bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Herbal Medicine Unkei‐To Stimulates Cytokine‐Induced Neutrophil Chemoattractant Production in the Pituitary Folliculo‐Stellate—Like Cell Line (TtT/GF)
Authors: Koike Koji , Zhang Zhen X. , Sakamoto Yoshiki , Jikihara Hiroaki , Masuhara Kanji , Murakami Kouichi , Miyake Akira , Inoue Masaki 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: We previously reported that a cytokine‐induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC) was produced in the pituitary gland and that it influenced anterior pituitary hormone release. In this study we investigated the effect of Unkei‐to, a Japanese herbal medicine, on CINC production in the rat anterior pituitary gland and the pituitary folliculo‐stellate‐like cell line (TtT/GF).METHOD OF STUDY: Dispersed normal anterior pituitary cells and the folliculo‐stellate‐like cell line TtT/GF were used to test the effect of Unkei‐to on CINC secretion and CINC mRNA accumulation. Concentrations of CINC in the conditioned media were measured by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and levels of CINC mRNA were analyzed by Northern blot analysis.RESULTS: Unkei‐to (20 μg/ml) significantly increased the secretion of CINC by normal anterior pituitary cells within 12 hr of incubation. Unkei‐to also stimulated CINC secretion from TtT/GF cells in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner. Unkei‐to (20 μg/ml) increased CINC mRNA accumulation in TtT/GF cells within 3 hr of incubation and also caused a 13‐fold increase in the secretion of CINC from TtT/GF cells compared with the vehicle group within 24 hr of incubation. Finally, we found that some of the Unkei‐to's ingredients, Evodiae fructus and Pinelliae tuber, markedly stimulated CINC secretion from TtT/GF cells.CONCLUSIONS: Our results will help to elucidate the mechanism behind the clinical effect of Unkei‐to on the anterior pituitary gland. They also suggested the presence of special substances, which stimulate CINC secretion, within Unkei‐to's ingredients such as E. fructus and P. tuber.
Supplementation Effect of Early Pregnancy Factor‐Positive Serum into Bovine In Vitro Fertilization Culture Medium
Authors: Ito Kazuei , Takahashi Jutaro , Yasuda Yasuhisa , Takahashi Masahiro , Kawahata Kyoko , Goto Taichi 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: Early pregnancy factor (EPF) has been detected in pregnant bovine serum, and its activity appeared from 24 to 48 hr after insemination. However, in bovine in vitro fertilization (IVF), an EPF‐like substance(s) had been detected in the culture medium of fertilized ovum. Therefore, we think that EPF and EPF‐like substance(s) are very important materials for the development of the embryo. In this study, we examined the development of the embryo when fertilized bovine ova were cultured with IVF culture medium supplemented with EPF‐positive or ‐negative serum.METHOD OF STUDY: EPF activity of each serum (fetal calf serum [FCS], calf serum [CS], estrus bovine serum, and pregnant bovine serum) was assessed by the bovine‐rosette inhibition test. The sera were supplemented in TCM‐199 culture medium, and IVF bovine ova were cultured with the media for 6 or 7 days, respectively. The culture media of each group were evaluated for EPF activity by the bovine‐rosette inhibition test 48 hr after IVF. The cleavage rate of each group was calculated at 48 hr, and 6 or 7 days after IVF. The culture medium of cumulus cells was also tested for EPF activity.RESULTS: Only the pregnant bovine sera were EPF positive. All the culture media 48 hr after IVF became EPF positive. Additionally, the culture medium of cumulus cells did not have EPF activity. There was no significant difference in the cleavage rate of the EPF‐positive and ‐ negative sera 48 hr after IVF. However, the cleavage rate of EPF‐positive sera tended to be higher than the negative sera. In contrast, the blastocyst development rates of EPF‐positive sera were significantly higher than those of the negative sera 6 to 7 days after IVF (P < 0.05).CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that an EPF‐like substance(s) may be secreted from the in vitro fertilized bovine ovum but not from the cumulus cell, and that the EPF in the pregnant serum may accelerate the development of the bovine embryo in IVF.
