Soluble Human Leukocyte Antigen Research Articles

Clinical Relevance of sHLA-G-Mediated With Better Graft Acceptance in Early Posttransplantation

The aim of this study was to measure the level of soluble human leukocyte antigen (sHLA-G) in renal transplant patients, to determine the relationship between these levels and the occurrence of acute rejection episodes, and to identify their influence on graft acceptance early posttransplantation. sHLA-G, as measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, was significantly increased (P < .01) early posttransplantation (3 months); the other group maintained low levels throughout the study. The latter group displayed a high incidence of acute rejection episodes and a lower clearance of serum creatinine with a longer period for hemoglobin to recover to normal (P < .01). These results suggested that HLA-G participates in the induction of immunologic tolerance in these recipients.

Closing the gap: discrimination of the expression profile of HLA questionable alleles by a cytokine‐induced secretion approach using HLA‐A*32:11Q

Matching of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles between donors and recipients plays a major role in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Null or questionably expressed HLA allelic variants are a major issue in HLA matching, because the aberrant expression of such alleles can have a major impact on the outcome of HSCT and/or its complications such as graft-versus-host disease. The goal of this study was to investigate the potential of a recently developed cytokine-induced secretion assay to differentiate the expression levels of HLA-A*32:11Q (questionable) into a null (N) or low (L) expression variant. An amino acid mutation at position 164 of HLA-A*32:11Q disrupts the disulfide bridge in the α2 domain. HLA-A*32:11Q is not detectable by standard microlymphocytotoxicity assay. To this end, we cloned soluble HLA-A*32:11Q and a reference allele (HLA-A*32:01) into expression vectors and transfected/transduced HEK293 and K562 cells. Allele-expressing K562 cells were simultaneously transfected/transduced with a β2-microglobulin (B2M)-encoding vector to ensure the intact HLA structure with B2M. After treatment with proinflammatory cytokines, secreted soluble HLA molecules were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in the supernatant and intracellular accumulation of the recombinant proteins by flow cytometry. HLA-A*32:11Q was nearly undetectable in untreated transfectants. Cytokine treatment increased the secretion of HLA-A*32:11Q to detectable levels and resulted in intracellular accumulation of the allele. There was no difference in mRNA transcription between the A*32 alleles. On the basis of these results, we recommend reclassification of HLA-A*32:11Q as a low expression (L) variant.

Umbilical cord blood CD34+cell–derived progeny produces human leukocyte antigen–G molecules with immuno-modulatory functions

Human umbilical cord blood units (UCBs) are an alternative source in allogeneic-stem-cell transplantation. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G is a tolerogenic molecule with a possible implication in UCB immunoregulatory effect. HLA-G expression was observed in UCB myeloid and plasmacytoid dendritic cells; in contrast, CD34(+) cells did not produce this molecule. CD34(+) cells are primitive hematopoietic progenitor cells that are present in UCB and are necessary for long-term engraftment via production of immunoregulatory molecules and a hematopoietic progeny that supports cellular recovery. The role of these cells in UCB transplantation needs further evaluation of HLA-G expression in CD34(+) cells and their hematopoietic progeny. We confirmed the absence of HLA-G expression in CD34(+) cells, whereas CD34(+)-derived progeny secreted HLA-G molecules and expressed HLA-G mRNA in in vitro cultures. Furthermore, soluble HLA (sHLA)-G molecules purified from the culture supernatants of CD34(+)-derived progeny were able to suppress lymphoproliferative response in an HLA-G dose-dependent manner. Overall these results identify CD34(+)-derived hematopoietic progeny as producers of HLA-G molecules and support a role of this antigen as an immuno-modulatory factor in UCB.

