A selective increase in plasma soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 levels in preeclampsia.

PROBLEM: The study was conducted to determine whether altered plasma levels of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 are involved in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. METHOD OF STUDY: Maternal plasma samples were collected from 20 patients with preeclampsia, 20 matched normotensive patients with uncomplicated pregnancies. and ten healthy nonpregnant women. Samples were assayed for soluble VCAM-1 and soluble ICAM-1 by specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Both soluble VCAM-1 and soluble ICAM-1 were detectable in the plasma of all preeclamptic, normotensive pregnant, and nonpregnant women. The mean plasma level of soluble VCAM-1 was significantly higher in preeclamptic women compared to normotensive pregnant women (1831 ng/mL +/- 534 ng/mL vs. 1254 ng/mL +/- 386 ng/mL, respectively; P < 0.05). However, the plasma level of soluble VCAM-1 was unchanged during the third-trimester of normal pregnancy compared to nonpregnant women. The mean plasma level of soluble ICAM-1 in preeclamptic and normotensive pregnant women were increased when compared to nonpregnant women. However, the mean plasma level of soluble ICAM-1 was comparable in women with preeclampsia and normotensive pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: The selective increased plasma levels of soluble VCAM-1 in patients with preeclampsia provide evidence for endothelial activation and suggest distinct pathways for neutrophil and endothelial activation in preeclampsia.     

妊娠期高血压疾病中血清可溶性Endoglin水平变化的研究

目的检测正常妊娠和妊娠期高血压疾病患者血清中Endoglin的水平,探究其与妊娠期高血压疾病的发病关系及意义。方法采用酶联免疫吸附双抗体夹心法（ELISA）检测44例妊娠期高血压疾病患者（妊娠期高血压疾病组,其中妊娠期高血压15例、轻度子痫前期14例、重度子痫前期15例）及16例正常晚期妊娠妇女（对照组）,22例正常中期妊娠妇女血清中Endoglin水平。结果妊娠期高血压疾病组血清Endoglin浓度为（2.86±2.15）ng/ml,正常晚期妊娠组为（1.14＋0.46）ng/ml,两组比较差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。妊娠期高血压、轻度子痫前期、重度子痫前期患者血清中可溶性Endoglin水平逐渐升高[分别为（1.68±0.78）ng/ml,（2.49±1.10）ng/ml,（4.44±2.94）ng/ml],各组间差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）,且有随孕周增加而逐渐增加的趋势。正常中期妊娠组血清中Endoglin浓度为（0.83±0.32）ng/ml,与正常晚期妊娠组比较差异有统计学意义。结论血清Endoglin水平升高可能与妊娠期高血压疾病的发病及病情发展有关,并有可能成为疾病的预测指标。     

Calcium and vitamin D status of pregnant teenagers in Maiduguri, Nigeria.

This study investigates parameters related to calcium and bone metabolism by determining the concentrations of total calcium, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, parathyroid hormone, and phosphorous in young pregnant women. The patient population was 30 pregnant Nigerian teenage women grouped by trimester (10 per group), 10 women immediately following delivery, and 21 healthy age-matched controls. On the basis of serum prealbumin levels, the general nutrition of the pregnant women was found to be significantly below that of the more privileged and better-educated nonpregnant controls. The mean total calcium concentration in sera of the third-trimester women was 8.83 mg/dL, which was significantly below that of the controls (9.77 mg/dL) and the first-trimester group (9.30 mg/dL). Despite the 10% to 15% decline in the serum level of total calcium during pregnancy, the parathyroid hormone level decreased markedly from 0.60 to 0.61 ng/mL in the first and second trimesters to 0.41 ng/mL in the third trimester. Serum vitamin D and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels in the second and third trimesters were within the normal range. These data indicate that toward the end of gestation, pregnant teenagers in northern Nigeria appear to become calcium deficient and do not exhibit the expected increase in serum parathyroid hormone levels normally seen in pregnant women.     