Influence of Antithyroid Antibodies in Euthyroid Women on In Vitro Fertilization‐Embryo Transfer Outcome
Authors: KIM CHUNG‐HOON , CHAE HEE‐DONG , KANG BYUNG‐MOON , CHANG YOON‐SEOK 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: To investigate whether antithyroid antibodies (ATAs) affect the pregnancy outcome in euthyroid women undergoing in vitro fertilization‐embryo transfer (IVF‐ET).METHOD OF STUDY: Thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOA) and thyroglobulin antibody (TGA) were measured by radioligand assay kits that were used as ATAs in 79 patients with tubal or unexplained infertility who were enrolled in an IVF‐ET program. Women who were positive for antinuclear antibody, lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin antibody, and rheumatoid factor were excluded from our study. The study group comprised 28 (29.1%) euthyroid women who were positive for TPOAs, TGAs, or both. Fifty‐one euthyroid women without ATAs served as control subjects. The results were analyzed with linear regression analysis, Student's f‐test, Mann‐Whitney U test, Kruskal‐Wallis analysis of variance, χ2 test, and Fisher's exact test.RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the study group and the control group in patient characteristics such as age, infertility duration, and hormonal profile. There were also no significant differences between the two groups with respect to the number of retrieved oocytes, the fertilization rate, the number of embryos frozen, and the number of embryos transferred. There were no correlations between ATA (TPOA and TGA) titers and the fertilization rate. The clinical pregnancy rate per cycle was significantly lower in the study group, with 26.3% (10/38), compared with 39.3% (35/89) in the control group. The biochemical pregnancy rate per cycle and the miscarriage rate were significantly higher in the study group, 18.4% (7/38) and 40.0% (4/10), respectively, compared with 5.6% (5/89) and 11.4% (4/35), respectively, in the control group. In the study group, both TPOA and TGA titers were significantly higher in the biochemical pregnancy group than in the clinical pregnancy group or the nonpregnancy group. In 10 women with ATAs who achieved pregnancy after IVF‐ET, both TPOA and TGA titers were significantly higher in the miscarriage group than in the ongoing pregnancy/delivery group.CONCLUSION: ATAs in euthyroid women with tubal or unexplained infertility have an association with a poor pregnancy outcome after IVF‐ET treatment.
Effect of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin on Cytokine Production from Human Endometrial Cells in Vitro
Authors: Uzumcu Mehmet , Coskun Serdar , Jaroudi Kamal , Hollanders Johannes M.G. 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: To examine whether human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is involved in the regulation of interleukin (IL)‐6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) secretion from cultured human endometrial cells.METHOD OF STUDY: A mixed population of endometrial cells from six in vitro fertilization/embryo transfer patients was cultured and incubated with various doses of hCG (0, 1, 10, 50, 100, and 500 IU/ml) for 24 hr. IL‐6, TNF‐α, and LIF levels in the culture medium were measured with enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.RESULTS: IL‐6 and TNF‐α levels were stimulated by hCG in a dose‐dependent manner. Stimulation of IL‐6 and TNF‐α levels by 500 IU/ml of hCG increased their production by 3.7‐ and 2.8‐fold, respectively (P < 0.05). Stimulation of IL‐6 by 100 IU/ml of hCG was also significant (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant effect of hCG on LIF secretion by endometrial cells (P = 0.31).CONCLUSIONS: hCG is involved in the regulation of endometrial cytokine production from human endometrial cells in vitro. This finding supports the recently emerging notion that hCG could have important local roles within the uterus besides its well‐known luteotrophic role on the corpus luteum for maintenance of pregnancy.
Congenital Toxoplasmosis: Efficacy of Maternal Treatment with Spiramycin Alone
Authors: Vergani Patrizia , Ghidini Alessandro , Ceruti Patrizia , Strobelt Nicola , Spelta Antonella , Zapparoli Barbara , Rescaldani Roberto 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: The evidence supporting an additional benefit of a combined regimen of pyrimethamine‐sulfonamides compared with spiramycin alone in the secondary prevention of congenital toxoplasmosis was critically evaluated.METHOD OF STUDY: We reviewed the series of cases published in the English literature on antiparasitic treatment of acute toxoplasmosis infection in pregnancy, using spiramycin until fetal infection is documented, then using cycles of spiramycin alternated with combined pyrimethamine‐sulfonamide therapy. We then compared the occurrence of overt disease among infected offspring (both severe, represented by ophthalmologic or cerebral abnormalities, and mild occurrences, represented by asymptomatic intracranial calcifications and retinal scars without visual impairment) between the published case series and our consecutive series of cases treated during a 10‐year period (January 1986‐December 1995) with spiramycin alone.RESULTS: The prevalence of fetal infection in our series was 7.8% (12/154), similar to that reported after alternated regimens (7.0%). The rate of overt disease among infected fetuses is not different after treatment with alternated regimens than after continuous antibiotic spiramycin therapy [23% (19/82) vs. 10% (1/10); relative risk, 2.3; 95% confidence interval, 0.4, 47.0]. The pharmacokinetics of the drugs used may account for this finding.CONCLUSION: The treatment of acute toxoplasmosis in pregnancy with an alternated antibiotic regimen of pyrimethamine‐sulfonamide is not more efficacious at preventing overt neonatal disease than treatment with continuous spiramycin alone.