Upregulation of soluble and membrane-bound human leukocyte antigen G expression is primarily observed in the milder histopathological stages of chronic hepatitis C virus infection

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a worldwide health problem that may evolve to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Incompletely understood immune system mechanisms have been associated with impaired viral clearance. The nonclassical class I human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) molecule may downregulate immune system cell functions exhibiting well-recognized tolerogenic properties. HCV genotype was analyzed in chronic HCV-infected patients. Because HLA-G expression may be induced by certain viruses, we evaluated the presence of HLA-G in the liver microenvironment obtained from 89 biopsies of patients harboring chronic HCV infection and stratified according to clinical and histopathological features. Overall, data indicated that HCV genotype 1 was predominant, especially subgenotype 1a, with a prevalence of 87%. HLA-G expression was observed in 45 (51%) liver specimens, and it was more frequent in milder stages of chronic hepatitis (67.4%) than in moderate (27.8%; p = 0.009) and severe (36.0%; p = 0.021) stages of the disease. Altogether, these results suggest that the expression of HLA-G in the context of HCV is a complex process modulated by many factors, which may contribute to an immunologic environment favoring viral persistence. However, because the milder forms predominantly expressed HLA-G, a protective role of this molecule may not be excluded.

Soluble Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA)-G and HLA-G genotype in couples undergoing treatment for infertility

Soluble Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA)-G and HLA-G genotype in couples undergoing treatment for infertility

Soluble human leukocyte antigen–G serum levels in patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome affected by different disease-defining conditions before and after antiretroviral treatment

We have previously reported that the serum levels of soluble human leukocyte antigen (HLA)–A, -B, -C, and -G antigens are elevated in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–infected subjects and decrease after antiretroviral therapy. In this study, we measured soluble HLA-G serum levels in patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) affected by different AIDS-defining conditions before and during antiretroviral therapy and correlated them with virologic and immunologic parameters of response to treatment. Soluble HLA-G levels were significantly higher in AIDS patients before treatment as compared with healthy controls and significantly decreased after 36 months of therapy. The decrease of soluble HLA-G correlated with the decrease of plasma HIV-RNA level and CD8 + T-lymphocytes number and with the increase of CD4 + T-lymphocytes number. Soluble HLA-G levels were significantly higher in patients with opportunistic infections and Kaposi's sarcoma compared with patients with the wasting syndrome. These data suggest that infections and neoplasms may trigger the shedding of soluble HLA-G molecules, and confirm that the level of soluble HLA-G in serum might represent a surrogate marker to monitor virologic response and immune reconstitution in HIV-positive individuals.

Elevation of plasma soluble human leukocyte antigen–G in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection

The subversion of immune responses that hepatitis C virus (HCV) uses to escape immune surveillance and to establish persistent infection has been poorly understood. The immune-suppressive molecule human leukocyte antigen–G (HLA-G) has been supposed to play important roles in viral infection. In the current study, HCV genotype was analyzed in 67 chronic HCV–infected (CHC) patients. Plasma soluble sHLA-G (including sHLA-G1 and HLA-G5), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) levels were determined in these CHC patients and in healthy subjects by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the sHLA-G isoforms present in plasma were determined by Western blot. Data showed that HCV 1b was the predominant genotype, with a prevalence of 64.2%. sHLA-G was dramatically increased in CHC patients (median: 85.54 U/ml, range: 19.40–204.07) over that in normal controls (median: 9.13 U/ml, range: 5.07–69.56) ( p < 0.001). Western blotting revealed that plasma sHLA-G was derived from sHLA-G1 and HLA-G5. IL-10 and IFN-γ levels were also significant higher in CHC patients than in normal controls (median: 16.3 pg/ml vs 1.8 pg/ml, p < 0.001, and 1025.3 pg/ml vs 858.3 pg/ml, p = 0.03, respectively). No significant association was observed for the HCV genotype and viral RNA load with the levels of sHLA-G, IL-10, and IFN-γ in CHC patients. These results indicate that elevation of sHLA-G expression in HCV patients was independent of viral genotype and viral RNA load. Given its immunotolerant property, an increase in sHLA-G may play a role in the persistency of HCV infection.

Soluble Human Leukocyte Antigen G Level in Fluid from Single Dominant Follicle and the Association with Oocyte Competence

PurposeTo investigate the direct relationship between the follicular fluid (FF) level of soluble human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) and fertilizability of the corresponding oocyte as well as the morphological quality of the corresponding embryo.Materials and MethodsSixty-three patients were stimulated with recombinant FSH combined with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist long (n=5) or antagonist protocol (n=58) for standard in vitro fertilization (IVF). At the time oocyte retrieval, follicular fluid was obtained from single dominant follicle in 63 patients, and the level of soluble HLA-G was measured by sandwich enzyme-liked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Normal fertilization and individual embryo quality were evaluated, and were graded to four categories by morphological criteria (the embryo with symmetrical blastomeres and no fragmentation were assigned as grade A). Good-quality embryo was defined as those with grade A or B.ResultsSoluble HLA-G was not detected in 15 FF samples. In the group with positive FF soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G) (n=48), high levels of sHLA-G (>117.758 U/mL) could predict the failure of fertilization with statistical significance {area under the curve (AUC) 0.676, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.525-0.804}. However, the FF sHLA-G level was not related with the formation of good-quality embryo.ConclusionHigh level of FF sHLA-G could predict the fertilization failure of the corresponding oocyte, but was not related with the formation of good-quality embryo.