Humoral and cell-mediated immune responses to herpesvirus antigens during pregnancy—A longitudinal study

Humoral and cellular immune responses were studied during the second trimester, third trimester, and postpartum periods in 11 pregnant women and in nonpregnant control women. Complement fixing (CF) and indirect hemagglutinating antibody (IHA) titers for herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1), herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2), and cytomegalovirus (CMV) were determined. Cellular response was measured by [³H]thymidine uptake by stimulated lymphocytes. Phytohemagglutinin (PHA), HSV-1, HSV-2, and CMV antigens were used as stimulants. No differences in the mean titers of CF and IHA antibodies were found. The cellular response to PHA had a transient decrease (P<0.02) during the third trimester. The cellular response to CMV was significantly lower during the second and third trimesters. A diminished response to HSV-1 antigen was observed during the second and third trimesters; the cellular response to HSV-2, though reduced, was not significantly altered during pregnancy. These data indicate a suppression of cellular responses to various herpesviruses and PHA during pregnancy.     

可溶性CD105在早发型子痫前期患者中的表达

目的探讨早发型子痫前期患者可溶性CD105（sCD105）表达的变化和意义。方法选择对照组和早发型子痫前期组各30例,其中32周之前发病患者13例,32周之后发病患者17例;选择在本院行产前筛查后发展为早发型子痫前期的妊娠妇女和对照组各30例。采用酶联免疫吸附分析法（ELISA）测定各组血清sCD105水平。结果对照组和早发型子痫前期组血清sCD105水平的中位数分别为13.45ng/ml和36.35ng/ml,差异有统计学意义（P=0.000）。32周之前发病组和32周之后发病组血清sCD105水平的中位数分别为48.76ng/ml和30.39ng/ml,差异有统计学意义（P=0.02）。对照组和早发型子痫前期组妊娠中期sCD105水平的中位数分别为5.20ng/ml和7.51ng/ml,差异有统计学意义（P=0.003）。32周之前发病组和32周之后发病组妊娠中期血清sCD105水平的中位数分别为8.43ng/ml和5.41ng/ml,差异有统计学意义（P=0.011）。结沦早发型子痫前期患者血清sCD105水平显著增高,发生早发型子痫前期的妊娠中期孕妇的sCD105也显著增高,发病孕周越早血清sCD105水平上升更显著。     

The investigation for the relationship among serum leptin,erythrocyte membrane Ca2+-ATPase activity and hypertensive disorder complicating pregnancy

Objective: To study the significance of Leptin and the activity of erythrocyte membrane Ca2+-ATPase (EMCA) in the development of hypertensive disorder complicating pregnancy. Methods: Radioimmunoassay was used to test the level of serum Leptin,and the activity of EMCA was determined chemically in 38 pregnant women with hypertensive disorder complicating pregnancy and 36 normotensive pregnant women. Results: The level of serum Leptin in hypertensive disorder complicating pregnancy(gestational hypertension: 13.76 ± 3.46 ng/ml; preeclampsia:15.76 ± 5.47 ng/ml; eclampsia: 18.32 ± 6.38 ng/ml)was significantly higher than that in normotensive pregnant women (11.33 ± 2.93 ng/ml), respectively. The average EMCA activity of patients with hypertensive disorder complicating pregnancy (gestational hypertension: 1.65 ± 0.24 μmol· pi/mg·h; preeclampsia: 1.37 ± 0.19 μmol·pi/mg·h; eclampsia:1.12 ± 0.14 μ mol·pi/mg·h) was significantly lower than that of normotensive pregnant women(1.83 ±0.38 μ mol·pi/mg·h),respectively. There was a negative correlation between the level of serum Leptin and the activity of RMCA in hypertensive disorder complicating pregnancy (r = -0.63). Conclusion: Inhibition of EMCA activity of erythrocyte in hypertensive disorder complicating pregnancy may increase cytoplasmic free calcium, which contributes to the development of hypertensive disorder complicating pregnancy. The negative correlation between the level of serum Leptin and the activity of EMCA, also suggested that serum Leptin and the activity of EMCA may play a role in the development of hypertensive disorder complicating pregnancy.     

