Sera Of Infertile Women Research Articles

Anti-sperm antibodies and reproductive failures.

Reproductive failures include infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Although the relative importance of immunological factors in human reproduction remains unclear, there may be immune-mediated reproductive failures in a portion of unexplained infertility and RPL. As a cause of immunological factor, anti-sperm antibodies (ASA) are produced both in men and women. There have been reported several antigens in the surface of sperm that are especially foreign to women. The presence of ASA, especially sperm-immobilizing antibodies, in the sera of infertile women has been shown to inhibit sperm migration in the female genital tract. Therefore, the effectiveness of the treatments for infertile women with sperm-immobilizing antibodies by timed intercourse or intra-uterine insemination is limited. Such antibodies can also exert inhibitory effects on various stages of sperm-egg interaction and subsequent embryo development in vitro. It is suggested that ASA testing for infertile women should be performed before proceeding IVF. The manipulation of gametes and embryos from patients having sperm-immobilizing antibodies should be carefully carried out especially to avoid contaminating patient's serum and follicular fluid in the culture medium in order to overcome the immunological causes of female infertility by ASA, and satisfactory results under suitable conditions for gametes and embryos have been obtained. The relationship between ASA and RPL was controversially reported. Increased miscarriage rates in women with ASA were demonstrated by some authors. In contrast, lack of association between ASA and RPL was reported. In this manuscript, we are focusing the roles of ASA in women with reproductive failures.

Increased levels of angiotensin II type 1 receptor autoantibodies in female infertility

ABSTRACT In this study, the level of serum anti-angiotensin II type 1 receptor autoantibodies (AT1-AA) was determined. It was found that the positive rate of AT1-AA in serum of infertile women is higher than that of healthy non-pregnant women. Spearman correlation analysis showed that AT1-AA was negatively correlated with oocyte maturation rate (r = −0.29, P < 0.01) and AT1-AA was positively correlated with IL-6 (r = 0.68, P < 0.01). Logistic regression analysis showed that age, BMI, type of infertility, years of infertility, history of poor pregnancy outcome, condition of fallopian tube, and polycystic ovary syndrome were not factors influencing the level of AT1-AA in the serum of infertile patients. The results indicated that AT1-AA was involved in the pathological changes of infertile women. AT1-AA may be related to oocyte maturation disorder, ovulation disorder. Interestingly it appears to induce an inflammatory reaction, although the specific mechanism is not clear. However, the level of AT1-AA is not affected by individual differences in infertile patients. Abbreviations: E2:estradiol; P:progesterone; RAS:Renin-angiotensin system; Ovras:renin-angiotensin system; ACE1:angiotensin-converting enzyme-1; AngII:angiotensin II; AT1R:Angiotensin II type 1 Receptor; BMI:Body Mass Index; AT1-A:anti-angiotensin II type 1 receptor autoantibodies.

Measuring some hormonal Levels of infertile women in Samarra city - Iraq

Population-based on infertility data collecting from a woman with thyroid gland diseases or sub-clinical thyroid (hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism) in Samarra city. Thus, the plan was to search about thyroid status and some hormone levels in infertility woman. The aim of the study was to determine the levels of LH, FSH, TSH, T3, T4 from the serum of infertile women in Samarra city, and to explain the relationship between hormone levels and the probability to cause infertility. The results showed a significant difference at (P≤ 0.05) between levels of LH of infertile women as compared with intact group. The results also showed a significant difference at (P<0.05) of (TSH, T3, T4) of infertile women as compared with intact; there were no significant differences at ( P<0.05) of (FSH) level between infertile women & intact.

P42: Detective value of anti‐cardiolipin antibodies and anti‐β2GP1 antibodies subtypes in serum of infertile women

American Journal of Reproductive ImmunologyVolume 80, Issue S1 p. 76-76 ABSTRACTS P42: Detective value of anti-cardiolipin antibodies and anti-β2GP1 antibodies subtypes in serum of infertile women First published: 26 June 2018 https://doi.org/10.1111/aji.41_12984Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume80, IssueS1Special Issue: American-Sino Joint Meeting of Reproductive Immunology (ASRI-CSI 2018), June 28-1 July, 2018 Shanghai, ChinaJune 2018Pages 76-76 RelatedInformation

Proteomic identification of sperm antigens using serum samples from individuals with and without antisperm antibodies.