Increase in concentration of soluble HLA-G in high-quality embryos after intracytoplasmic sperm injection

Non-invasive methods are normally preferred to conventional invasive methods when selecting suitable embryos to improve pregnancy rates after assisted reproduction techniques. One of the most recognized non-invasive methods is to examine the supernatants of embryo culture media. Soluble human leukocyte antigen, class I, G (sHLA-G) antigen is a non-classical class I molecule that has been widely considered as a marker of pregnancy failure or implantation success. In the current study of some Iranian patients, we examined the concentration of sHLA-G at different time points after intracytoplasmic sperm injection and compared the rates to the morphology and quality of the selected embryos. We showed that the concentration of sHLA-G increases over time in high-quality embryos. We conclude that there is a positive relationship between morphology, quality, and sHLA-G concentration. We suggest that this relationship can be used to increase the chance of a successful pregnancy.

Effectiveness of intravenous immunoglobulin therapy in treating unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion and its effect on the level of serum soluble human leucocyte antigen G

To explore the effectiveness of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in treating patients with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA) and the effect of IVIG on the level of soluble human leucocyte antigen G (sHLA-G). This prospective trial conducted at PUMC Hospital between 2004 and 2008 included 60 women with URSA. The patients were allocated into IVIG group (30 cases) and control group (30 cases). IVIG was intravenously used before conception at a dose of 0.2g/kg; once pregnancy was confirmed,IVIG was continued every 4 weeks till the 20th gestational week. Traditional Chinese medicine or/and progesterone were used in control group. The outcome of pregnancy was evaluated by live birth rate and effective rate(defined as the embryo living 4 week longer than previous pregnancy). Serum samples were collected randomly before pregnancy and in the 6th-8th gestational week from IVIG group (15 samples),control group (15 samples),and healthy women (20 samples). The levels of sHLA-G,interferon γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-2 (IL-2), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA). The pregnancy rate was 93.3% in IVIG group. The live birth rate and effective rate were 85.7% (24/28) and 92.9% (26/28) in IVIG group,which were significantly higher than those in control group [56.7% (17/30) (P=0.021) and 63.3% (19/30) (P=0.011)]. Emesis occurred in one woman (3.3%) in IVIG group had during IVIG infusion but was relieved by lowering the speed of infusion. The mean sHLA-G level was (61.37∓35.57) U/ml in control group and (62.70∓37.24) U/ml in IVIG group (P>0.05); both of them were significantly lower than that of healthy women (88.49∓25.37) U/ml (Pü0.05). After pregnancy was achieved, the levels of sHLA-G and IL-10 were (34.19∓14.21) U/ml and (11.71∓2.75) pg/ml, respectively in the IVIG group, which were significantly higher than those in control group [(23.71∓12.83) U/ml and (8.71∓3.01) pg/ml, respectively] (P=0.008). Low-dose IVIG before and after pregnancy is a safe and effective in treating URSA. IVIG improves the development of fetus by up-regulating sHLA-G and IL-10 levels.

Increased soluble human leukocyte antigen–G levels in peripheral blood from climbers on Mount Everest

Soluble human leukocyte antigen–G (HLA-G) is involved in maternal–fetal tolerance, transplant acceptance, and tumor escape from immunosurveillance, operating by inhibiting activity of T, antigen presenting cells (APC), and natural killer (NK) cells. HLA-G gene expression is modulated in vitro after hypoxic conditions, a situation evidenced during pregnancy and tumor progression. In extreme altitude, mountaineers are in hypoxic conditions that generate physiologic adaptative responses, some of them giving rise to pathologic signs. We performed measurements of plasma soluble HLA-G in six climbers before departure of the expedition and during their ascent to and descent from summit of Mount Everest, and in 3 Sherpas at 5300–6400 m. We found that HLA-G levels are upregulated during the ascent with a unique pattern in comparison with angiogenic/lymphangiogenic factors. Our data suggest that HLA-G has to be taken into account in the mechanisms participating in adaptation to high altitudes and reinforce hypoxia as an important factor in the regulation of HLA-G expression.