Thyroid function tests in pregnancy

The recognition of abnormality in thyroid function tests during pregnancy is important for the welfare of the mother as well as fetus. The values of serum tri-iodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in nonpregnant women are not applicable during pregnancy and also differ in iodine deficient areas. In the present study, one hundred and twenty-four apparently normal, healthy young primigravidas with no known metabolic disorders and normal carbohydrate gestational intolerance test, consecutively attending the antenatal clinic were included in the study. The serum tri-iodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in these women were estimated. In the first trimester, the mean T3 values were found to be 1.85 nmol/L, which increased to a mean of 2.47 nmol/L in the second trimester and declined in the third trimester to 1.82 nmo/L. Mean T4 levels were also seen to rise from 164.50 nmol/L in the first trimester to 165.80 nmol/L in the second trimester and then decreased in the third trimester to 159.90 nmol/L. Mean TSH levels were seen to rise progressively through the three trimesters of pregnancy from 1.20 microlU/ ml in the first trimester to 2.12 microlU/ml in the second trimester and further to 3.30 microlU/ml in the third trimester of pregnancy. Three asymptomatic pregnant women (2.5%) were found to have abnormal TSH values with normal T3 and T4 levels and good obstetric outcome. This pilot study also indicates the range to T3 as 1.7 - 4.3 nmol/L in second trimester and 0.4 - 3.9 nmol/L in third trimester, T4 as 92.2 - 252.8 nmol/L in second trimester and 108.2 - 219.0 nmol/ L in third trimester, and TSH as 0.1 - 5.5 microlU/ml in second trimester and 0.5- 7.6 microlU/ml in third trimester of pregnancy.     

Quantitative analysis of peripheral blood Th0, Th1, Th2 and the Th1:Th2 cell ratio during normal human pregnancy and preeclampsia.

We calculated the percentage of Th1, Th2, Th0 cells and the Th1:Th2 cell ratio of peripheral blood from normal pregnant subjects and preeclampsia patients using flow cytometry which can analyse both the surface marker, CD4, and intracellular cytokines, interleukin (IL)-4 and interferon (IFN)-gamma. In normal pregnancy, the percentage of Th1 cells was significantly lower in the third trimester, and the ratios of Th1:Th2 were significantly lower in the second and third trimester than in nonpregnant subjects. In contrast, the percentage of Th1 cells and the ratios of Th1:Th2 in preeclampsia were significantly higher than in normal third trimester pregnant subjects. The percentage of Th2 cells in preeclampsia was significantly lower than in third trimester of normal pregnancy. Additionally, peripheral blood mononuclear cells from these subjects and patients were cultured with phytohemagglutinin stimulation, and IL-4 and IFN-gamma concentrations were determined in the supernatant by enzymed linked immunosorbent assays. The percentage of Th1 and Th2, and the ratios of Th1:Th2 were correlated with cytokine (IFN-gamma and IL-4) secretion level. These results demonstrated that Th2 cells were predominant in the second and third trimesters of normal pregnancy, but Th1 cells predominated in preeclamptic patients.     

Anthropometric characteristics of pregnant women in Cali,Colombia and relationship to birth weight

Anthropometric dimensions were collected from 46 pregnant women living in Cali, Colombia to gain a better understanding of how poor, urban women deal with the demands of pregnancy and to identify relationships between maternal characteristics and infant birth weight. Height, weight, skinfold thicknesses (subscapular, suprailiac, thigh, calf, and triceps), and circumferences (hip, thigh, calf, and mid‐upper arm) were measured on all women. Infant measurements were weight and length. The women were measured in the second and third trimesters, and a sub‐sample (n = 16) was measured twice in the third trimester. Mean birth weight was 3,137.6 ± 488.5 g (n = 44), and mean length was 49.8 ± 3.0 cm. All but three of the infants were full‐term, and the incidence of low birth weight (LBW) was 9%. The 46 women showed a significant increase in weight (P < 0.001); subscapular, suprailiac, and mid‐thigh skinfold thicknesses (P ≤ 0.01) and in hip, thigh, and calf circumferences (P ≤ 0.01) between trimesters 2 and 3. Women who gave birth to both normal birth weight (NBW) and LBW infants showed significant increases in weight (P < 0.001 and P = 0.02, respectively), but only women who had NBW infants showed significant increases in the suprailiac skinfold and hip circumference (P < 0.001). In the third trimester, attained weight, skinfold thicknesses, and circumferences tended to be greater in women who had NBW infants. In general, this group of women gained less weight and had a greater incidence of LBW infants compared with women in developed countries, but changes in skinfold thicknesses over the course of pregnancy were similar compared with other studies. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 14:29–38, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Elevation of Transforming Growth Factor-β1 Is Associated with Recurrent Miscarriage

