner‐Geva Liat , Shwartz Tamar , Ben‐Yosef Dalit , Yovel Israel , Lessing Joseph B. 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: Recently, it has been suggested that anticardiolipin antibodies (ACAs) may serve as possible markers for reproductive failure. The association between ACAs and embryo morphology in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) was investigated.METHOD OF STUDY: This prospective study comprised 117 patients with either tubal factor or unexplained infertility. Embryo morphology was blindly scored from I to IV according to blastomere regularity and the presence of fragments. Anticardiolipin antibodies (immunoglobulin [Ig] G and IgM) were detected.RESULTS: Anticardiolipin antibodies were found in 26 (50%) of the 52 patients with abnormal morphology, compared with 13 (20%) of the 65 patients with normal embryo morphology (P = 0.001). No statistically significant differences were found between the prevalence of ACAs among patients with tubal factor and those with unexplained infertility (29.6% and 36.5%, respectively).CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows an association between embryo morphology and the presence of ACAs. This association may explain the low implantation rate and early pregnancy loss in patients with ACAs.
Female Reproductive Tract Immunity in Bovine Trichomoniasis
Authors: Corbeil Lynette B. , Anderson Mark L. , Corbeil Robert R. , Eddow John M. , BonDurant Robert H. 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: Mechanisms of protective immunity in the female reproductive tract are poorly understood. For sexually transmitted diseases, bovine trichomoniasis is a useful model because il resembles human trichomoniasis to some extent, and antibodies play an important role in protection against these extracellular parasites. Protective efficacy was compared in animals with genital responses of predominantly immunoglobulin G (IgG) or predominantly IgA antibodies to a purified surface antigen ofTritrichomonas foetus.METHOD OF STUDY: Immunization of mice by various routes with immunoaffinity‐purifiedT. foetussurface antigen (TF1.17) or killed cells was used to define the best routes and antigen combinations to give predominantly IgG or IgA antibodies to TF1.17 antigens in genital secretions. Cattle were then immunized either subcutaneously (SC) two times with TF1.17 antigen and once SC with killedT. foetusor twice SC with TF1.17 antigen and once intravaginally with killedT. foetus.All immunizations were in Quil A adjuvant. Controls were not immunized. Animals were challenged intravaginally with 106T. foetus3 weeks after the third immunization. Vaginal mucus was collected weekly for culture and antibody assays. Serum was collected weekly, and uterine secretions were collected at 10 weeks post‐challenge. Tissues were fixed at 10 weeks also.RESULTS: Murine studies showed systemic priming with vaginal boosting gave the highest genital IgA responses. In cattle, systemic immunization (group S) induced high IgG1 antibody levels in vaginal secretions. Systemic priming with vaginal boosting (group S/V) primed for an anamnestic vaginal IgA response after challenge withT. foetus.Cattle with predominantly IgG or predominantly IgA responses in vaginal secretions either did not become infected or cleared infection faster than controls. Uterine IgA responses at 10 weeks were highest in the vaginally boosted group, but other responses were not different from the controls at this time point. Microscopic examination of genital tissues showed subepithelial infiltration of mononuclear cells in all groups. Lymphoid aggregates or nodules were detected in vaginal sections in cattle of groups S/V and C as well as in uterine sections of all animals in all three groups.CONCLUSIONS: Both IgG and IgA antibodies toT. foetussuperficial antigen were associated with protection. The timing of the response was related to the time of clearance. Lymphoid organization in the vagina and uterine tissues suggested development of mucosal inductive sites.
Influence of the Estrous Cycle on the Presence and Distribution of Immune Cells in the Rat Reproductive Tract
Authors: Kaushic Charu , Frauendorf Elaine , Rossoll Richard M. , Richardson Jan M. , Wira Charles R. 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: Previous studies have shown that the uterus and vagina contain cells that can present antigen to ovalbumin‐specific T‐cells. The objective of the present study was to systematically characterize the immune cells [major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class‐II+, macrophages, granulocytes, dendritic cells, and CD8+ cells] present in the uterus and vagina of the rat and to examine their distribution at various stages of the estrous cycle.METHOD OF STUDY: Uterine and vaginal tissues from female rats were selected at various stages of the estrous cycle and were examined by immunohistochemical analysis. MHC class‐II (Ia)‐positive cells were detected using the OX‐6 monoclonal antibody; macrophages, granulocytes, and dendritic cells were detected by OX‐41 monoclonal antibody and CD8‐positive T‐cells were identified by OX‐8 monoclonal antibody.RESULTS: Immunohistochemical analysis showed cycle‐dependent changes in the immune cell populations in the uterus and vagina. Ia+ cells, macrophages, granulocytes, and dendritic cells were present in large numbers in the stroma of the endometrium and around the glandular epithelium in the uterus at estrus, the stage of the reproductive cycle when estradiol levels are known to be high, relative to those seen at diestras, when estrogen levels are low and progesterone is the predominant hormone. CD8+ cells were observed in the uterus interspersed between glandular epithelial cells at estrus. Immune cells were more numerous in the vagina, relative to the uterus. OX‐6‐ and OX‐41‐positive cells were present in greater numbers in the subepithelial layers of the vagina at diestras, in contrast to estrus.CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that a variety of immune cells are present in the reproductive tract and that their number and distribution vary in a tissue‐specific manner with the stage of the estrous cycle.
Evidence That Folliculo‐Stellate Cells Mediate the Inhibitory Effect of Japanese Kampo Medicine, Unkei‐To, on Growth Hormone Secretion in Rat Anterior Pituitary Cell Cultures
Authors: Koike K. , Zhang Z. X. , Sakamoto Y. , Miyake A. , Inoue M. 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: Cytokine‐induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC) was reported to influence anterior pituitary hormone release. We recently found that Unkei‐to, one of the Japanese Kampo medicines, stimulated CINC secretion by rat anterior pituitary cells and the pituitary folliculo‐stellate (FS)‐like cell line (TtT/GF). Therefore, the effect of Unkei‐to on growth hormone (GH) secretion by rat anterior pituitary cells was investigated.METHOD OF STUDY: Dispersed normal anterior pituitary cells, the folliculo‐stellate‐like cell line TtT/GF, and the GH3 cell were used to test the effect of Unkei‐to on GH secretion. In reconstitutive coculture experiments, TtT/GF cells were mixed with GH3 cells at a ratio (TtT/GF cells: GH3 cells) of 1:99. From this mixture, cells were seeded onto plates at a density of 104 cells/well and were cultured for 5 days. The cells were then used in the experiments.RESULTS: Unkei‐to at 20 μg/ml significantly inhibited GH secretion by normal anterior ptuitary cells within 12 hr of incubation. In contrast Unkei‐to stimulated GH secretion by GH3 cells in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner, suggesting that an accessory cell type was involved. To assess the contribution of CINC as a paracrine factor, an experiment using a reconstitutive coculture system was performed, and Unkei‐to was found to inhibit GH secretion when GH3 cells were cocultured with TtT/GF cells. The addition of anti‐CINC antibody to the reconstitutive coculture system antagonized Unkei‐to‐inhibited GH secretion.CONCLUSION: CINC, which was secreted from FS cells by Unkei‐to, may be responsible for mediating the inhibitory effect of Unkei‐to on GH secretion by rat anterior pituitary cells.