The aim of the study was to identify human sperm antigens reacting with polyclonal antisperm antibodies. Protein sperm extracts were subjected to electrofocusing, and next immune reactions (immunoblotting) were carried out with positive for antisperm antibodies and control (not containing antisperm antibodies) serum samples. Proteomic analysis of human sperm proteins resulted in identification of 80 sperm antigens that could be divided into three groups: antigens specific for patients with antisperm antibodies (32), antigens recognised by both infertile patients and control sera (35) and antigens detected by control serum samples only (13). Among antigens specific for infertile patients, there were 12 sperm entities known to be involved in fertilisation process. We have also characterised three protein entities identified only by sera of infertile women. Altogether, the proteomic analysis resulted in identification of 27 sperm entities not reported previously in human sperm proteome. Identified proteins are sperm antigens that could be potentially responsible for immunological infertility. The study also sheds new light on the sperm antigens in aspect of gender specificity. The investigation of human sperm proteome by the use of antisperm antibodies-containing sera of infertile individuals not only may indicate new proteins but also can draft their immunological nature.

Value of follicular fluid vitamin D in predicting the pregnancy rate in an IVF program

This study investigated whether there is a correlation between levels of 25OH-D in the follicular fluid and the serum of infertile women and the results of IVF and rates of pregnancy. The association between the levels of 25OH-D in the follicular fluid and the vitamin D repletion status was also assessed. Two hundred and twenty-one infertile women participated in an IVF cycle from 2010 to 2011 in a prospective observational study. Serum and follicular fluid were collected for vitamin D analysis. Deficient, insufficient, and sufficient levels of vitamin D were defined as 10, 10-29, and 30-100 ng/ml, respectively. IVF cycle parameters and clinical pregnancy rates were also compared with the vitamin D level. The levels of vitamin D deficiency, insufficiency, and sufficiency were 22.6, 70.1, and 7.2%, respectively. The fertilization rates associated with these three levels of vitamin D were 43.17, 53.37, and 58.77%, respectively, (P = 0.054), and the implantation rates were 17.33, 15.26, and 18.75%, respectively, (P = 0.579). No significant correlation was seen between the pregnancy rate and the serum vitamin D level (P = 0.094) or the follicular vitamin D level (P = 0.170). The serum and follicular fluid vitamin D levels showed a significant correlation (P = 0.000). Although vitamin D is an important hormone in the human body, no correlation was found between the serum and follicular vitamin D level and the pregnancy rate in the IVF cycle.

Increased Circulating MMP-2 Levels in Infertile Patients With Moderate and Severe Pelvic Endometriosis

The current study compares the levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 in the follicular fluid (FF) of infertile patients with and without endometriosis submitted to ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization and the levels of MMP-2 in the serum of the same patients. We also evaluated whether the severity of endometriosis can influence serum and/or FF concentration of these metalloproteinases. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 30 patients: stage I/II endometriosis (n = 10), stage III/IV endometriosis (n = 10), and control (infertility due to tubal and/or male factor; n = 10). Blood samples for the analysis of MMP-2 levels were obtained during the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. The FF samples for the analysis of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were obtained on the day of oocyte retrieval. The concentrations of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were determined by zymography. No intragroup or intergroup difference was observed in MMP-2 or MMP-9 levels in FF. Significantly higher MMP-2 levels were detected in the serum of infertile women with stage III/IV endometriosis compared to women with stage I/II endometriosis. In conclusion, no differences were observed in the follicular levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 between infertile patients with and without endometriosis. However, the levels of MMP-2 were significantly higher in the serum of infertile women with advanced stages of endometriosis. Taken together, the present results demonstrate that advanced pelvic endometriosis severity is related to higher serum MMP-2 levels but does not influence follicular MMP-2 or MMP-9 levels in periovulatory follicles obtained from stimulated cycles.

Increased circulating levels of oxidative stress markers in the day of oocyte retrieval of infertile women with and without endometriosis submitted to ovarian stimulation

Oxidative stress (OS) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of infertility related to endometriosis (E). Recent evidence has suggested the presence of systemic OS in women with E which might be influenced by controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH). Thus, the aim of this study was to compare eight OS markers in the serum of infertile women with and without E submitted to COH in the day of oocyte retrieval.