To investigate the significance of transforming growth factor-1 (TGF-1) in reproduction we have compared plasma levels in normal pregnant women and patients suffering miscarriages. We examined 188 normal pregnant women and 12 pregnant women with miscarriages. Eight women with severe recurrent miscarriages (mean ± SD of previous number of miscarriages; 10.4 ± 2.4 times) were also examined before conception; 34 nonpregnant women served as controls. Plasma TGF-1 level increased with the gestational week and returned within the normal range 1 month after delivery. The levels among pregnant women with miscarriages (mean ± SD; 2.44 ± 0.83 ng/ml) were significantly higher than those of pregnant controls (1.74 ± 0.95 ng/ml) of matched gestational weeks; levels among nonpregnant women with severe recurrent miscarriages were extremely elevated (4.1 ± 3.04 ng/ml) compared to the control value (1.34 ± 0.59 ng/ml). These data suggest that TGF-1 may be necessary to maintain pregnancy but also may be a risk factor for recurrent miscarriages.     

Anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations in maternal serum during pregnancy

BACKGROUND: In females, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is expressed only by the ovary. AMH is secreted by the granulosa cells of ovarian follicles and appears to regulate early follicle development. AMH is detected in serum from women of reproductive age and its levels vary slightly with the menstrual cycle, reaching the peak value in the late follicular phase. This study investigated serum AMH levels throughout gestation and after delivery in healthy pregnant women. METHODS: This cross-sectional study recruited pregnant women and healthy non-pregnant women, 84 in total. AMH, FSH and E2 were measured in the follicular phase, in the three trimesters of pregnancy and in early puerperium. RESULTS: Estradiol and FSH levels followed the expected patterns during gestation. During the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle AMH levels were 1.9 +/- 0.5 ng/ml. In the three trimesters of pregnancy and in early puerperium AMH levels were: 2.1 +/- 0.56, 2.4 +/- 0.64, 1.95 +/- 0.6 and 2.05 +/- 0.55 ng/ml respectively. No significant modifications were found in AMH levels during pregnancy and in the early puerperium. CONCLUSIONS: This study has obtained information on AMH and on the possible relationship with FSH. We hypothesize that the profile of the new marker of ovarian activity AMH may indicate that initial non-cyclic ovarian follicular activity during pregnancy is not abolished. Moreover FSH, does not seem to play a direct role on AMH synthesis and secretion.     

不同孕期孕妇贫血患病率及血清铁蛋白水平分析

目的 了解本地区不同孕期孕妇贫血患病率及血清铁蛋白水平,为孕妇贫血治疗及优生优育工作提供理论依据。方法 选择2017年1月~12月在绵阳市中心医院产科门诊常规产检孕妇4533例,采用Sysmex XN-9000全自动模块式血液分析仪测定血红蛋白,Architect i2000化学发光免疫分析仪检测血清铁蛋白水平并进行比较。结果 4533名孕妇总体贫血率为21.62%,孕早期贫血率6.43%,孕中期、晚期贫血率分别为28.49%,23.07%;孕早期铁蛋白水平为73.93（5.94,382.7）ng/ml,孕中、晚期铁蛋白水平分别为32.97（3.25,456.98）ng/ml、21.98（3.03,216.26）ng/ml,不同孕期铁蛋白水平比较,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。结论 本地区孕妇贫血较为严重,不同孕期血清铁蛋白水平差异明显,因此重视孕期贫血及血清铁蛋白水平监测,及时纠正贫血,对保障母婴健康有重要意义。     

