Interleukin-1-beta, human leukocyte antigen HLA-DR-alpha, and transforming growth factor-beta expression in endometrium, placenta, and placental membranes

Article Abstract:

The immune system of the pregnant woman recognizes the fetus and does not reject it as though it were foreign tissue. It is likely that the maternal cells in closest proximity to the fetus, contained in the decidua (maternal tissue to which the placenta is attached), mediate this response. To learn more about the immune factors that these cells produce, studies were performed of tissue from women who underwent elective abortion (17), hysterectomy for benign conditions (9), or uncomplicated cesarean sections (5). The levels of mRNA associated with several factors were measured: IL-1-beta, a protein that stimulates the immune system; HLA-DR-alpha, a protein that forms a complex with foreign antigens to allow recognition by the immune system; and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-B), a peptide that suppresses the immune system. Its levels would be expected to increase if the levels of the other two factors increased, to counteract the chances of rejection of foreign tissue. Results showed that the levels of mRNA for IL-1-beta, HLA-DR-alpha, and TGF-beta increased 20, 3, and 5 times, respectively, in uterine tissue from pregnant women, as compared with tissue from nonpregnant women. The magnitude of these increases varied according to the time in the menstrual cycle during which nonpregnant uterine tissue was taken, but significant increases were always associated with pregnancy. The amounts of these proteins in placental tissue are also reported and discussed. ''Immunotropism'' is the term used to describe the beneficial effects for the fetus when the maternal immune system reacts; many factors that are released as a consequence of that response stimulate placental growth. However, while this may be the case, IL-1B and HLA-DR are also involved in graft rejection, and the possibility exists that excess levels may be associated with repeated miscarriage and fetal growth retardation. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Measurement, Pregnant women, Interleukins, Transforming growth factors, Pregnancy proteins

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Leptin in human pregnancy: the relationship with gestational hormones

Article Abstract:

Leptin levels in the blood rise in the first six months of pregnancy, then fall rapidly after delivery. Leptin is secreted by fat cells, and may be influenced by changing reproductive hormone levels in pregnancy. Researchers measured leptin levels in 47 women during and immediately following pregnancy. Serum leptin levels increased more than 50% early in pregnancy, then dropped to baseline levels after cesarean section or childbirth. Leptin levels were not associated with changes in body mass index. Mouse fat cells, when incubated with pregnancy hormones, secreted significantly more leptin.

Leptin, Chorionic gonadotropin, Chorionic gonadotropins, Fat cells, Adipocytes

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The role of estrogen in the maintenance of primate pregnancy

Article Abstract:

Estrogen appears to be essential in maintaining pregnancy to full-term. In a study of pregnant baboons, half of those who received a drug that blocks estrogen miscarried, compared to 5% of baboons who did not receive the drug. None of the baboons who received the drug and estradiol miscarried.

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