Serum markers of oxidative stress in infertile women with endometriosis and controls

OBJECTIVE: Oxidative stress (OS) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of infertility related to endometriosis.Little is known about the presence of systemic OS and its relationship with the stage of endometriosis. Thus, we compared five OS markers in the serum of infertile women with and without endometriosis.

Influence of pituitary suppression and controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) on oxidative stress markers of infertile patients with endometriosis and controls

OBJECTIVE: Hypothetically oxidative stress (OS) may be influenced by pituitary suppression and COH. Thus, our objectives were to compare the levels of total hydroperoxides (FOX1), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione in serum of infertile women with and without endometriosis (infertility due to tubal and/or male factor) during the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle preceding COH (D1), after pituitary suppression with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (D2), at the day of human corionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration (D3), and at the day of oocyte retrieval (D4).

Multiplicity of molecular and cellular targets in human ovarian autoimmunity: an update

To provide an update of putative auto-antigens identified and proposed to be involved in human ovarian autoimmunity. Review of literature pertaining to ovarian auto-antigens / proteins identified with various immunological tools using sera of infertile women as a probe for investigation. An overview of autoimmune targets known till date in the study of human ovarian autoimmunity. Anti-ovarian antibodies (AOA) to multiple components and compartments of the ovary are present in the sera of infertile women. Researchers propose that these AOA may be responsible for ovarian failures and therefore render women to be infertile. Evaluation of AOA can be effective as a prognostic factor in the treatment of infertile patients and for the IVF-ET program.

Marcadores séricos de estresse oxidativo em mulheres inférteis com endometriose

to compare serum markers of oxidative stress between infertile patients with and without endometriosis and to assess the association of these markers with disease staging. this was a prospective study conducted on 112 consecutive infertile, non-obese patients younger than 39 years, divided into two groups: Endometriosis (n=48, 26 with minimal and mild endometriosis - Stage I/II, and 22 with moderate and severe endometriosis - Stage III/IV) and Control (n=64, with tubal and/or male factor infertility). Blood samples were collected during the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle for the analysis of serum malondialdehyde, glutathione and total hydroxyperoxide levels by spectrophotometry and of vitamin E by high performance liquid chromatography. The results were compared between the endometriosis and control groups, stage I/II endometriosis and control, stage III/IV endometriosis and control, and between the two endometriosis subgroups. The level of significance was set at 5% (p < 0.05) in all analyses. vitamin E and glutathione levels were lower in the serum of infertile women with moderate/severe endometriosis (21.7 ± 6.0 mMol/L and 159.6 ± 77.2 nMol/g protein, respectively) compared to women with minimal and mild endometriosis (28.3 ± 14.4 mMol/L and 199.6 ± 56.1 nMol/g protein, respectively). Total hydroxyperoxide levels were significantly higher in the endometriosis group (8.9 ± 1.8 µMol/g protein) than in the Control Group (8.0 ± 2 µMol/g protein) and among patients with stage III/IV disease (9.7 ± 2.3 µMol/g protein) compared to patients with stage I/II disease (8.2 ± 1.0 µMol/g protein). No significant differences in serum malondialdehyde levels were observed between groups. we demonstrated a positive association between infertility related to endometriosis, advanced disease stage and increased serum hydroxyperoxide levels, suggesting an increased production of reactive species in women with endometriosis. These data, taken together with the reduction of serum vitamin E and glutathione levels, suggest the occurrence of systemic oxidative stress in women with infertility associated with endometriosis. The reproductive and metabolic implications of oxidative stress should be assessed in future studies.