Analysis of the plasma soluble human leukocyte antigen–G and interleukin-10 levels in childhood atopic asthma

Human leukocyte antigen–G (HLA-G) has been hypothesized to be associated with the pathogenesis of asthma; however, results remain controversial. Furthermore, HLA-G expression could be modulated by the HLA-G 14-bp insertion (+)/deletion (−) polymorphism and by interleukin-10. In this study, the 14-bp polymorphism in exon 8 of the HLA-G gene, plasma soluble HLA-G, and interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels in untreated atopic asthmatic children, and in a group of age-, gender-, and ethnicity-matched normal controls were analyzed. Data showed that HLA-G 14-bp +/− polymorphism was not significant difference between the asthmatic patients and normal controls. Plasma soluble human leukocyte antigen (sHLA)–G in atopic asthma patients ( n = 72; median, 179.28 U/ml) was dramatically higher compared with that of the normal controls ( n = 76; median, 35.23 U/ml; p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that the area under ROC curve for sHLA-G was 0.986 ( p < 0.001) in atopic asthma patients versus normal controls. IL-10 levels in the asthmatic children ( n = 50; median, 5.02 pg/ml) was significantly lower than that of the normal controls ( n = 48; median, 12.82 pg/ml; p < 0.001). Both HLA-G 14-bp polymorphism and IL-10 levels were unrelated to plasma sHLA-G concentration in both groups. Our findings indicated that the HLA-G 14-bp polymorphism was not a risk factor, but that sHLA-G might be considered as a biomarker for the atopic asthmatic patients. Dramatically increased sHLA-G with decreased IL-10 levels may have implications in the pathogenesis of atopic asthma.

Urinary Soluble HLA-DR Is a Potential Biomarker for Acute Renal Transplant Rejection

BACKGROUND.: Urine is a potentially rich source of biomarkers for monitoring kidney dysfunction. In this study, we have investigated the potential of soluble human leukocyte antigen (sHLA)-DR in the urine for noninvasive monitoring of renal transplant patients. METHODS.: Urinary soluble HLA-DR levels were measured by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 103 patients with renal diseases or after renal transplantation. sHLA-DR in urine was characterized by Western blotting and mass spectrometry. RESULTS.: Acute graft rejection was associated with a significantly elevated level of urinary sHLA-DR (P<0.0001), compared with recipients with stable graft function or healthy individuals. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed the area under the curve to be 0.88 (P<0.001). At a selected threshold, the sensitivity was 80% and specificity was 98% for detection of acute renal transplant rejection. sHLA-DR was not exosomally associated and was of lower molecular weight compared with the HLA-DR expressed as heterodimer on the plasma membrane of antigen-presenting cells. CONCLUSIONS.: sHLA-DR excreted into urine is a promising indicator of renal transplant rejection.

Immune factors in human embryo culture and their significance

There is increasing evidence that human development before implantation is regulated by embryonically and maternally derived growth factors. The "regulators" of embryonic origin such as soluble human leukocyte antigen G, platelet-activating factor, Th1/Th2 cytokines, insulin-like growth factor, epidermal growth factor, transforming growth factor alpha, colony-stimulating factor, platelet-derived growth factor may be used as indicators of embryo viability and implantation potential. The data prove the influence of growth factors on the development and growth of preimplantation embryos. Though there is a lot of research in the field of biomarkers during folliculogenesis and maternal-fetal interface, only few of them deal with regulators derived from embryonic cells to the cultivation medium. The aim of our study was to summarize the research dealing with immune markers produced by embryos in vitro and to estimate their impact on the cell growth, viability and implantation potential.

