| 1. |
- Bachmayer, Nora, et al.
(författare)
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Women with pre-eclampsia have an altered NKG2A and NKG2C receptor expression on peripheral blood natural killer cells.
- 2009
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Ingår i: American Journal of Reproductive Immunology and Microbiology. - : Wiley. - 8755-8920 .- 1046-7408 .- 1600-0897. ; 62:3, s. 147-57
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- PROBLEM: Preeclampsia, a pregnancy disorder, is associated with exaggerated inflammation and increased serum monokines. Uterine natural killer (NK) cells are implicated in preeclampsia pathology, but little is known regarding peripheral NK cells in the disease. METHOD OF STUDY: We examined blood NK cells at delivery in women with preeclampsia, in healthy pregnant women and in healthy non-pregnant blood donors as a reference. RESULTS: Although the percentages of both NKG2A- and NKG2C-positive NK cells were normal in preeclamptic women, the levels of NKG2A and NKG2C on NK cells were significantly up-regulated in these women. In vitro stimulation of PBMCs from healthy pregnant women and blood donors with monokines resulted in increased percentage of NKG2A(+) NK cells and increased NKG2A levels, while levels of NKG2C were decreased. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the peripheral NK-cell pool is skewed in preeclampsia and possibly under the influence of monokines like interleukin (IL)-15 and IL-12.
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| 2. |
- Mincheva-Nilsson, Lucia, 1951-, et al.
(författare)
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The role of placental exosomes in reproduction
- 2010
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Ingår i: American Journal of Reproductive Immunology and Microbiology. - : Wiley. - 8755-8920 .- 1046-7408 .- 1600-0897. ; 63:6, s. 520-533
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Cell communication comprises cell-cell contact, soluble mediators and intercellular nanotubes. There is, however, another cell-cell communication by released membrane-bound microvesicles that convey cell-cell contact 'by proxy' transporting signals/packages of information from donor to recipient cells locally and/or at a distance. The nanosized exosomes comprise a specialized type of microvesicles generated within multivesicular bodies (MVB) and released upon MVB fusion with the plasma membrane. Exosomes are produced by a variety of immune, epithelial and tumor cells. Upon contact, exosomes transfer molecules that can render new properties and/or reprogram their recipient cells. Recently, it was discovered that the syncytiotrophoblast constitutively and throughout the pregnancy secretes exosomes. The placenta-derived exosomes are immunosuppressive and carry proteins and RNA molecules that in a redundant way influence a number of mechanisms and promote the fetal allograft survival. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the nature of placenta-derived exosomes and discuss their role in pregnancy.
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| 3. |
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| 4. |
- Fransson, Emma, PhD, 1973-, et al.
(författare)
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Negative emotions and cytokines in maternal and cord serum at preterm birth
- 2012
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Ingår i: American Journal of Reproductive Immunology and Microbiology. - : Wiley. - 8755-8920 .- 1046-7408 .- 1600-0897. ; 67:6, s. 506-514
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Problem This study investigates whether affectivity differs between mothers delivering preterm and term and whether maternal and umbilical cord serum cytokines differ between these groups. Further, whether there are associations between mothers emotions and maternal and cord cytokines at preterm and term birth. Method of study Twenty-seven mothers delivering preterm and 37 mothers delivering at term reported positive/negative affect and previous depressive symptoms during pregnancy. Blood samples from mothers in labor and cord samples (23 preterm and 33 term) were analyzed for cytokines. Results Maternal IL-8 was lower at preterm delivery compared with term. In the preterm group only, associations were found between negative emotions and maternal IL-6, IL-8 and cord IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-13, and IL-18. Conclusion The findings indicate associations in preterm delivery between negative emotions and both maternal and neonate immune activity. Future studies should investigate whether such associations are part of the etiology of preterm delivery.
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| 5. |
- Jablonowska, Barbara, 1948-, et al.
(författare)
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Blocking antibodies in blood from patients with recurrent spontaneous abortion in relation to pregnancy outcome and intravenous immunoglobulin treatment
- 2001
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Ingår i: American Journal of Reproductive Immunology. - : Wiley. - 1046-7408 .- 1600-0897 .- 8755-8920. ; 45:4, s. 226-231
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- PROBLEM: To study whether the occurrence of mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) blocking antibodies is associated with pregnancy outcome in women with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) and the in vivo effect of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment on MLC blocking effect.METHOD OF STUDY: Blood samples from 41 RSA patients were obtained before and after pregnancy, and blocking antibodies were estimated by one-way MLC assay. The patients received IVIG or placebo (saline) during pregnancy. Additionally, pre-pregnancy blood samples from 31 RSA women and 10 controls were obtained.RESULTS: We found no correlation between blocking antibodies before pregnancy and the pregnancy outcome. The occurrence of blocking antibodies was not affected by pregnancy or IVIG treatment.CONCLUSIONS: Blocking antibodies have no predictive value for the pregnancy outcome in RSA patients, and their production seems not to be affected by IVIG.
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| 6. |
- Lidström Gustafsson, Charlotte, et al.
