bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Use of Combined Heparin/Aspirin and Immunoglobulin G Therapy in the Treatment of In Vitro Fertilization Patients With Antithyroid Antibodies
Authors: Sher Geoffrey , Maassarani Ghanima , Zouves Christo , Feinman Michael , Sohn Sae , Matzner William , Chong Penny , Ching Wendell 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: To compare the effect of heparin/aspirin therapy alone vs. heparin/aspirin in combination with intravenous immuno‐globulin (IVIg) immunotherapy on in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcome of patients who test positive for antithyroid antibodies (ATAs).METHOD OF STUDY: Eighty‐two women younger than 40 years of age whose infertility was related exclusively to female causes were evaluated. All tested positive for organ‐specific antithyroid antibodies (antimicrosomal and/or antithyroglobulin antibodies), but negative for antiphospholipid antibodies. Thirty‐seven of these women (group A) received H/A alone, whereas 45 (group B) received heparin/aspirin in combination with IVIg.RESULTS: Ten (27%) of women in group A and 23 (51%) of women in group B achieved live births after completion of a single IVF/embryo transfer cycle (P = 0.027).CONCLUSION: We conclude that IVIg therapy significantly improves IVF success rates in ATA+ women.
Adenosine Deaminase and Human Reproduction: A Comparative Study of Fertile Women and Women with Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion
Authors: Nicotra M. , Bottini N. , Grasso M. , Gimelfarb A. , Lucarini N. , Cosmi E. , Bottini E. 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: We have investigated the possible role of adenosine deaminase (ADA) genetic polymorphism in human fertility through a comparative study of couples with recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) and healthy puerperae.METHOD OF STUDY: Adenosine deaminase phenotype has been determined in 209 women with repeated episodes of unexplained spontaneous abortion (RSA) and their husbands, as well as in 115 healthy pregnant women from the population of Rome. An independent sample of 286 puerperae along with their newborn infants in the population of Penne was also studied.RESULTS: The proportion of carriers of ADA*2 allele, which is associated with the lowest enzymatic activity, is lower among women with RSA than among healthy pregnant women from the same population of Rome. Preliminary observations suggest a protective effect of ADA*2 against the development of autoantibodies in RSA. Such an effect seems to be mediated by an interaction with ABO blood groups. In the population of Penne the proportion of women carrying ADA*2 allele is higher among those who have had two or more previously born children than among women with only one or no children.CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that women carrying the ADA*2 allele are better protected against the spontaneous loss of embryos and have a higher fertility rate.
How Might Pregnancy Immunize Against Breast Cancer?
Authors: Botelho Fernando , Clark David A. 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: This study investigated how pregnancy might protect against breast cancer. METHOD OF STUDY: A critical review of the literature was done.RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: Support for an active role in pregnancy immunizing against breast cancer comes from case studies demonstrating a reciprocal correlation between pregnancy and breast cancer as well as recent experiments supporting the fetal antigen hypothesis that confirms the presence of a tumor‐specific antigen, MUC1, on both fetal and breast cancer tissues. Multiparous women also generate anti‐MUC1 major histocompatibility complex‐restricted cytotoxic T cell cytolytic activity against MUC1‐bearing tumor cell lines. Careful investigation of the fetal antigen hypothesis and tolerogenic mechanisms may lead to effective vaccination protocols against breast cancer and other cancers.
Regain of Fertility and Normality of Progeny Born During Below Protective Threshold Antibody Titers in Women Immunized With the HSD‐hCG Vaccine
Authors: Singh Meharban , Das S.K. , Suri S. , Singh Om , Talwar G.P. 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: Phase II clinical trials with the heterospecies dimer of βhCG and α‐subunit of ovine luteinizing hormone (HSD)‐human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) vaccine showed that pregnancy was prevented at and above 50 ng/ml titers, whereas conceptions occurred below 35 ng/ml of hCG bioneutralization capacity. The effect of below‐protective threshold anti‐hCG antibodies on the progression of pregnancy and the normality of progeny was studied.METHOD OF STUDY: Four women enrolled by informed consent in the Phase II trials. The women studied were immunized with the HCG vaccine and did not receive booster injections in consideration of their desire to have another child. They were examined clinically at least once every month until delivery. The babies were followed up from 2 to 3.5 years, and their anthropometric indices were compared with elder siblings.RESULTS: The pregnancies progressed to 35 to 38 weeks with the usual obstetric problems, and the children developed normally.CONCLUSIONS: The anti‐fertility effect of the HSD‐hCG vaccine is reversible and low titers of antibodies below the protective threshold have no apparent side effects on the progression of pregnancy and on the early development of the progeny.