Prognostic relevance of soluble human leukocyte antigen–G and total human leukocyte antigen class I molecules in lung cancer patients

The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic significance of soluble human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I (sHLA-I) and HLA-G molecules in lung cancer patients. A total of 23 small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) and 114 non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, including 55 adenocarcinoma, 46 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and 13 patients with undifferentiated carcinoma, were prospectively enrolled. Levels of sHLA-G and sHLA-I were analyzed by specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Median levels of sHLA-G and sHLA-I were significantly increased in patients compared with controls (34 ng/ml [3.6–160] vs 14 ng/ml [0–98], p < 0.0001; 2580 ng/ml [749–5770] vs 1370 ng/ml [274–2670], p < 0.0001, respectively). Regarding the different subgroups, patients with NSCLC or SCLC showed increased sHLA-I levels, whereas sHLA-G was exclusively elevated in NSCLC, especially in patients with SCC. Patients with sHLA-I<2800 ng/ml ( p = 0.008) or sHLA-G<40 ng/ml ( p = 0.073) showed prolonged overall survival (OS). Using these cut-offs in patients with SCC, a pronounced prognostic significance for sHLA-G ( p = 0.003) and sHLA-I ( p = 0.004) was observed for the prediction of OS. Here, multivariate analysis confirmed sHLA-G and sHLA-I in addition to disease stage as independent prognostic factors. The prognostic power was further enhanced by combining the two factors and comparing the OS of patients with low sHLA-I and low sHLA-G against the remaining ones. In conclusion, plasma levels of sHLA-G and sHLA-I are potent predictors for OS in lung cancer patients.

Soluble Human Leukocyte Antigen G (sHLA-G) In Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Is Associated With Several Clinical Complications After Transplant

HLA-G is a non classical class I HLA molecule with low level of polymorphisms and with 7 isoforms, 4 are membrane bound and 3 are soluble. Another differential characteristic is it is tissue restricted and have been described in adult thymic medulla, cornea, pancreatic islet and endothelial cell precursors. Several immune modulatory functions have been attributed to this molecule such as the interaction between B, T, NK and antigen presenting cells. Due to their immunomodulatory properties we investigated the possible role of soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G) in the allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) setting. A cohort of 37 patients, who underwent HCT, were studied, 13 patients had acute myeloid leukemia, 8 patients had myelodisplastic syndromes (preleukemia disease) while the rest of the patients had non myeloid malignancies. Twenty eight patients received reduce intensity conditioning regimen, while the rest of the patients received myeloablative conditioning treatment. Plasma samples from all patients were obtained before the conditioning regimen and after transplant at different timepoints. Soluble HLA-G concentration was measured in duplicates of plasmas by a specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using the MEMG/9 as the capture antibody. Pre transplant variables were age, gender, disease, type of transplant (related, unrelated), infused marrow cell dose and donor gender. Post transplantation variables were graft versus host disease (acute/chronic, grade, day of onset, affected organ), infections, survival, relapse, day of bone marrow regeneration and immunosuppression therapy. We found a statistically significant association between rising levels of HLA-G during transplantation and clinically relevant (grade II-IV) acute GvHD, infectious events after transplantation, in particular fungal infections, and development of chronic GvHD. Our preliminary data shows that sHLA-G molecules are involved in several complications after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation.

Blood soluble human leukocyte antigen G levels are associated with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection in Beninese commercial sex workers

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G is a powerful modulator of the immune response. The aim of this study was to investigate whether soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G) expression is associated with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. HIV-1-infected female commercial sex workers (CSWs) had significantly lower levels of plasma sHLA-G compared with those in both the HIV-1-uninfected CSW and the non-CSW groups. The presence of HLA-G*010101, HLA-G*010404 alleles, and the 3′-untranslated region (3′UTR) genetic variant at position 3,952 were all significantly associated with lower plasma sHLA-G levels in the HIV-1-infected CSWs, whereas the HLA-G 3′UTR 14-bp sequence insertion was also associated with lower plasma sHLA-G levels in the overall population. When adjustment was made for all significant variables, the reduced expression of sHLA-G in the plasma remained significantly associated with HIV-1 infection and the HLA-G 3′UTR 14-bp insertion homozygote genotype. This study demonstrates that low levels of plasma sHLA-G are associated with HIV-1 infection.