(författare)
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Cytokine secretion patterns of NK cells and macrophages in early human pregnancy decidua and blood : Implications for suppressor macrophages in decidua
- 2003
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Ingår i: American Journal of reproductive immunology. - : Wiley. - 8755-8920 .- 1046-7408 .- 1600-0897. ; 50:6, s. 444-452
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Problem: Local immune modulation has been shown to be of considerable importance for the maintenance of successful pregnancy. We have previously reported the secretion of interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-10 in human decidua from early normal pregnancy. The aim of this study was to investigate the cellular source of cytokine secretion in the decidua, and compare this to secretion patterns in peripheral blood. Method of study: Decidual tissue and peripheral blood was collected from 20 women undergoing surgical abortion during first trimester pregnancy. Monocytes/macrophages and NK cells were enriched by immunomagnetic cell separation and cytokine secretion was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot-forming cell assay. Results: Decidual and peripheral monocytes/macrophages and NK cells spontaneously secrete IFN-γ, IL-4 and IL-10. The number of IL-10 secreting cells was significantly higher in decidual macrophages compared with decidual non-monocytic cells as well as compared with blood monocytes/macrophages. These differences were not seen for IFN-γ or IL-4. Conclusions: Our results indicate that decidual macrophages subserve important suppressive functions in the pregnant uterus.
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| 7. |
- Rizzo, Roberta, et al.
(författare)
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Allergic women have reduced sHLA-G plasma levels at delivery.
- 2009
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Ingår i: American Journal of Reproductive Immunology and Microbiology. - : Wiley. - 8755-8920 .- 1046-7408 .- 1600-0897. ; 61:5, s. 368-76
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- PROBLEM: HLA-G antigen maintains a tolerogenic condition at the foeto-maternal interface, counteracts inflammation in autoimmune diseases and soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G) levels decrease in allergic-asthmatics. Taking into consideration these findings, we analyzed if sHLA-G and interleukin-10 (IL-10) could be influenced by pregnancy and labour in allergic and non-allergic women. METHOD OF STUDY: sHLA-G isoforms and IL-10 levels were determined in the plasma samples of 43 women (15 non-allergic, 28 allergic) during third trimester, at delivery and 2 years after pregnancy by immunoenzymatic assays. RESULTS: A significant increase in sHLA-G and IL-10 levels was documented at delivery in both allergic and non-allergic women. Allergic women showed lower sHLA-G concentrations. sHLA-G1 was evidenced as the predominant plasma isoform. CONCLUSION: The data showed increased sHLA-G and IL-10 concentrations at delivery, regardless of the allergic status. The sHLA-G1 isoform is mainly responsible for the increased sHLA-G levels at delivery.
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| 8. |
- Lindehammer, Sabina, et al.
(författare)
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Early-Pregnancy Cytokines in Mothers to Children Developing Multiple, Persistent Islet Autoantibodies, Type 1 Diabetes, or Both Before 7 Years of Age.
- 2011
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Ingår i: American Journal of Reproductive Immunology. - : Wiley. - 1600-0897 .- 1046-7408. ; 66, s. 495-503
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Citation Lindehammer SR, Fex M, Maziarz M, Hanson I, Marsal K, Lernmark Å on behalf of the Diabetes Prediction in Skåne (DiPiS) Study Group. Early-pregnancy cytokines in mothers to children developing multiple, persistent islet autoantibodies, type 1 diabetes, or both before 7 years of age. Am J Reprod Immunol 2011 Problem Increased levels of serum cytokines in early pregnancy may increase the risk of type 1 diabetes in the offspring. Method of study Early-pregnancy (between 10 and 16 gestational weeks) serum samples from non-diabetic index mothers (n = 48) of children who developed islet autoimmunity, type 1 diabetes, or both before 7 years of age were analyzed for IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, CXCL8, and TNF. Control mothers (n = 93) were matched for age, sampling date, and HLA-DQ genotypes. Results IFN-γ (P = 0.02) and IL-1β (P = 0.04) were elevated in the index mothers. All cytokines except IL-4 were highly correlated (P < 0.0001). IFN-γ [OR 1.39 (1.04, 1.85), P = 0.026] and possibly IL-2 [OR 1.21 (0.99, 1.48), P = 0.057] in early pregnancy were associated with an increased risk of multiple, persistent islet autoantibodies, type 1 diabetes, or both before 7 years of age in the offspring. However, the statistical significance for IL-2 was lost in the logistic regression when adjusted for gestational length at delivery and parity. Conclusion Increased Th1 cytokine levels during early pregnancy might contribute to an increased risk of islet autoimmunity, type 1 diabetes, or both in the offspring.
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| 9. |
- Matthiesen, Leif, et al.
(författare)
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Multiple pregnancy failures: an immunological paradigm.
- 2012
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Ingår i: American Journal of Reproductive Immunology. - : Wiley. - 1600-0897 .- 1046-7408. ; 67:4, s. 334-340
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA), three or more pregnancy losses prior to 20 weeks, occurs in about 1% of all pregnancies, 50% of RSA cases remain unexplained and unresolved. Recently, immune pathways have been implicated in the pathophysiology of RSA. Immune tolerance of the fetal-placental unit and placental angiogenesis are mandatory for a successful pregnancy outcome. Unscheduled dysregulation of the placental vasculature is thought to be the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying an array of pregnancy complications like infertility, miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, and fetal growth restriction and death. Investigations on mechanisms and management of RSA are mired by substandard design and lack of optimal randomized clinical trials and have resulted in disagreement on guidelines for evaluation and treatments for patients with multiple pregnancy losses of unknown etiology. The present review focuses on evidence-based research discussion with immunologic causes, and immune-regulatory therapies recommended for helping patients with a history of RSA. We highlight data that might support revalidation of low molecular weight heparin as a protective therapy in RSA. Newly launched growth factors, GM-CSF, and potentially novel agents to suppress inflammatory rejection, including regulatory T cells, human chorionic gonadotropin, and M-CSF/IL-10, may work in concert with tender-loving-care therapy and give hope to couples with multiple pregnancy losses.