Lipid Profile During Pregnancy in HIV-Infected Women

Abstract

Purpose: We investigated the evolution of serum lipid levels in HIV-infected pregnant women and the potential effect of antiretroviral treatment during pregnancy using data from a national surveillance study. Method: Fasting lipid measurements collected during routine care in pregnancy were used, analyzing longitudinal changes and differences in lipid values at each trimester by protease inhibitors (PIs) and stavudine use. Multivariate analyses were used to control for simultaneous factors potentially leading to hyperlipidemia. Study population included 248 women. Results: Lipid values increased progressively and significantly during pregnancy: mean increases between the first and third trimesters were 141.6 mg/dL for triglycerides (p .001), 60.8 mg/dL for total cholesterol (p .001), 13.7 mg/dL for HDL cholesterol (p .001), and 17.8 mg/dL for LDL cholesterol (p = .001). At all trimesters, women on PIs had significantly higher triglyceride values compared to women not on PIs. The effect of PIs on cholesterol levels was less consistent. Stavudine showed a dyslipidemic effect at first trimester only. Multivariate analyses confirmed these observations and suggested a potential role of other cofactors in the development of hyperlipidemia during pregnancy. Conclusion: The changes observed point to the need to further explore the causes and the clinical correlates of hyperlipidemia during pregnancy in women with HIV.     

Does high viral load of hepatitis E virus influence the severity and prognosis of acute liver failure during pregnancy?

The incidence and mortality in pregnant women with acute liver failure caused by hepatitis E virus (HEV) is high. Data on the viral load of HEV during pregnancy are limited. The study was designed to determine the viral load of HEV and its association with the disease severity in patients with acute liver failure. A total of HEV related 163 patients with acute liver failure which included 105 pregnant, 46 non‐pregnant women and girls and 12 men and 730 patients with acute viral hepatitis which comprised of 220 pregnant women; 282 non‐pregnant women and girls and 228 men were included. Viral load was measured by real‐time PCR. Comparison was made between the pregnant and non‐pregnant women. HEV RNA was detectable in 265 patients (142 pregnant; 75 non‐pregnant and 48 men) and 104 patients with acute liver failure (64 pregnant, 34 non‐pregnant and 6 men). The viral load of HEV in pregnant women with acute liver failure and acute viral hepatitis was significantly higher 129,984.0 ± 103,104.17 and 768.92 ± 1,105.40 copies/ml, respectively compared to the non‐pregnant women which was 189.2 ± 225 and 12.73 ± 7.8 copies/ml (P < 0.0001). The viral load of HEV was also significantly higher in the pregnant patients with acute liver failure compared to the pregnant women with acute viral hepatitis and also men (P < 0.0001). High viral load of HEV during pregnancy could be one of the factors responsible for the severity of the infection during pregnancy. J. Med. Virol. 85:620–626, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Lymphocyte subsets and mitogen stimulation of blood lymphocytes in preeclampsia.

PROBLEM: The question of whether there are differences in systemic immune reactivity in severe preeclampsia compared with normal pregnancy was addressed. METHOD OF STUDY: During the third trimester, blood samples were taken from 12 pregnant women with severe preeclampsia. Five of the preeclamptic pregnancies were analyzed separately because they were treated with dexamethasone before the blood samples were taken. The seven dexamethasone-treated preeclamptic pregnant women were analyzed and compared with six uncomplicated pregnancies. A control group consisted of 15 nonpregnant females. Lymphocyte subsets were identified by flow cytometry. The function of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was studied as proliferative responses to mitogens alone and in combination with immunomodulating drugs. RESULTS: An increased number of B lymphocytes (CD19+) (P < 0.05) and natural killer (NK) cells (P < 0.05) was noticed in severe preeclampsia compared with normal pregnancy. The proliferative response of PBMCs in phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated cultures in autologous serum from patients with severe preeclampsia was reduced (P < 0.05) compared with normal pregnancy. The addition of indomethacin and cimetidine significantly stimulated (P < 0.05) the proliferative responses. The enhancing effect of cimetidine was not found in dexamethasone-treated preeclamptic patients. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of systemic immunosuppression in severe preeclampsia is demonstrated as a reduced proliferative response of PBMCs to PHA, which could be partly restituted by indomethacin or cimetidine, indicating immunosuppressor activity that is mediated by prostaglandin and histamine. Increased levels of B lymphocytes and NK cells were also noticed.     

