Fibronectin mediates activin A-promoted human trophoblast migration and acquisition of endothelial-like phenotype.

Background: During human early placentation, a proportion of extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) migrate to the maternal decidua, differentiating into endovascular EVTs to remodel spiral arteries and ensure the establishment of blood circulation at the maternal-fetal interface. Inadequate EVT migration and endovascular differentiation are closely associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes such as miscarriage. Activin A and fibronectin are both secretory molecules abundantly expressed at the maternal-fetal interface.

Endometrial BMP2 Deficiency Impairs ITGB3-Mediated Trophoblast Invasion in Women With Repeated Implantation Failure.

Background: Repeated implantation failure (RIF) leads to a waste of high-quality embryos and remains a challenge in assisted reproductive technology. During early human placentation, the invasion of trophoblast cells into the decidua is an essential step for the establishment of maternal-fetal interactions and subsequent successful pregnancy. Bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) has been reported to regulate endometrial receptivity and promote trophoblast invasion.

CD8 T cells reduce neuroretina inflammation in mouse by regulating autoreactive Th1 and Th17 cells through IFN-γ.

Various regulatory CD8 T-cell subsets have been proposed for immune tolerance and have been implicated in controlling autoimmune diseases. However, their phenotypic identities and suppression mechanisms are not yet understood. This study found that coculture of T-cell receptor (TCR)- or interferon (IFN)-β-activated CD8 T cells significantly suppressed the cytokine production of Th1 and Th17 cells.

H3K27me3-modulated Hofbauer cell BMP2 signalling enhancement compensates for shallow trophoblast invasion in preeclampsia.

Background: Preeclampsia (PE) is a common hypertensive pregnancy disorder associated with shallow trophoblast invasion. Although bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) has been shown to promote trophoblast invasion in vitro, its cellular origin and molecular regulation in placenta, as well as its potential role in PE, has yet to be established. Additionally, whether BMP2 and/or its downstream molecules could serve as potential diagnostic or therapeutic targets for PE has not been explored.

Whole exome sequencing in unexplained recurrent miscarriage families identified novel pathogenic genetic causes of euploid miscarriage.

Study Question: Can whole exome sequencing (WES) followed by trio bioinformatics analysis identify novel pathogenic genetic causes of first trimester euploid miscarriage?

Summary Answer: We identified genetic variants in six candidate genes that indicated plausible underlying causes of first-trimester euploid miscarriage.

What Is Known Already: Previous studies have identified several monogenic causes of Mendelian inheritance in euploid miscarriages. However, most of these studies are without trio analyses and lack cellular and animal models to validate the functional effect of putative pathogenic variants.

Multifunctional Interleukin-24 Resolves Neuroretina Autoimmunity via Diverse Mechanisms.

IL-24 is a multifunctional cytokine that regulates both immune cells and epithelial cells. Although its elevation is associated with a number of autoimmune diseases, its tolerogenic properties against autoreactive T cells have recently been revealed in an animal model of central nervous system (CNS) autoimmunity by inhibiting the pathogenic Th17 response. To explore the potential of IL-24 as a therapeutic agent in CNS autoimmunity, we induced experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) in wildtype mice and intravitreally injected IL-24 into the inflamed eye after disease onset.

Imaging-Based Body Fat Distribution in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are generally considered to be central obese and at higher risks of metabolic disturbances. Imaging methods are the golden standards for detecting body fat distribution. However, evidence based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) is conflicting.

[Determination of fifteen beta-agonists in animal urine by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry].

A high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/ MS) method was established for the determination of fifteen beta-agonists (clenbuterol, ractopamine, salbutamol, cimaterol, mabuterol, tulobuterol, bambuterol, mapenterol, cimbuterol, zilpaterol, formoterol, clorprenaline, terbutaline, penbutolol and brombuterol) in animal urine. Perchloric acid solution was used to acidify the sample and precipitate protein in the sample. The sample was purified and concentrated by an HLB mini-column.