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| 10. |
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| 11. |
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| 12. |
- Rodriguez-Martinez, Heriberto, et al.
(författare)
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Seminal Plasma Proteins: What Role Do They Play?
- 2011
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Ingår i: AMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY. - : Blackwell Publishing Ltd. - 1046-7408 .- 1600-0897. ; 66, s. 11-22
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Problem Semen is a heterogenous and complex cell suspension in a protein-rich fluid with different functions, some of them well known, others still obscure. Method of study This paper reviews, comparatively, our current knowledge on the growing field of proteomics of the SP and its relevance in relation to the in vivo situation, for the sake of reproductive biology, diagnostics and treatment. Results Ejaculated spermatozoa, primarily bathing in cauda epididymal fluid, are (in vitro) bulky, exposed to most, if not all, secretions from the accessory sexual glands. In vivo, however, not all spermatozoa are necessarily exposed to all secretions from these glands, because sperm cohorts are delivered in differential order and bathe in seminal plasma (SP) with different concentrations of constituents, including peptides and proteins. Proteins are relevant for sperm function and relate to sperm interactions with the various environments along the female genital tract towards the oocyte vestments. Specific peptides and proteins act as signals for the female immune system to modulate sperm rejection or tolerance, perhaps even influencing the relative intrinsic fertility of the male and/or couple by attaining a status of maternal tolerance towards embryo and placental development. Conclusions Proteins of the seminal plasma have an ample panorama of action, and some appear responsible for establishing fertility.
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| 13. |
- Jablonowska, Barbara, 1948-, et al.
(författare)
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T and B lymphocyte subsets in patients with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion : IVIG versus placebo treatment
- 2002
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Ingår i: American Journal of Reproductive Immunology. - : Wiley. - 1046-7408 .- 1600-0897. ; 48:5, s. 312-318
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Jablonowska B, Palfi M, Matthiesen L, Selbing A, Kjellberg S, Ernerudh J. T and B Lymphocyte subsets in patients with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion: IVIG versus placebo treatment. AJRI 2002; 48:312–318 © Blackwell Munksgaard, 2002PROBLEM: To investigate circulating lymphocyte subsets in women with recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) in relation to pregnancy outcome and to treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG).METHOD OF STUDY: Forty-one women with a history of unexplained RSA were examined during first trimester of pregnancy before IVIG or placebo treatment and after pregnancy. The results were compared with five healthy, non-pregnant women and five women in the first trimester of normal pregnancy. Circulating lymphocyte subsets with focus on T-cell subpopulations were determined by flow cytometry.RESULTS: The proportions of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR positive T cells (CD3+ HLA-DR+), T-killer/effector cells (CD8+ S6F1+) and B cells (CD19+) were increased, whereas the proportion of T-suppressor/inducer cells (CD4+ CD45RA+) was decreased during first trimester pregnancy of RSA women compared with pregnant normal controls. T and B lymphocyte subsets did not correlate with pregnancy outcome on either IVIG or placebo group.CONCLUSIONS: In RSA patients, the immune system seems to be activated in contrast to the suppression noted in normal pregnancy.
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| 14. |
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| 15. |
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| 16. |
- Jonsson, Yvonne, et al.
(författare)
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Systemic Th1/Th2 cytokine responses to paternal and vaccination antigens in preeclampsia: no differences compared with normal pregnancy
- 2004
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Ingår i: American Journal of Reproductive Immunology. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1046-7408 .- 1600-0897. ; 51:4, s. 302-310
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Problem: A Th1-shift has been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. This study was designed to compare Th1/Th2 related cytokine secretion in blood between women with preeclampsia (n = 15) and normal pregnancies (n = 15), using a high-sensitivity technique for cytokine detection.Methods of study: Spontaneous as well as 'fetus-specific' and recall antigen-specific (purified protein derivate of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, tetanus toxoid and lipopolysaccharide) secretion of interferon-γ, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10 and IL-12 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot-forming cell assay (ELISPOT). Fetus-specific secretion was induced by stimulation with paternal PBMC in a mixed leukocyte culture assay.Results: All cytokines were secreted by PBMCs both from women with preeclampsia and women with normal pregnancies. No differences in the number of cytokine-secreting cells were found between the two groups.Conclusions: No evidence was found for a shift in the systemic Th1/Th2 responses, in preeclampsia compared with normal pregnancy. This does, however, not exclude differences in the local immune responses related to the fetoplacental unit.
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| 17. |
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| 18. |
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| 19. |
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| 20. |
- Rashid, NA, et al.
(författare)
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Endometrial receptivity and human embryo implantation
- 2011
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Ingår i: American journal of reproductive immunology (New York, N.Y. : 1989). - : Wiley. - 1600-0897 .- 1046-7408. ; 6666 Suppl 1, s. 23-30
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)
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| 21. |
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| 22. |
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| 23. |
- Abelius, Martina S, et al.