Nitric oxide production increases during normal pregnancy and decreases in preeclampsia

To investigate the changes in nitric oxide (NO) production during and after normal pregnancy and in pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia, we measured serum nitrates and nitrites (NOx) concentrations and serum iron markers in 347 subjects. Serum NOx concentrations were determined after reduction of nitrates to nitrites using the Griess reaction. Serum iron and serum ferritin were assayed using an automatic chemical analyzer and a chemiluminescence method. Serum NOx concentrations were significantly higher in the first trimester (117.3 +/- 31.4 microM) than in nonpregnant women (23.8 +/- 7.1 microM). High NOx concentrations persisted throughout normal pregnancy, irrespective of serum ferritin concentrations, and returned to nonpregnant levels by 9-12 wk postpartum. Mean NOx concentrations in preeclamptic women were 43.1 +/- 12.7 microM, which were significantly lower than those in the gestation age-matched normal pregnant women (249.7 +/- 51.3 microM). In summary, NO production increases with advancing gestation during normal pregnancy and decreases in preeclampsia, regardless of serum ferritin concentrations. Elevated NOx concentrations during pregnancy return to normal within 12 wk after delivery.     

Low circulating CD4(+) CD25(+) Foxp3(+) T regulatory cell levels predict miscarriage risk in newly pregnant women with a history of failure

Citation Winger EE, Reed JL. Low circulating CD4⁺ CD25⁺ Foxp3⁺ T regulatory cell levels predict miscarriage risk in newly pregnant women with a history of failure. Am J Reprod Immunol 2011; 66: 320–328 Problem The purpose of this study was to determine whether quantification of peripheral blood Treg cell levels could be used as an indicator of miscarriage risk in newly pregnant women with a history of immunologic reproductive failure. Method of Study Fifty‐four pregnant women with a history of immunologic infertility and/or pregnancy loss were retrospectively evaluated (mean age: 36.7 ± 4.9 years, 2.8 ± 2.5 previous miscarriages; 1.5 ± 1.9 previous IVF failures). Twenty‐three of these women experienced another first trimester miscarriage, and 31 of these women continued their current pregnancies past 12 weeks (‘pregnancy success’). The following immunologic parameters were assessed in the first trimester: NK cell 50:1 cytotoxicity, CD56⁺ 16⁺ CD3^? (NK), CD56⁺ CD3⁺ (NKT), TNFα/IL‐10, IFNγ/IL‐10, CD4⁺ CD25^?Foxp3⁺, total CD4⁺ Foxp3⁺ (CD4⁺ CD25⁺ Foxp3 plus CD25^? Foxp3⁺), and CD4⁺ CD25⁺ Foxp3⁺ levels. Results Patients with successful ongoing pregnancies experienced a mean (CD4⁺ CD25⁺ Foxp3⁺) ‘Treg’ level of 0.72 ± 0.52%, while those that miscarried in the first trimester experienced a mean Treg level of 0.37 ± 0.29% (P = 0.005). Markers not significantly different between the loss and success groups were NK 50:1 cytotoxicity (P = 0.63), CD56⁺ 16⁺ 3⁺ NK cells (P = 0.63), CD56⁺ 3⁺ NKT (P = 0.30), TNFα⁺IL‐10⁺(P = 0.13), IFNg⁺IL‐10⁺ (P = 0.63), and CD4⁺ 25^? Foxp3⁺ cells (P = 0.10), although total CD4⁺ Foxp3⁺ levels remained significant (P = 0.02) and CD4⁺ 25⁺ Foxp3⁺ showed the most significant difference (P = 0.005). Mean day of blood draw was 49.2 ± 36.1 days pregnant (median 39.0 days). In addition, patients with a low Treg level (<0.7%) in the first trimester experienced a significantly lower ongoing pregnancy rate than those with a higher Treg level (>0.7%) in the first trimester [44% (15/34) versus 80% (16/20); P = 0.01]. Of the 18 successful pregnancies with sequential Treg results, 85% (11/13) showed a T‐regulatory‐cell‐level increase (mean Treg change 0.33 ± 0.32), while only 40% (2/5) of the failed pregnancies showed a Treg increase (mean Treg change ?0.08 ± 0.28; P = 0.02). Conclusions From these data, we propose that CD4⁺ CD25⁺ Foxp3⁺ T regulatory cells may serve as a superior pregnancy marker for assessing miscarriage risk in newly pregnant women. Larger follow‐up studies are needed for confirmation.     