Study of aflatoxin B1 as a risk factor that impairs the reproductive performance in females – Egypt

Infertility among couples in Egypt is causing increasing concern. Investigations showed a relationship between ovulatory disorders and the incidence of female factor-mediated fertility difficulties in couples. However, the factors responsible for the sudden increase in ovulatory disorders are not fully understood. The aim of this study was to assess the presence of aflatoxin in sera of infertile women and to correlate this with ovarian functions and hormonal parameters. Blood samples were collected from 70 adult Egyptian females comprising 50 infertile and 20 fertile control individuals, and screened for the presence of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). Ovarian function was examined by measuring mean ovarian volume, and the umber and size of ovarian follicles. Blood hormonal levels were determined. All blood samples (patients and controls) showed negative results as regards AFB1 analysis. However, there was a significant enlargement in the mean ovarian volume but a significant decrease in follicular size. In addition, there were significant higher levels of lutinizing hormone (LH) and significant lower levels of mid-luteal progesterone in infertile females. Although blood samples were negative with respect to AFB1, the role of aflatoxin cannot be excluded as a contributing factor to female infertility, since the toxin was found to produce deleterious effects on the reproductive system in animals. More studies including aflatoxin analysis in ovarian biopsies are recommended to ascertain involvement of this toxin.

Analysis of serum markers of oxidative stress response in women with infertility related to endometriosis

OBJECTIVE: The mechanisms involved in the etiopathogenesis of infertility in patients with endometriosis have not been fully elucidated. Although accumulating evidence exists that OS is increased locally at sites of endometrial implants, little is known about the systemic OS status in patients with infertility related to endometriosis. Therefore, we measured and compared the levels of four markers of OS in serum of infertile women with endometriosis and controls.

Levels of complement components iC3b, C3c, C4, and SC5b-9 in peritoneal fluid and serum of infertile women with endometriosis

To assess whether complement components iC3b, C3c, C4, and SC5b-9 may be involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Prospective, experimental trial. Medical university. 112 women infertile women undergoing laparoscopy. Venipuncture and laparoscopic peritoneal fluid collection. Peritoneal fluid and serum iC3b, C3c, C4, and SC5b-9 levels were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Higher levels of C3c, C4, and SC5b-9 complement components were found in the serum compared with the peritoneal fluid, but the levels of iC3b were higher in the peritoneal fluid. We observed higher concentrations of C3c, C4, and SC5b-9 in the peritoneal fluid and serum of women with endometriosis compared with healthy women. However, the levels of iC3b in both peritoneal fluid and serum were statistically significantly lower than in the control group. The impairment of the mechanisms involved in the regulation of activation of complement system may be an important factor in the pathogenesis of endometriosis and endometriosis-associated infertility.

Lipid Peroxidation and Antioxidant Capacity in the Follicular Fluid and Serum of Infertile Women With Peritoneal Endometriosis

To assess the level of lipid peroxidation (LP) and vitamin E in the follicular fluid and serum of infertile patients, with or without endometriosis, submitted to ovulation induction for Assisted Reproduction procedures. Prospective study. Infertile patients aged 20 to 38 years were selected prospectively and consecutively and divided into group A (17 patients with pelvic endometriosis) and group B (19 patients with previous tubal ligation or with male factor). Blood samples were collected on: D1 (before the beginning of the use of gonadotrophins), D2 (day of hCG application) and D3 (day of oocyte retrieval). On D3, follicular fluid samples free from blood contamination were also collected and stored. LP was assessed by malondialdehyde (MDA) quantification by spectrophotometry, and antioxidant status by measurement of vitamin E by HLPC. On D1, no significant difference in LP was observed between groups A and B. However, vitamin E levels were significantly higher in the control group. On D2, LP levels were significantly higher in group A compared to control and vitamin E levels continued to be significantly higher in the control group. On D3 there was no significant difference in both serum and follicular fluid levels of LP or vitamin E between groups. However, on D3, within groups A and B, MDA and vitamin E levels were found to be significantly higher in serum than in follicular fluid. Before the beginning of ovulation induction, a significant decrease in antioxidant status was observed in patients with endometriosis, perhaps because antioxidants are consumed during oxidation reactions. After ovulation induction with exogenous gonadotrophins, the group of patients with endometriosis presented not only increased lipid peroxidation compared to control, but also maintained a lower antioxidant status than control group. However, on the day of oocyte retrieval, both serum LP potential and the levels of vitamin E were found to be similar in both groups.

Concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1 soluble receptor type II (IL-1 sRII) and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1 Ra) in the peritoneal fluid and serum of infertile women with endometriosis

Objective Endometriosis is an immune system-related gynaecological disease, characterised by an increase in number and activation of peritoneal macrophages. One of macrophage-derived factors is interleukin (IL)-1. The effects of IL-1 are inhibited by IL-1 receptor type II (IL-1 RII), soluble forms of IL-1 RII (IL-1 sRII) and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1 Ra). The aim of our work was to study the IL-1α, IL-1 sRII and IL-1 Ra levels in the peritoneal fluid (PF) and serum of women with endometriosis in relation to stage of disease. Study design Concentrations of IL-1α, IL-1 sRII and IL-1 Ra were measured by ELISA assay in the PF and serum of 58 women; 43 with and 15 without endometriosis (control group). Results Elevated PF and serum IL-1α and IL-1 Ra levels in the women with endometriosis in comparison with the control group were observed. IL-1 sRII levels in PF and serum were higher in the controls than in the women with endometriosis. Concentrations of IL-1α and IL-1 sRII were higher in advanced endometriosis, but higher IL-1 Ra was observed in the early stage of the disease. Conclusion Impairment of regulation IL-1 activity in the peritoneal fluid and serum of women with endometriosis may play an important role in the pathogenesis and development of the disease.

Effect of sperm-immobilizing antibodies bound to the surface of ejaculated human spermatozoa on sperm motility in immunologically infertile men

Effect of sperm-immobilizing antibodies bound to the surface of ejaculated human spermatozoa on sperm motility in immunologically infertile men

Sperm immobilizing antibodies in the sera of infertile women cause low fertilization rates and poor embryo quality in vitro.

The effects of sperm immobilizing antibodies in the sera of infertile women on fertilization and embryo quality in vitro were investigated. Before the introduction of sperm immobilization test (SIT) as a routine test for female infertility, 85 oocytes were collected in nine in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles from four infertile women who were afterward found having had sperm immobilizing antibodies in their sera and the oocytes were inseminated with swim-up sperm in a medium containing the patient's serum. Fifty oocytes were collected in five IVF cycles from five infertile women possessing the antibodies in their sera and the oocytes were inseminated with swim-up sperm in a medium supplemented with human serum albumin (HSA). In the former group, 41 of 85 oocytes were fertilized, giving a fertilization rate of 48.2%. In the latter group, 43 of 50 oocytes were fertilized, giving a fertilization rate of 86.0%. There was a significant difference of the fertilization rate between the groups (P < 0.0001). Embryo quality was assessed by the Veeck's classification. The grade 1 and grade 2 embryos were considered good quality. Using this classification, 16 (39.0%) of 41 embryos incubated in the medium containing the patient's serum were good quality, while 34 (79.1%) of 43 embryos incubated in the medium supplemented with HSA were good quality. There was also a significant difference between the groups (P = 0.0003). These findings might indicate that sperm immobilizing antibodies in the sera of infertile women cause low fertilization rates and poor embryo quality in vitro. It is suggested that SIT in the sera of infertile women should be performed at least before proceeding IVF. The manipulation of gametes and embryos from patients having sperm immobilizing antibodies should be carefully carried out especially to avoid contaminating patient's serum and follicular fluid in the culture medium in order to have a better IVF result.

Evaluation of two sperm antigens, rSMP-B and YWK-II, as targets for immunocontraception.

To determine whether sperm membrane components, rSMP-B and YWK-II, are suitable candidates as immunocontraceptives in humans, antifertility activities of the antibodies to the peptide fragments, rSMP-229 and rSMP-230 of rSMP-B and YAL-198 of YWK-II, were examined. In a previous report, anti-rSMP-230 antibody was shown to immobilise human sperm and to block human fertilisation, and the antigen (rSMP-230) to interact with antisperm antibodies found in sera of infertile women. Antibody to the second synthetic peptide, rSMP-229, corresponding to a different segment of rSMP-B, mimicked the biological activities of the anti-rSMP-230 antibody. Anti-YAL-198 antibody significantly, although weakly, inhibited human fertilisation. In the murine model, the anti-rSMP-B antibodies blocked in vitro fertilisation of mouse eggs but had no influence on embryo growth. Anti-YAL-198 antibody, however, arrested the growth of zygotes. In conclusion, rSMP-B, a human sperm protein, is a promising candidate in the development of an immunocontraceptive for human application. A second sperm protein, YWK-II, is effective as an antifertility immunogen in experimental animals.