(författare)
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The Placental Immune Milieu is Characterized by a Th2- and Anti-Inflammatory Transcription Profile, Regardless of Maternal Allergy, and Associates with Neonatal Immunity
- 2015
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Ingår i: American Journal of Reproductive Immunology. - : Wiley-Blackwell. - 1046-7408 .- 1600-0897. ; 73:5, s. 445-459
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- PROBLEM: How maternal allergy affects the systemic and local immunological environment during pregnancy and the immune development of the offspring is unclear.METHOD OF STUDY: Expression of 40 genes was quantified by PCR arrays in placenta, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), and cord blood mononuclear cells (CBMC) from 7 allergic and 12 non-allergic women and their offspring.RESULTS: Placental gene expression was dominated by a Th2-/anti-inflammatory profile, irrespectively of maternal allergy, as compared to gene expression in PBMC. p35 expression in placenta correlated with fetal Tbx21 (ρ = -0.88, P < 0.001) and IL-5 expression in PBMC with fetal galectin1 (ρ = 0.91, P < 0.001). Increased expression of Th2-associated CCL22 in CBMC preceded allergy development.CONCLUSIONS: Gene expression locally and systemically during pregnancy was partly associated with the offspring's gene expression, possibly indicating that the immunological milieu is important for fetal immune development. Maternal allergy was not associated with an enhanced Th2 immunity in placenta or PBMC, while a marked prenatal Th2 skewing, shown as increased CCL22 mRNA expression, might contribute to postnatal allergy development.
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| 24. |
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| 25. |
- Akhter, Tansim, 1967-, et al.
(författare)
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Plasma levels of arginines at term pregnancy in relation to mode of onset of labor and mode of childbirth
- 2023
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Ingår i: American Journal of Reproductive Immunology. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1046-7408 .- 1600-0897. ; 90:3
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- PROBLEM: The exact biochemical mechanisms that initiate labor are not yet fully understood. Nitric oxide is a potent relaxant of uterine smooth muscles until labor starts, and its precursor is L-arginine. Asymmetric (ADMA) and symmetric (SDMA) dimethylarginines, are potent NO-inhibitors. However, arginines (dimethylarginines and L-arginine) are scarcely studied in relation to labor and childbirth. We aimed to investigate arginines in women with spontaneous (SLVB) and induced (ILVB) term labor with vaginal birth and in women undergoing elective caesarean section (ECS).METHOD OF STUDY: Women at gestational week 16-18 were recruited to the population-based prospective cohort study BASIC at the Uppsala University Hospital, Sweden. Plasma samples taken at start of labor were analyzed for arginines, from SLVB (n = 45), ILVB (n = 45), and ECS (n = 45), using Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography. Between-group differences were assessed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U-test.RESULTS: Women with SLVB and ILVB had higher levels of ADMA (p < .0001), SDMA (p < .05) and lower L-arginines (p < .01), L-arginine/ADMA (p < .0001), and L-arginine/SDMA (p < .01, respectively <.001) compared to ECS. However, ILVB had higher ADMA (p < .0001) and lower L-arginine (p < .01), L-arginine/ADMA (p < .0001), and L-arginine/SDMA (p < .01) compared to SLVB. Results are adjusted for gestational length at birth and cervical dilatation at sampling.CONCLUSION: Our novel findings of higher levels of dimethylarginines in term vaginal births compared to ECS give insights into the biochemical mechanisms of labor. These findings might also serve as a basis for further studies of arginines in complicated pregnancies and labor.
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| 26. |
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| 27. |
- Barranco, Isabel, et al.
(författare)
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The Seminal Plasma of the Boar is Rich in Cytokines, with Significant Individual and Intra-Ejaculate Variation
- 2015
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Ingår i: American Journal of Reproductive Immunology. - : WILEY-BLACKWELL. - 1046-7408 .- 1600-0897. ; 74:6, s. 523-532
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Problem The boar, as human, sequentially ejaculates sperm-rich and sperm-poor fractions. Seminal plasma (SP) spermadhesins (PSP-I/PSP-II) induce a primary endometrial inflammatory response in female sows, similar to that elicited by semen deposition in other species, including human. However, the SP is also known to mitigate such response, making it transient to allow for embryo entry to a cleansed endometrium. Although cytokine involvement has been claimed, the exploration of cytokines in different SP fractions is scarce. This study determines Th1, Th2, Th17 and Th3 cytokine profiles in specific ejaculate SP fractions from boars of proven fertility. Methods SP samples from the sperm-rich fraction (SRF) and the sperm-poor post-SRF fraction (post-SRF) of manually collected ejaculates from eight boars (four ejaculates per boar) were analysed by commercial multiplex bead assay kits (Milliplex MAP, Millipore, USA) for interferon-gamma, interferon gamma-induced protein 10, macrophage-derived chemokine, growth-regulated oncogene, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, monocyte chemo-attractant protein-1, interleukins (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-15, IL-17 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta 1-beta 3. Results Cytokine concentrations differed between the ejaculate fractions among boars, being highest in the post-SRF. Conclusion Boar SP is rich in Th1, Th2, Th17 and Th3 cytokines, with lowest concentrations in the sperm-peak-containing fraction, indicating its main immune influence might reside in the larger, protein-rich sperm-poor post-SRF.
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| 28. |
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| 29. |
- Björk, Emma, et al.