Decidual Mast Cells Might Be Involved in the Onset of Human First‐Trimester Abortion
Authors: Marx Lore , Arck Petra , Kieslich Christian , Mitterlechner Stefanie , Kapp Michaela , Dietl Johannes 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: The aim of the present study was to identify the role of mast cells and substance P (SP)‐containing nerve fibers in human decidua in normal and pathological pregnancies.METHOD OF STUDY: We collected decidua from women undergoing termination of normal pregnancies and from abortions. The presence of mast cells and SP was detected by immunohistochemistry.RESULTS: We observed a sparse distribution of mast cells in the normal pregnancies (36.7 tryptase+ mast cells/mm2 decidua). In the decidua from abortion, we found a dramatic increase in the number of mast cells (448.7 and 469.2 tryptase+ mast cells/mm2 decidua in primary and secondary abortions, respectively). In addition, we observed an increase of SP‐positive nerve fibers in the decidua of abortions.CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that decidual mast cells may play an important role in the onset of abortion, due to the production of cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor‐α.
Jeg‐3 Human Choriocarcinoma‐Induced Immunosuppression: Downregulation of Interleukin‐2, Interleukin‐2 Receptor α‐Chain, and Its Jak/Stat Signaling Pathway
Authors: Kilic M. , Flossmann E. , Flossmann O. , Vogelsang H. , Junker U. , Chaouat G. , Markert U.R. 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: The mechanisms of the immunosuppressive and immunosuppression‐in‐ducing capacities of Jeg‐3 human choriocarcinoma cell line supernatants (HCSs) are not yet completely understood. The influence on interleukin (IL)‐2, IL‐4 and interferon (IFN)‐γ production; IL‐2 receptor (IL‐2R) α‐, β‐, and γ‐chain; and the signaling pathway molecules Janus kinase (Jak)1, Jak3, signal transducers and activators of transcription (Stat)1, Stat3, and Stat5 should be investigated.METHOD OF STUDY: For assessment of IL production, whole peripheral venous blood from healthy donors was stimulated with phorbol‐myristate‐acetate and ionomycine. Secretion of ILs was blocked with monensine. Intracellular ILs were analyzed by flow cytometry. For IL‐2R and signaling pathway molecule analysis, peripheral blood lymphocytes were stimulated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA). IL‐2R chains were measured by flow cytometry, and Jaks/Stats by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) and Western blot.RESULTS: Phorbol‐myristate‐acetate and ionomycine strongly increase the percentage of IL‐2+ cells; an additional 50% HCSs significantly suppresses the percentage to, or below the level of unstimulated cells. IFN‐γ production is strongly decreased by HCSs in some cases, but not in others. PHA stimulates IL‐2R α‐, β‐, and γ‐chain expression and their signaling pathway molecules Jak1, Jak3, Stat1, Stat3, and Stat5. 50% HCS downregulates the α‐chain and slightly upregulates the β‐chain. Jak1, Jak3, Stat1, Stat3, and Stat5 expression is suppressed approximately to, or below the level of unstimulated cells.CONCLUSIONS: HCS forcefully blocks the production of IL‐2; the IL‐2R α‐chain; and Jak1, Jak3, Stat1, Stat3, and Stat5 expression. The observed phenomena might be caused by downregulation of an IL‐2R regulation gene, and might play a key role in the expansion of choriocarcinoma, and possibly in the survival of the fetal allograft.
Prevalence of Autoantibodies in Patients with Recurrent Miscarriages
Authors: Ogasawara Mayumi , Aoki Koji , Katano Kinue , Aoyama Tomomi , Kajiura Shoji , Suzumori Kaoru 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: It is well known that the prevalence of several autoantibodies is higher in patients with recurrent miscarriages than in normal women. However, links between individual autoantibodies are unclear. The present study focuses on the possible association between β2‐glycoprotein I (β2‐GPI)‐dependant anticardiolipin antibody (aCL), lupus anticoagulant (LA), and antinuclear antibody (ANA) in patients with recurrent miscarriages.METHOD OF STUDY: Three hundred and one patients, with a history of two or more unexplained miscarriages, were studied. The titers of β2‐GPI‐dependent aCL and LA were then compared between single‐antibody‐positive and three‐antibody‐positive groups.RESULTS: The prevalences of β2‐GPI‐dependant aCL, LA, and ANA were 3.3, 10.0, and 25.2%, respectively. Four of the 301 patients had all three antibodies. The LA titers in patients with positive values for three antibodies was significantly higher than in cases with only LA.CONCLUSION: β2‐GPI‐dependent aCL, LA, and ANA define three distinct, but partly related populations in patients with recurrent miscarriage. We should test at least two kinds of autoantibodies in recurrent aborters, because it has been found that, e.g., β2‐GPI‐dependent aCL and LA are predictors for miscarriages.