Suppression of Natural Killer Cell Activity and Interleukin‐2 Concentration of Serum Obtained from In Vitro Fertilization‐Embryo Transfer Patients
Authors: NAKAMURA YOSHIHIRO , FUJINO YUJI , OZAKI KOUJI , UEDA KAYOKO , OZAKI AYAKO , ITOH FUMITOSHI , OGITA SACHIO 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: The effect of serum obtained from in vitro fertilization‐embryo transfer (IVF‐ET) patients on healthy volunteers' natural killer (NK) cell activity was evaluated. We also measured interleukin (IL)‐2 concentration with IVF‐ET patients' serum and clarified the relationship between IL‐2 levels and the suppressive effect on NK cell activity.METHOD OF STUDY: A retrospective nonrandomized clinical study was performed. The suppressive effect on NK cell activity and IL‐2 concentrations was measured with serum obtained from 30 pregnant and 30 nonpregnant women during an IVF‐ET procedure. The suppressive effect of the serum on NK cell activity was evaluated by the formula that we defined in our previous study.RESULTS: The suppression of NK cell activity was significantly higher in the nonpregnant women than in the pregnant women (P < 0.05); however, IL‐2 concentration did not differ. There was a positive correlation between the suppression of NK cell activity and IL‐2 levels in the pregnant women, but no significant correlation in the nonpregnant women.CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the suppression of NK cell activity may be one of the prognostic factors for IVF‐ET. In addition, we speculate that an unidentified humoral factor other than IL‐2, which could increase NK cell activity, might exist in the serum of the nonpregnant patient.
Expression of Vimentin and Cytokeratin in Eutopic and Ectopic Endometrium of Women with Adenomyosis and Ovarian Endometrioma
Authors: SONG IN OK , HONG SUNG RAN , HUH YOUNGBUHM , YOO KEUN JAI , KOONG MI KYOUNG , JUN JONG YOUNG , KANG INN SOO 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: To determine the expression of vimentin and cytokeratin in eutopic and ectopic endometrium of women with both adenomyosis and ovarian endometrioma and to evaluate their cyclic changes during the menstrual cycle.METHOD OF STUDY: Twenty patients requiring hysterectomy with salpingo‐oophorectomy were studied by immunohistochemistry according to their menstrual cycles.RESULTS: Cyclic expression of vimentin was noted in eutopic endometrium and adenomyosis, but not in endometrioma. Cytokeratin expression did not change during the menstrual cycles. The mean intensities of epithelial vimentin were significantly different from each other, being the lowest in endometrioma, intermediate in adenomyosis, and the highest in eutopic endometrium. There was no significant difference in intensities of cytokeratin between adenomyosis and endometrioma, but these intensities were significantly lower than that of eutopic endometrium.CONCLUSIONS: Lower intensities of cytokeratin in adenomyosis and endometrioma than in eutopic endometrium suggest that the ectopic endometria may have a lower degree of differentiation regardless of the site. The lower intensity of epithelial vimentin in endometrioma than in adenomyosis during the proliferative phase may reflect decreased functional activity, probably because of a pressure effect on the lining epithelium within the endometrioma.
Do Autoantibodies to Sperm Reduce Fecundity? A Mini‐Review in Historical Perspective
Authors: HJORT TAGE 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: The paradox that early studies of antisperm antibodies in men showed a strong correlation between titers of circulating antibodies (essentially immunoglobulin [Ig] G) and reduction in conception rates, whereas more recent studies have indicated that the antifertility effect is mainly (or exclusively?) associated with IgA antibodies, impairing sperm migration through cervical mucus, was studied.METHOD OF STUDY: Relevant literature focusing on antibodies on ejaculated sperm was analyzed.RESULTS: Direct mixed antiglobulin reaction (MAR) and immunobead‐binding tests are excellent and sensitive techniques for demonstrating antibodies of the IgG and IgA classes on sperm, and they have revealed that IgA antibodies are, with very rare exceptions, found only when IgG antibodies are also present. However, these tests tell little about the amounts of antibodies present, and attempts to measure quantitatively the amounts of Ig on sperm have indicated higher levels of IgA than IgG (despite the strongest MAR reactivities for IgG).CONCLUSIONS: The patients with high levels of IgA to their sperm are mainly men with strong immune responses and, therefore, also high antibody titers in serum. Apparently, the locally produced IgA antibodies reach the sperm and occupy the binding sites before the main bulk of IgG reaches the seminal compartment with the prostatic fluid.