正常妊娠中人外周血树突状细胞亚群的研究

目的：探讨髓样DC（MDC） 和浆细胞淋巴样DC（PDC）在正常妊娠中母胎免疫耐受机制中的作用。 方法： 选择正常妊娠妇女30例，分别在每个妊娠妇女早期、中期和晚期妊娠时采集外周血。应用流式细胞仪术，检测MDC和PDC占外周血单个核细胞的百分率及MDC/PDC比率，正常未妊娠女性为对照组。 结果： 与未妊娠妇女外周血中MDC和PDC的百分率（MDC, 0.32%±0.08%; PDC, 0.12%±0.05%）及MDC/PDC比率(2.96±1.39)相比：早期妊娠妇女外周血中MDC和PDC的百分率（MDC, 0.29%±0.07%; PDC, 0.11%±0.04%）及MDC/PDC比率(2.95±0.85)无显著差异（P>0.05）；中期妊娠妇女外周血中MDC和PDC的百分率（MDC, 0.11%±0.06%; PDC, 0.07%±0.03%）及MDC/PDC比率(1.52±0.44)降低（P<0.01）；晚期妊娠妇女外周血中MDC和PDC的百分率（MDC, 0.12%±0.06%; PDC, 0.08%±0.03%）及MDC/PDC比率(1.54±0.43)降低（P<0.01）。与正常早期妊娠妇女外周血中MDC和PDC的百分率及MDC/PDC比率相比，中、晚期妊娠显著降低（P<0.01）。 结论： 正常妊娠妇女中期和晚期妊娠时外周血中MDC和PDC的百分率及MDC/PDC比率均降低。     

Microparticles of pregnant women and preeclamptic patients activate endothelial cells in the presence of monocytes

Citation Lok CAR, Snijder KS, Nieuwland R, Van Der Post JAM, de Vos P, Faas MM. Microparticles of pregnant women and preeclamptic patients activate endothelial cells in the presence of monocytes. Am J Reprod Immunol 2012; 67: 206–215 Problem Preeclampsia is a pregnancy‐specific disorder that may result from an adverse maternal response to circulating placenta‐derived factors, causing a systemic inflammation including endothelial activation. Plasma from preeclamptic patients was shown to induce endothelial activation in the presence of monocytes. We investigated whether microparticles (MP) are the plasma factors causing this activation of endothelial cells. Method of study Monocultures and co‐cultures of monocytes and endothelial cells were incubated with plasma, MP‐poor plasma or isolated MP from non‐pregnant and pregnant women and preeclamptic patients (each n = 8). ICAM‐1 expression was analyzed with flow cytometry. Results The expression of ICAM‐1 was significantly increased in monocytes and endothelial cells in co‐cultures after the addition of isolated MP from preeclamptic patients (P = 0.017) and to a lesser extent in pregnant women (P = 0.012) compared to non‐pregnant controls. Conclusions Microparticles from preeclamptic patients activate endothelial cells in the presence of monocytes. Whether all MP have the same effect on monocytes and endothelial cells or only a specific subgroup is the focus of future research.     

Use of Lymphocyte Platelet Binding Assay for Detecting a Preimplantation Factor: A Quantitative Assay

PROBLEM: To evaluate the ability of the lymphocyte/platelet binding assay to identify a preimplantation factor (PIF). METHOD: Percentages of binding of lymphocytes by platelets in the presence of sera from 30 known pregnant and 30 nonpregnant individuals were compared using a novel lymphocyte/platelet binding assay. The assay is performed using a combination of a heat inactivated sera with donor O+ lymphocytes, activated complement and an antibody against CD₂(T11, Ortho Pharmaceuticals). RESULTS: In nonpregnant females (23.6 ± 6.5%) and males (17.7 ± 4.7%) the percentage of lymphocytes bound by platelets was significantly different from pregnant women (56.1 ± 15.9%) (P < 0.0001). Serial sampling of blood in five women undergoing IVF/ET who had normal pregnancies showed the detection of PIF by 4 days after transfer. The lymphocyte/platelet binding assay was not influenced by hCG, progesterone and estradiol. The interassay and intraassay variabilities were <3%. CONCLUSIONS: The lymphocyte/platelet binding assay is a simple, reproducible, specific and cost efficient assay for measurement of PIF. Application of this assay will provide investigative and diagnostic tools for identifying and monitoring early pregnancy events.