A Placenta‐Derived Suppressor Factor with a T‐Cell Bias
Authors: Raghupathy Raj , Khan S. F. B. , Syamasundar P. V. , Bansal P. , Azizieh F. 
Published: September 2011

Raghupathy R, Khan SFB, Syamasundar PV, Bansal P, Azizieh F. A placenta‐derived suppressor factor with a T‐cell bias. AJRI 1999; 42:205–218 © Munksgaard, CopenhagenPROBLEM: Functional and mechanistic aspects of immunosuppression by murine placental supernatants (MPS) were investigated.METHOD OF STUDY: MPS and a low molecular weight fraction of the supernatant (MPSf) were tested for suppressive action on T‐cell reactivity in vitro and in vivo, on B‐cell responses and on T‐cell activation events.RESULTS: MPS and MPSf suppress mitogen‐induced proliferation and mixed lymphocyte reactions of human and murine lymphocytes, antigen‐induced proliferation of T cells in vitro and in vivo, proliferation of CD8+ lymphocytes, proliferation induced by cross‐linking of surface CD3 and the in vivo response of mice to allogeneic stimuli. MPSf affects cell cycling of activated T cells and blocks interleukin (IL)‐2 production. MPSf does not affect antibody production or the induction of MHC class II expression on B cells.CONCLUSIONS: MPSf is a potent inhibitor of T‐cell responses in vitro and in vivo, with no demonstrable effect on B‐cell function.
Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation: A State of Neutrophil Activation
Authors: Orvieto Raoul , Ben‐Rafael Zion , Abir Ronit , Bar‐Hava Itai , Fisch Benjamin , Molad Yair 
Published: September 2011

Orvieto R, Ben‐Rafael Z, Abir R, Bar‐Hava I, Fisch B, Molad Y. Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation: a state of neutrophil activation. AJRI 1999; 42:288–291 © Munksgaard, CopenhagenPROBLEM: To investigate if controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) affects the expression of neutrophil adhesion molecules and if a correlation exists between neutrophil activation and serum sex‐steroid levels.METHOD OF STUDY: The pilot study was carried out in the in vitro fertilization (IVF) unit of our department, and required no modification of our routine IVF protocol. Four patients arriving for baseline hormonal profile on day 1 of the menstrual cycle before initiation of COH (control group) and 11 patients admitted for oocyte recovery (study group) were included. Venous blood was obtained from all patients and examined for hormonal profile and neutrophil activation. The latter was performed by staining for the surface adhesion molecules β2 integrin and L‐selectin. Positive cell count and mean fluorescence intensity were determined by flow cytometry.RESULTS: While neutrophil L‐selectin was significantly lower in the study group than in the control group, neutrophil β2 integrin was nonsignificantly higher. Though no significant correlations were found between neutrophil adhesion molecules and patient age, serum estradiol level, and human chorionic gonadotropin level; neutrophil L‐selectin was negatively correlated with serum progesterone levels.CONCLUSIONS: COH leads to neutrophil activation, which correlates with the degree of luteinization. Further studies are required to elucidate the relationship between the immune system and COH. These may lead to new strategies for promoting fertility and preventing complications of COH.
Type‐1 and Type‐2 Cytokines in Human Decidual Tissue and Trophoblasts from Normal and Abnormal Pregnancies Detected by Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT‐PCR)
Authors: Vives Angels , Balasch Juan , Yagüe Jordi , Quintó Llorenç , Ordi Jaume , Vanrell Juan A. 