Altered Modulation of the In Vitro Antibody Synthesis by Placental Factors from the CBA/J × DBA/2 Abortion‐Prone Mating Combination
Authors: Miranda S. , Borel I. Malán , Margni R. 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: The in vitro immunomodulating effect of placental culture supernatants (PSs) obtained from two H‐2k × H‐2d allogeneic crossbreedings, the CBA/J × DBA/2 abortion‐prone mating combination, and the reproductively normal pregnancy CBA/J × BALB/c crossbreeding were compared, and the influence of previous deliveries was evaluated. The behavior of placentae obtained from CBA/J females with two previous pregnancies by BALB/c males was also investigated.METHOD OF STUDY: Supernatants of cultures of murine placentae were added to a mouse immunoglobulin (Ig) G1 hybridoma culture which produced anti‐dinitrophenol (anti‐DNP) antibodies. The quantity of monoclonal antibody produced, the nature of these antibodies, and the proliferation of the hybridoma cells were studied.RESULTS: CBA/J × DBA/2 placental factors obtained from multiparous females induced a diminished asymmetric IgG antibody production without varying the quantity of antibody produced. In contrast, PSs obtained from the nonresorption‐prone CBA/J × BALB/c mating combination with the same number of previous deliveries enhanced the production of both symmetric and asymmetric anti‐DNP molecules and also increased the proportion of asymmetric blocking monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) synthesized by the hybridoma. Both of the PSs analyzed had induced similar inhibition of 3H‐thymidine uptake. PSs obtained from the abortion‐prone mating combination whose CBA/J females had two previous pregnancies by BALB/c males showed similar immunomodulating effects to those observed using multiparous CBA/J × BALB/c placentae.CONCLUSIONS: We propose that the placenta produces soluble factors that participate in the regulation of antibody synthesis by the mother during gestation. Such a placental immunomodulating effect appears to be altered in the CBA/J × DBA/2 abortion‐prone mating combination and could be corrected by previous pregnancies by BALB/c males. These observations suggest that placental factors would be relevant to the protection of the fetus and might play an important role in the immune equilibrium between mother and fetus. Asymmetric antibody production as a Th2 responsiveness was also discussed.
Mechanisms of Action of Major‐Histocompatibility‐Complex — Linked Genes Affecting Reproduction
Authors: Gill Thomas J. 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: To provide insight into the mechanisms of action of the major‐histocompatibility‐complex (MHC)‐linked genes affecting reproduction.METHOD OF STUDY: The data were obtained using a variety of cellular and molecular techniques in experimental animals and from population genetic studies in humans.RESULTS: In the mouse, the preimplantation embryonic development (Ped) locus, whose functional gene is Q9, regulates fast and slow cleavage of the early embryo. There is also evidence for a growth and reproduction complex (Grc)‐like region from serologic, molecular, and cytogenetic studies. In the human, the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐G gene has been associated with an increased rate of embryonic cleavage in those embryos that express the HLA‐G antigen. Sharing of HLA antigens in couples has been associated with recurrent spontaneous abortions, gestational trophoblastic tumors, and unexplained infertility. Detailed mapping studies showed that the genes responsible are not the HLA genes themselves, but genes closely linked to the HLA‐DR‐DQ‐B genes. The HLA region genes can interact epistatically with the C3 allele of transferrin to increase the incidence of fetal loss. In the rat, the Grc region, which is closely linked to the MHC, has been associated with embryonic loss, growth defects, and susceptibility to chemical carcinogens. The Grc can interact epistatically with the tail anomaly lethal (Tal) gene or the hood restriction (Hre) gene to enhance these effects.CONCLUSIONS: There are two basic mechanisms for the effects of MHC‐linked genes on reproduction and development: individual gene effects (Ped [Q9], HLA‐G) and extended genetic effects (MHC‐linked genes in the rat [Grc] and in the human). The nature of these genetic effects, particularly the MHC‐linked effects, can also provide some insight into the different theories of human origins: These effects are most consistent with the monogenic theory.