(författare)
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Enhanced local and systemic inflammatory cytokine mRNA expression in women with endometriosis evokes compensatory adaptive regulatory mRNA response that mediates immune suppression and impairs cytotoxicity
- 2020
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Ingår i: American Journal of Reproductive Immunology. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1046-7408 .- 1600-0897. ; 84:4
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Problem: Endometriosis is a disease characterized by ectopic implantation of endometrium and impaired immune responses. To explore its pathogenic mechanisms, we studied the local and systemic cytokine mRNA profiles and their role in the immunity of patients with endometriosis and healthy controls.Method of Study: mRNA for eleven cytokines defining cytotoxic Th1, humoral Th2, regulatory Tr1/Th3, and inflammatory cytokine profiles was characterized locally in endometriotic tissue and endometrium, and systemically in PBMCs from women with endometriosis and healthy controls, using real‐time qRT‐PCR. In addition, immunohistochemical stainings with monoclonal antibodies were performed looking for T regulatory cells in endometriotic lesions.Results: We found a downregulation of mRNA for cytokines mediating cytotoxicity and antibody response and an upregulation of inflammatory and T‐regulatory cytokines in the endometriotic tissues and endometrium from the patients with endometriosis, suggesting enhanced local inflammation and priming of an adaptive regulatory response. Consistent with those findings, there was an abundancy of T regulatory cells in the endometriotic lesions.Conclusions: The ectopic implantation seen in endometriosis could be possible as a consequence of increased inflammation and priming of adaptive T regulatory cells, resulting in impaired cytotoxicity and enhanced immune suppression.
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| 30. |
- Boij, Roland, et al.
(författare)
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Biomarkers of Coagulation, Inflammation, and Angiogenesis are Independently Associated with Preeclampsia
- 2012
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Ingår i: AMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY. - : John Wiley and Sons. - 1046-7408 .- 8755-8920. ; 68:3, s. 258-270
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Problem Although preeclampsia has been associated with inflammation, coagulation, and angiogenesis, their correlation and relative contribution are unknown. Method of Study About 114 women with preeclampsia, 31 with early onset (EOP) and 83 with late onset preeclampsia (LOP), and 100 normal pregnant controls were included. A broad panel of 32 biomarkers reflecting coagulation, inflammation, and angiogenesis was analyzed. Results Preeclampsia was associated with decreased antithrombin, IL-4 and placental growth factor levels and with increased C3a, pentraxin-3, and sFlt-1 levels, with more marked differences in the EOP group. The Th1-associated chemokines CXCL10 and CXCL11 were significantly higher in the preeclampsia and EOP group than in controls, respectively. No correlations between the biomarkers were found in preeclampsia. Multivariate logistic regression tests confirmed the results. Conclusions Cytokines, chemokines and complement activation seem to be part of a Th1-like inflammatory reaction in preeclampsia, most pronounced in EOP, where chemokines may be more useful than cytokines as biomarkers. Biomarkers were not correlated suggesting partly independent or in time separated mechanisms.
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| 31. |
- Boij, Roland, et al.
(författare)
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Regulatory T-cell Subpopulations in Severe or Early-onset Preeclampsia
- 2015
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Ingår i: American Journal of Reproductive Immunology. - : WILEY-BLACKWELL. - 1046-7408 .- 1600-0897. ; 74:4, s. 368-378
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Problem A deficiency in regulatory T (Treg) cells causing reduced immune regulatory capacity has been proposed in preeclampsia. Objective Utilizing recent advances in flow cytometry phenotyping, we aimed to assess whether a deficiency of Treg subpopulations occurs in preeclampsia. Method of study Six-color flow cytometry was used for Treg phenotyping in 18 preeclamptic women (one early-onset, one severe and 16 both), 20 women with normal pregnancy, and 20 non-pregnant controls. Results No differences were found in major Treg populations including CD127(low)CD25(+)/CD127(ow)FOXP3(+), resting (FOXP3(dim)CD45RA(+)), and activated (FOXP3(bright)CD45RA(-)) Treg cells, whereas preeclamptic women showed increased CTLA-4(+) and CCR4(+) proportions within resting/activated Treg populations. Corticosteroid treatment prior to blood sampling (n = 10) affected the distribution of Treg populations. Conclusions Although we found no major alterations in circulating Treg frequencies, differences in CTLA-4(+) and CCR4(+) frequencies suggest a migratory defect of Treg cells in preeclampsia. Corticosteroid treatment should be taken into account when evaluating Treg cells.
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| 32. |
- Bourlev, Vladimir, 1947-, et al.
(författare)
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Vasoactive intestinal peptide is upregulated in women with endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain
- 2018
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Ingår i: American Journal of Reproductive Immunology. - : Wiley. - 1046-7408 .- 1600-0897. ; 80:3
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- ProblemChronic pelvic pain (CPP) causes compromised the quality of life in women with endometriosis and is often attributed to local inflammation and ingrowth of nerve fibers. In this pilot study, we aimed to investigate whether the inflammation‐related vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and interleukin (IL)‐6 were increased in affected patients.Method of studyEndometrial and endometriotic tissue biopsy specimens, and serum and peritoneal fluid (PF) samples, were obtained from 85 endometriosis patients and 53 controls. VIP and IL‐6 analysis and measurement of microvessel density in tissue were performed using immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, RT‐qPCR, and ELISA.ResultsCompared with controls, VIP transcript and protein levels were increased in endometrium from endometriosis patients and further elevated in patients with CPP. In addition, microvessel density, a measurement of angiogenic activity, was increased in the endometrium and in endometriosis lesions in the same subset of patients. Serum and PF levels of VIP and IL‐6 were higher in women with endometriosis and CPP compared with endometriosis patients who reported no chronic pain.ConclusionVasoactive intestinal peptide is upregulated in endometriosis patients reporting chronic pain. Increased microvessel density in tissue and peritoneal fluid concentrations of IL‐6 indicate an elevated inflammation in the pelvic microenvironment of these patients.