Published: September 2011

Vives A, Balasch J, Yagüe J, Quintó L, Ordi J, Vanrell JA. Type‐1 and type‐2 cytokines in human decidual tissue and trophoblasts from normal and abnormal pregnancies detected by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). AJRI 1999; 42:361–368 © Munksgaard, CopenhagenPROBLEM: Cytokine expression at the maternal–fetal interface has been well documented in rodents, but data in the human are scanty and controversial.METHOD OF STUDY: We examined cytokine expression of human decidua and trophoblasts by semiquantitative visual grading of reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) products in five groups of patients: ten patients with uncomplicated term pregnancies undergoing elective cesarean section (Group 1); ten women having normal pregnancies at term and vaginal delivery (Group 2); ten patients having intrauterine growth‐retarded infants of unknown cause after a spontaneous vaginal delivery at term (Group 3); ten childless women having their first, first‐trimester spontaneous abortion (Group 4); and ten childless women with a history of one or more previous first‐trimester spontaneous abortions and having a new miscarriage (Group 5).RESULTS: Results favoring the T‐helper 1 (Th1)/T‐helper 2 (Th2) model during pregnancy were: significantly higher expression of interferon gamma (IFN‐γ) in trophoblast samples from Group 3 versus 2 and in decidual tissue from Group 5 versus 4; stronger positivity of interleukin (IL)‐10 in decidual tissue samples from Group 1 versus Groups 2 and 5; and higher expression levels of tumor necrosis factor‐β (TNF)‐β by the trophoblast in Group 5 versus 1. Against the Th1/Th2 paradigm were the following findings: the significantly increased expression of IFN‐γ by decidual or trophoblast samples in Groups 1 versus 2, 2 versus 3, and 1 versus 5; and the significantly higher expression of TNF‐α in decidual samples from patients in Group 1 (but also Group 4) as compared with Group 5. IL‐2 mRNA and IL‐4 mRNA could not be detected.CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our findings suggest that there is a balance between type‐1 and type‐2 cytokines during pregnancy, which is mainly characterized by the expression of IFN‐γ (a type‐1 cytokine) and IL‐10 (a type‐2 cytokine) at the maternal–fetal interface.
Soluble HLA‐G: Purification from Eukaryotic Transfected Cells and Detection by a Specific ELISA
Authors: Fournel Sylvie , Aguerre‐Girr Maryse , Campan Agnès , Salauze Laetitia , Berrebi Alain , Lone Yu‐Chung , Lenfant Françoise , Bouteiller Philippe Le 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: The detection of soluble forms of human leukocyte antigen‐G molecule (sHLA‐G) at the maternal–fetal interface suggest that sHLA‐G may play a role during pregnancy. To study the potential functions of sHLA‐G, we developed a procedure to detect and produce such HLA‐G isoforms.METHOD OF STUDY: Transfected cell lines expressing either sHLA‐G1s cDNA (JAR‐G1s) or an sHLA‐G monochain DNA (Fox‐G‐mono) containing extracellular domains of HLA‐G linked to the human β2‐microglobulin were used. Specific sHLA‐G enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), using anti‐HLA‐G monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) (87G and BFL.1) as coating antibodies and the biotinylated HLA class I mAb, W6/32, to reveal the bound molecules, was then developed.RESULTS: To assess the specificity of the ELISA, we tested cell culture supernatants from the trophoblast‐derived JEG‐3 cell line and the HLA‐G1s‐transfected JAR cells, and we detected sHLA‐G in both supernatants. sHLA‐G monochain was also detected by ELISA in transfected cell supernatants using the conformational mAb, W6/32, showing that the conformation of sHLA‐G monochain was proper. Using the same ELISA, sHLA‐G was detected in various samples of amniotic fluid. To test the potential role of sHLA‐G, sHLA‐G has been purified by immunoaffinity columns, using W6/32 mAb, from culture supernatants of HLA‐G1s or sHLA‐G monochain‐transfected cells.CONCLUSION: These important tools will be useful both for the detection of sHLA‐G in various biological fluids and in functional tests.
Hypocomplementemia Correlates with Intrauterine Growth Retardation in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Kobayashi Noriko , Yamada Hideto , Kishida Tatsuro , Kato Emi‐Hirayama , Ebina Yasuhiko , Sakuragi Noriaki , Kobashi Gen , Tsutsumi Akito , Fujimoto Seiichiro 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: The aim of this study was to elucidate fetomaternal risks in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)‐complicated pregnancy.METHOD OF STUDY: Pregnancy course, complications, and fetal outcome in 82 pregnancies of 55 patients with SLE were investigated.RESULTS: These 82 pregnancies resulted in 14 fetal losses and 66 live births. Without clinical manifestation of SLE‐flare, 4 of 8 patients who had low serum complement activity during the pregnancies delivered small‐for‐date neonates. The rate of the intrauterine growth retardation was significantly higher than that observed in pregnancies with normal complement activity. The frequency of premature deliveries (60%) in patients who received more than 15 mg/day of prednisolone was significantly high when compared with pregnancies maintained by 0–15 mg/day (13.1%).CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate the preconceptional and perinatal management necessary in SLE and suggest that the pregnancy with hypocomplementemia, the disease activity, and/or a relatively high maintenance dose of corticosteroid should be carefully managed and monitored.