Natural Killer (NK) Cell Subsets and NK Cell Cytotoxicity in Women with Histories of Recurrent Spontaneous Abortions
Authors: Gilman‐Sachs Alice , DuChateau Brian K. , Aslakson Cheryl J. , Wohlgemuth Ghislaine P. , Kwak Joanne Y. , Beer Alan E. , Beaman Kenneth D. 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: Natural Killer (NK) cell measurement and NK cytotoxicity are two measurements for assessing the cellular immune response. Both of the techniques have been reported to be prognostic for women with recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA), We evaluated the two methods to determine the relationship of the two assays. Because both methods portend to evaluate the same process, the previous clinical data suggested that the methods evaluate the same phenomena. We undertook these studies to determine whether simple NK cell counts may be sufficient in the evaluation of NK activity in RSA.METHOD OF STUDY: The NK cell cytotoxicity at effector‐to‐target ratios of 50:1 and 25:1 was determined using a flow cytometric NK cell cytotoxicity assay. These values were then correlated with the percentages and absolute counts of three peripheral blood NK cell subsets.RESULTS: The data indicate that the flow cytometric assay is reproducible and precise and can be successfully used to evaluate patient samples. Linear regression analysis indicated a lack of correlation between peripheral blood NK cell cytotoxicity and percentages or absolute counts of ***CD56+CD16+, CD56+CD16 — or CD3+CD56+ lymphocyte subsets (range of correlation coefficients, 0.1–0.3).CONCLUSIONS: NK cell cytotoxicity and peripheral blood NK cell values measure different aspects of NK cells and do not correlate. These data indicate that simple enumeration of NK cells may not be sufficient in the evaluation of NK cells in RSA.
Increase in the Production of Interleukin‐6, Interleukin‐10, and Interleukin‐12 by Lipopolysaccharide‐Stimulated Peritoneal Macrophages from Women with Endometriosis
Authors: Wu Ming‐Yih , Ho Hong‐Nerng , Chen Shee‐Uan , Chao Kuang‐Han , Chen Chin‐Der , Yang Yu‐Shih 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: To verify whether the peritonea] macrophage (PM) is activated in endometriosis.METHOD OF STUDY: We examined the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO), total antioxidant, interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐10, and IL‐12 by cultured PMs, which were either unstimulated or stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), from women with endometriosis (early, n ? 12; advanced, n ? 11) or without endometriosis (n = 13). RESULTS: After stimulation with 2 ng/mL LPS for 24 hr, PMs from women with early‐stage endometriosis secreted more NO, IL‐6, and IL‐10 than the controls. Higher IL‐12 levels were noted in women with advanced endometriosis when compared with the controls. After 2 ng/mL‐LPS stimulation for 24 hr, we also detected higher total antioxidant levels in the advanced‐endometriosis group than those in the early‐endometriosis group.CONCLUSION: The increased production of IL‐6, IL‐10, and IL‐12 by stimulated PMs confirmed previous observations that the PM is the principle source of these cytokines in peritoneal fluid.
Interleukin‐6 Levels in Co‐culture of Human In Vitro Fertilization Embryos with Vero Cells Are Not Predictive of Future Successful Development
Authors: Laprée‐Delage Geneviève , Volante Monique , Frydman René , Chaouat Gérard 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: In an attempt to predict successful embryo transfer and implantation, we measured interleukin (IL)‐6 levels in culture supernatants of co‐cultured preimplantation human embryos. We tested whether all in vitro—fertilized human embryos in co‐cultures do secrete IL‐6, and whether there was any difference in such production between embryos that successfully reached the blastocyst stage and blocked embryos. We also addressed the question of IL‐6 secretion by co‐culture support cells, namely Vero cells themselves.METHOD OF STUDY: Each fertilized oocyte was cultured individually and transferred in culture wells supplemented with a feeder layer of Vero cells at day 2. In vitro IL‐6 production was measured by bioassay of the culture media.RESULTS: Because Vero cells themselves secrete IL‐6, it became impossible, in co‐culture, to quantify production of IL‐6 by the sole embryos. On the other hand, the co‐culture technique has shown us that embryos are likely to consume IL‐6. There was no difference between blastocysts and blocked embryos.CONCLUSIONS: IL‐6 levels in human embryo co‐cultures do not correlate with future successful embryo transfer.