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| 33. |
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| 34. |
- Bruno, Valentina, et al.
(författare)
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First-trimester trophoblasts obtained by chorionic villus sampling maintain tolerogenic and proteomic features in successful pregnancies despite a history of unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss
- 2020
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Ingår i: American Journal of Reproductive Immunology. - : WILEY. - 1046-7408 .- 1600-0897. ; 84:6
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Problem While there are several known causes for recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), about 50% are unexplained (uRPL), and in these cases, an aberrant immune regulation seems to be involved. Although fetally derived trophoblast cells have a key role in immune regulation, it is difficult to study their immune function during pregnancy, and it is not known whether trophoblast function may be an inherent aberration in uRPL or whether it is associated with the outcome of the current pregnancy. Method of study Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) was performed for clinical indications at 12 weeks of gestation. Superfluous materials, divided in small explants, were cultured for 20-24 hours, and supernatants (conditioned medium) were collected from 36 women with singleton normal pregnancies, of whom 9 women had a history of RPL. The secreted immune protein profile was measured by proximity extension assay, and the conditioned medium was further used in functional ex vivo models to assess ability to polarize blood monocytes and CD4(+)T cells into immune regulatory phenotypes, as detected by flow cytometry. Results Conditioned medium from chorionic villi, human fetally derived placental tissue, was able to induce a decidual-type of M2-like macrophages, as well as an expansion of Treg cells ex vivo, both in women with uRPL and in control women. The preserved immunological properties were confirmed by a maintained immune protein profile in RPL compared with controls. Conclusion Trophoblasts in an ex vivo model maintain tolerogenic and proteomic profile features in successful pregnancies, despite a previous history of RPL.
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| 35. |
- Dimova, Tanya, et al.
(författare)
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Maternal Foxp3 expressing CD4+ CD25+ and CD4+ CD25- regulatory T-cell populations are enriched in human early normal pregnancy decidua : a phenotypic study of paired decidual and peripheral blood samples.
- 2011
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Ingår i: American Journal of Reproductive Immunology and Microbiology. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 8755-8920 .- 1046-7408. ; 66:Suppl 1, s. 44-56
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- PROBLEM: Regulatory T cells (Treg cells), a small subset of CD4(+) T cells maintaining tolerance by immunosuppression, are proposed contributors to the survival of the fetal semiallograft. We investigated Treg cells in paired decidual and peripheral blood (PB) samples from healthy women in early pregnancy and PB samples from non-pregnant women.METHOD OF STUDY: Distribution, location, cytokine mRNA, and phenotype were assessed in CD4(+) CD25(+) Treg cells from paired samples using immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and real-time quantitative RT-PCR.RESULTS: The presence and in situ distribution of CD4(+) Foxp3(+) Treg cells in decidua are hereby demonstrated for the first time. Three Foxp3(+) cell populations, CD4(+) CD25(++) Foxp3(+), CD4(+) CD25(+) Foxp3(+), and CD4(+) CD25(-) Foxp3(+), were enriched locally in decidua. In contrast, no statistically significant difference in numbers of circulating Treg cells between pregnant and non-pregnant women was found. The Foxp3(+) cells expressed the surface molecules CD45RO, CTLA-4, CD103, Neuropilin-1, LAG-3, CD62L, and TGFβ1 mRNA consistent with Treg phenotype. The population of CD4(+) CD25(-) Foxp3(+) cells, not described in human decidua before, was enriched 10-fold compared with PB in paired samples. Their cytokine expression was often similar to Th3 profile, and the Foxp3 mRNA expression level in CD4(+) CD25(-) cells was stable and comparable to that of CD4(+) CD25(+) Treg cells implying that the majority of CD4(+) CD25(-) Foxp3(+) cells might be naïve Treg cells.CONCLUSION: (i) There is a local enrichment of Treg cells in decidua (ii) The exclusive accumulation of decidual CD4(+) CD25(-) Foxp3(+) cells suggests an additional reservoir of Foxp3(+) naïve Treg cells that can be converted to 'classical' Treg cells in uterus.
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| 36. |
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| 37. |
- Ekerfelt, Christina, et al.