Soluble total human leukocyte antigen class I and human leukocyte antigen–G molecules in kidney and kidney/pancreas transplantation

The expression of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)–G, a nonclassical HLA class I molecule, and its soluble forms (sHLA-G) are found to improve graft acceptance. In this study we investigated whether sHLA-G is the most biologically relevant molecule among all types of soluble HLA class I molecules for graft acceptance. We addressed this question in kidney-transplanted ( n = 32) and kidney/pancreas-transplanted patients ( n = 29). To this end we analyzed the levels of total soluble HLA class I (sHLA-I) in comparison to sHLA-G in 488 plasma samples procured before and serial after transplantation by specific enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay. Samples from 126 healthy individuals served as controls. Pretransplantation sHLA-I levels were significantly increased in patients ( p < 0.001), whereas sHLA-G levels were in the range of those of healthy controls. Importantly, pretransplantation sHLA-I and sHLA-G levels did not differ between the two groups. Patients with biopsy-proven rejection ( n = 15) revealed significantly lower sHLA-G levels before transplantation (mean ± standard error of the mean, 12.9 ± 1.8 vs. 20.1 ± 1.9, p = 0.013) and after transplantation ( p = 0.006, two-way analysis of variance) than patients without rejection ( n = 46). In contrast, sHLA-I was slightly increased after but not before transplantation in patients with rejection ( p < 0.05, two-way analysis of variance). Nonparametric determination analysis showed that pretransplantation levels of sHLA-G < 11.5 ng/ml (sensitivity, 60%; specificity, 80.4%) were related to rejection. Regarding antibody status, retransplantation, number of HLA mismatches, recipient age, and recipient body mass index, multivariate analysis showed that sHLA-G but not sHLA-I is an independent risk factor for graft rejection. Thus high levels of sHLA-G but not of sHLA-I seem to contribute to better graft acceptance after kidney or kidney/pancreas transplantation.

Soluble Human Leukocyte Antigen class I antigen and interleukin-12 in hepatectomized patients

Interleukin-12 (IL-12) has been shown to enhance the cytotoxic activity of NK cells and CTL. IL-12 also acts as a growth factor for activated NK, T and NKT cells. The soluble HLA class I (sHLA-I) has been reported to bind a killer-cell inhibitory receptor, which is expressed on the NK cell, and its signals inhibit NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Effects of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) on post-operative immune status have not yet been completely examined. Thirty consecutive patients taking a hepatectomy were enrolled. The levels of IL-12 and sHLA-I were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The rate of complication after hepatectomy in the FFP-administered patients was higher than that in patients without FFP administration (P = 0.0358). Decreased IL-12 levels after surgery in patients without FFP administration recovered to the preoperative state earlier than those in patients with FFP administration (P < 0.05). The levels of sHLA-I in the FFP-administered patients were higher than those in the patients without FFP administration (P < 0.05). Administration of FFP, which contains sHLA-I, affected the levels of sHLA-I after hepatectomy. Both high levels of sHLA-I and low levels of IL-12 could attenuate NK activities after hepatectomy, especially when FFP would be administered.

How to predict implantation? No correlation between embryonic aneuploidy and soluble human leukocyte antigen G-concentrations

To determine if soluble human leukocyte antigen-G (sHLA-G) concentrations in spent culture media may assist in identifying the normal embryo for implantation. Prospective blinded comparative study. Reproductive genetic and reproductive medicine centers. One hundred and sixteen embryos obtained from eight patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) with preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). Culture media obtained 2 days after fertilization were analyzed for sHLA-G concentrations using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) assay. A sHLA-G concentration of >or=1.9 mIU/mL was considered a positive predictor for successful implantation. Polar bodies and blastomeres from day-3 embryos were tested by PGD for 5 to 11 chromosomes: 8, 9, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, X, and Y. The results of the sHLA-G concentrations were compared with the results of the PGD analyses. We found an sHLA-G concentration >or=1.9 mIU/mL in 48% (56 out of 116) and normal PGD results in 52% (57 out of 116) of embryos. Of the embryos with normal PGD results, 46% (26 out of 57) had sHLA-G concentrations >or=1.9 mIU/mL. Among the embryos with sHLA-G >or=1.9 mIU/mL, 46% (26 out of 56) had normal PGD results, and 21% of embryos displayed both normal PGD results and sHLA-G >or=1.9 mIU/mL. No correlation between concentrations of sHLA-G in embryo culture media and PGD results of an embryo's aneuploidy were observed.