Possible Susceptibility of the HLA‐DPB1*0402 and HLA‐DPB1*04 Alleles to Unexplained Recurrent Abortion: Analysis by means of Polymerase Chain Reaction–Restricted Fragment Length Polymorphism Method
Authors: Takakuwa Koichi , Hataya Isao , Arakawa Masato , Kikuchi Akira , Higashino Masahiko , Yasuda Masako , Kurabayashi Takumi , Tanaka Kenichi 
Published: September 2011

Takakuwa K, Hataya I, Arakawa M, Kikuchi A, Higashino M, Yasuda M, Kurabayashi T, Tanaka K. Possible susceptibility of the HLA‐DPB1*0402 and HLA‐DPB1*04 alleles to unexplained recurrent abortion – analysis by means of polymerase chain reaction–restricted fragment length polymorphism method. AJRI 1999; 42:233–239 © Munksgaard, CopenhagenPROBLEM: To clarify whether HLA‐DP antigens are associated with patient population of unexplained recurrent abortion.METHOD OF STUDY: The frequency of HLA‐DPB1 alleles in patients with unexplained recurrent abortion, and the compatibility of HLA‐DPB1 alleles between patient couples, were studied using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)–restricted fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) method. Thirty patients who had a history of unexplained primary recurrent abortion, and their husbands, were typed for HLA‐DPB1 genotype. Two hundred and ninety‐nine base pair fragments from the second exon of HLA‐DPB1 genes were selectively amplified using the PCR‐primers. After amplification, the DNAs were digested with restriction endonucleases, and subjected to electrophoresis in a 12% polyacrilamide gel to determine HLA‐DPB1 genotype.RESULTS: The frequency of HLA‐DPB1*0402 and DPB1*04 alleles in the patient group (n = 30) was significantly increased, as compared to that in the normal fertile women (n = 30). The frequency of HLA‐DPB1*04 allele in the patient group was significantly increased, as compared to that in the general population (n = 112). No significant compatibility of HLA‐DPB1 alleles could be observed between patient couples and normal fertile couples.CONCLUSION: These findings suggest a possible new class II association with patient population of unexplained recurrent abortion.
Isolation and Biological Characterization of Boar Sperm Capacitation‐Related Antigen
Authors: Mollova Margarita , Djarkova Tsvetelina , Ivanova Maria , Stamenova Maria , Kyurkchiev Stanimir 
Published: September 2011

Mollova M, Djarkova T, Ivanova M, Stamenova M, Kyurkchiev S. Isolation and biological characterization of boar sperm capacitation‐related antigen. AJRI 1999; 42:254–262 © Munksgaard, CopenhagenPROBLEM: Monoclonal anti‐capacitated sperm antibody has been used as a probe to identify, isolate, and characterize specific, fertilization‐related antigen with some characteristic features that point to its possible significance in immunocontraception.METHOD OF STUDY: Fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC), enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE), and isoelectrofocusing were used for isolation, immunochemical and physicochemical characterization of a monoclonal antibody (mAb) 1F10 cognate antigen. Sperm‐zona pellucida binding and hemizona assay were used for testing the biological roles of mAb 1F10 and Ag 1F10 in boar and human fertilization processes.RESULTS: The Ag 1F10 was found to be eluted in the eighth protein peak of FPLC‐fractionated Nonidet P40 (NP40) extracts of capacitated boar spermatozoa. The SDS‐PAGE and immunoelectrofocusing experiments showed that Ag 1F10 is a protein composed of a single peptide chain with a relative molecular mass of 68/70 kDa and an isoelectric point of 3.5. It was demonstrated that the zona binding activity of spermatozoa preincubated in the presence of mAb 1F10 was significantly inhibited both in porcine and human in vitro fertilization (IVF) systems. A dose‐dependent manner of inhibition of the sperm/ligand activities of porcine and human zona pellucida was observed when the effect of purified Ag 1F10 was investigated by its preincubation with zona pellucida.CONCLUSIONS: It is assumed that the protein bearing the epitope recognized by mAb 1F10 may be accepted as one of the molecules with receptor function in sperm‐zona pellucida interaction during fertilization.