(författare)
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Spontaneous secretion of interleukin-4, interleukin-10 and interferon-gamma by first trimester decidual mononuclear cells
- 2002
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Ingår i: American Journal of reproductive immunology. - : Wiley. - 8755-8920 .- 1046-7408. ; 47:3, s. 159-166
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- PROBLEM: A T-helper cell type 2 (Th2) cytokine dominated microenvironment has been predicted to be crucial for successful pregnancy. However, little information is available about local cytokine secretion in the human decidua. We determined the spontaneous secretion of interleukin-4 (IL-4), interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and IL-10 by decidual mononuclear cells at the single cell level and compared it with their secretion by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in the first trimester of pregnancy. METHODS OF STUDY: The cytokine secretion from decidual and blood cells was detected by a sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot-forming cell (ELISPOT)-assay. RESULTS: Cells secreting IL-4 (median 153, range 8–530), IL-10 (median 188, range 32–1600) and IFN-γ (median 123, range 15–1140) were detected in all decidual and blood samples. The cytokine secretion showed a co-linear pattern in both the blood and decidua, i.e. when one cytokine was secreted at high levels, the others followed the trend. No correlation was found between the number of cytokine secreting cells in blood and decidua for any of the cytokines. CONCLUSIONS: Interleukin-4 and IL-10 are locally secreted in the decidua early during normal pregnancy, probably counteracting the fetal rejecting effects of co-expressed IFN-γ. The cytokine secretion by blood cells does not generally reflect the local secretion pattern during first trimester pregnancy.
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| 38. |
- Erlandsson, Lena, et al.
(författare)
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Inventory of Novel Animal Models Addressing Etiology of Preeclampsia in the Development of New Therapeutic/Intervention Opportunities.
- 2016
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Ingår i: American Journal of Reproductive Immunology. - : Wiley. - 1600-0897 .- 1046-7408. ; 75:3, s. 402-410
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related disease afflicting 3-7% of pregnancies worldwide and leads to maternal and infant morbidity and mortality. The disease is of placental origin and is commonly described as a disease of two stages. A variety of preeclampsia animal models have been proposed, but all of them have limitations in fully recapitulating the human disease. Based on the research question at hand, different or multiple models might be suitable. Multiple animal models in combination with in vitro or ex vivo studies on human placenta together offer a synergistic platform to further our understanding of the etiology of preeclampsia and potential therapeutic interventions. The described animal models of preeclampsia divide into four categories (i) spontaneous, (ii) surgically induced, (iii) pharmacologically/substance induced, and (iv) transgenic. This review aims at providing an inventory of novel models addressing etiology of the disease and or therapeutic/intervention opportunities.
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| 39. |
- Freitag, Nancy, et al.
(författare)
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The chimera-type galectin-3 is a positive modulator of trophoblast functions with dysregulated expression in gestational diabetes mellitus
- 2020
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Ingår i: American Journal of Reproductive Immunology. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1046-7408 .- 1600-0897. ; 84:6
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Problem: From conception, a delicate regulation of galectins, a family of carbohydrate‐binding proteins, is established to ensure maternal immune tolerance in pregnancy. Though galectin‐3 (gal‐3), the only chimera‐type galectin, is abundantly expressed at the feto‐maternal interface; the physiological role of this lectin during pregnancy remains to be fully elucidated and requires further investigation.Method of study: In this study, we analyzed serum gal‐3 levels during the course of healthy gestation. Trophoblast functions were evaluated upon gal‐3 exogenous stimulation using trophoblastic cell lines (e.g. , HIPEC65, SGHPL‐4, and BeWo cells). Finally, we investigated variations in peripheral gal‐3 levels associated with the development of spontaneous abortion and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).Results: Gal‐3 circulating levels increased as normal pregnancy progressed. In vitro experiments showed that exogenous gal‐3 positively regulated trophoblast functions inducing invasion, tube formation, and fusion. Compared with normal pregnant women, circulating gal‐3 levels were significantly decreased in patients who developed GDM.Conclusion: Our results reveal a physiological role for gal‐3 during pregnancy, promoting proper trophoblast functions associated with healthy gestation. GDM is associated with a failure to increase circulating gal‐3 levels late in gestation. Thus, dysregulation of gal‐3 may indicate a contribution of the chimera‐type lectin to this adverse pregnancy outcome.
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| 40. |
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| 42. |
- Hasselrot, Tyra, et al.
(författare)
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Vaginal candida infection is associated with host molecular signatures of neutrophil activation in the adjacent ectocervical mucosa in Kenyan sex workers
- 2024
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Ingår i: American Journal of Reproductive Immunology. - 1046-7408 .- 1600-0897. ; 91:2
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Problem: Overgrowth of candida species in the human vaginal mucosa causes inflammation, which could render the mucosal barrier more susceptible to HIV infection. Here, we investigated whether this condition also affects the ectocervical mucosa, a potential site of HIV entry, in women at high risk of HIV infection.Method of study: Retrospective medical data and ectocervical tissue samples were obtained from a cohort of Kenyan sex workers. Among 108 women, seven had signs of vaginal candida infection by wet smear microscopy and/or the presence of characteristic discharge. Women lacking these two criteria served as controls. Host transcriptomic profiling and quantitative in situ image analysis of epithelial barrier markers and CD4+ cell distribution were performed.Results: The candida group had 162 differentially expressed genes out of 15 435 genes as compared with the control group. Among these 162 genes, 147 were upregulated and 15 were downregulated. Gene expression pathway analysis indicated associations with an upregulated inflammatory response, defined primarily by markers of neutrophil activation. Transcription factor analysis revealed upregulation of pathways related to RELA/REL/NFKB1, JUN and STAT1 in the candida group. In situ image analysis of ectocervical tissue samples showed no differences between groups in terms of epithelial height, expression of epithelial junction proteins (E-cadherin, claudin-1, zonula occludens 1, and desmoglein-1), or epithelial CD4+ cell distribution.Conclusions: Vaginal candida infection was associated with inflammation and neutrophil infiltration, but not with severe epithelial disruption or CD4+ cell infiltration, in the ectocervical mucosa.
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| 43. |
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| 44. |
- Israelsson, Pernilla, et al.
(författare)
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Cytokine mRNA and protein expression by cell cultures of epithelial ovarian cancer : Methodological considerations on the choice of analytical method for cytokine analyses
- 2020
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Ingår i: American Journal of Reproductive Immunology. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1046-7408 .- 1600-0897. ; 84:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Problem: To get a comprehensive picture of cytokine expression in health and disease is difficult, cytokines are transiently and locally expressed, and protein analyses are burdened by biological modifications, technical issues, and sensitivity to handling of samples. Thus, alternative methods, based on molecular techniques for cytokine mRNA analyses, are often used. We compared cytokine mRNA and protein expression to evaluate whether cytokine mRNA profiles can be used instead of protein analyses.Method of study: In kinetic experiments, cytokine mRNA and protein expression of IL-1 beta, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-alpha, and TNF-beta/LTA were studied using real-time RT-qPCR and Luminex(R) microarrays in the ovarian cancer cell lines OVCAR-3, SKOV-3 and the T-cell line Jurkat, after activation of transcription by thermal stress. In addition, we analyzed IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA and protein in a small number of ovarian cancer patients.Results: Ovarian cancer cells can express cytokines on both mRNA and protein level, with 1-4 hours' time delay between the mRNA and protein peak and a negative Spearman correlation. The mRNA and protein expression in patient samples was poorly correlated, reflecting previous studies.Conclusion: Cytokine mRNA and protein expression levels show diverging results, depending on the material analyzed and the method used. Considering the high sensitivity and reproducibility of real-time RT-qPCR, we suggest that cytokine mRNA profiles could be used as a proxy for protein expression for some specific purposes, such as comparisons between different patient groups, and in defining mechanistic pathways involved in the pathogenesis of cancer and other pathological conditions.
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| 45. |
- Israelsson, Pernilla, et al.
(författare)
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NKG2D-mediated cytotoxicity improves after primary surgery for high-grade serous ovarian cancer
- 2023
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Ingår i: American Journal of Reproductive Immunology. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1046-7408 .- 1600-0897. ; 89:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Problem: Tumors compromise the patients’ immune system to promote their own survival. We have previously reported that HGSC exosomes play a central role, downregulating NKG2D cytotoxicity. Primary surgery's effect on tumor exosomes and NKG2D cytotoxicity in HGSC patients has not been studied before. The overall objective of this study was to explore the effect of surgery on the exosome-induced impairment of NKG2D cytotoxicity in HGSC.Method of study: Paired pre- and post-operative blood samples were subjected to cell and exosome analyses regarding the NKG2D receptor and ligands, and NKG2D-mediated cytotoxicity. Lymphocytes were phenotyped by immunoflow cytometry. Exosomes, isolated by ultracentrifugation, and characterized by nanoparticle tracking analysis, transmission and immune electron microscopy and western blot were used in functional cytotoxic experiments. HGSC explant culture-derived exosomes, previously studied by us, were used for comparison.Results: HGSC exosomes from patients’ sera downregulated NKG2D-mediated cytotoxicity in NK cells of healthy donors. In a subgroup of subjects, NKG2D expression on CTLs and NK cells was upregulated after surgery, correlating to a decrease in the concentration of exosomes in postoperative sera. An overall significantly improved NKG2D-mediated cytotoxic response of the HGSC patients’ own NK cells in postoperative compared to preoperative samples was noted.Conclusions: Surgical removal of the primary tumor has a beneficial effect, relieving the exosome-mediated suppression of NKG2D cytotoxicity in HGSC patients, thus boostering their ability to combat cancer.
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| 46. |
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| 47. |
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| 48. |
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| 49. |
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| 50. |
- McCartney, Stephen A., et al.
(författare)
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Obesity as a contributor to immunopathology in pregnant and non-pregnant adults with COVID-19
- 2020
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Ingår i: AMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY. - : Wiley. - 1046-7408 .- 1600-0897. ; 84:5
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to a global public health emergency with the need to identify vulnerable populations who may benefit from increased screening and healthcare resources. Initial data suggest that overall, pregnancy is not a significant risk factor for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, case series have suggested that maternal obesity is one of the most important comorbidities associated with more severe disease. In obese individuals, suppressors of cytokine signaling are upregulated and type I and III interferon responses are delayed and blunted leading to ineffective viral clearance. Obesity is also associated with changes in systemic immunity involving a wide range of immune cells and mechanisms that lead to low-grade chronic inflammation, which can compromise antiviral immunity. Macrophage activation in adipose tissue can produce low levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-6). Further, adipocyte secretion of leptin is pro-inflammatory and high circulating levels of leptin have been associated with mortality in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. The synergistic effects of obesity-associated delays in immune control of COVID-19 with mechanical stress of increased adipose tissue may contribute to a greater risk of pulmonary compromise in obese pregnant women. In this review, we bring together data regarding obesity as a key co-morbidity for COVID-19 in pregnancy with known changes in the antiviral immune response associated with obesity. We also describe how the global burden of obesity among reproductive age women has serious public health implications for COVID-19.
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