Human miscarriage is associated with increased number of CD26 decidual lymphocytes.

Dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV, CD26), a serine protease with broad distribution in mammalian tissues and known activity in serum, participates in T-cell activation and promotes a Th1-like cytokine response. Previous data on murine abortion indicate that DPP-IV may play a critical role in pregnancy failure by inducing a Th1 local response. Here, we investigated the possible participation of DPP-IV in the onset of human spontaneous abortion (SA).

Nerve growth factor and its functional receptor TrkA are up-regulated in murine decidual tissue of stress-triggered and substance P-mediated abortion.

Problem: Stress, elicited by environmental and social conditions, is known to affect the homeostasis of the nervous, endocrine and immune systems. In pregnancy, perceived stress results in a predomination of inflammatory abortion-associated Th1 cytokines over immunosuppressive, pregnancy-protective-associated Th2 cytokines, putatively via neuropeptide substance P (SP). Nerve growth factor (NGF), an important trophic factor for sympathetic neurons, has been implicated in the responsiveness of immune-competent cells through its functional receptor, tropomyosin receptor kinase (TrkA).

Properties of a novel periplasmic catalase-peroxidase from Escherichia coli O157:H7.

A subset of catalase-peroxidases are distinguished by their periplasmic location and their expression by pathogens. Kinetic and spectral properties have not been reported for any of these enzymes. We report the cloning, expression, isolation, and characterization of KatP, a periplasmic catalase-peroxidase from Escherichia coli O157:H7.

Heme oxygenases in pregnancy II: HO-2 is downregulated in human pathologic pregnancies.

Problem: We previously reported a diminished expression of the heme-degrading enzymes heme oxygenases (HO)-1 and HO-2 in decidua and placenta from mice undergoing Th1-mediated abortion, strongly indicating the protective effect of HO in murine pregnancy maintenance. Here we investigated whether the expression of HO-1 and HO-2 is also reduced at the feto-maternal interface of pathologic human pregnancies.

Method Of Study: Immunohistochemistry was used to detect HOs expression in placental and decidual first-trimester tissue from patients with: spontaneous abortion (n = 14), choriocarcinoma (n = 14), hydatidiform mole (H-mole) (n = 12), compared with normally progressing pregnancies (n = 15).

Distribution of immunocompetent cells in decidua of controlled and uncontrolled (choriocarcinoma/hydatidiform mole) trophoblast invasion.

Problem: Pregnancy has been considered as a model of successfully controlled tissue invasion where trophoblast cells infiltrate the maternal decidua without being rejected or without destroying the tissue. In choriocarcinoma (CC) and hydatidiform mole (HM), a dysregulation of invasive (malignant/benign) trophoblast cells is present. Immunocompetent cells (IC) are known to be involved in rejection pathways of malignant cells and can also be identified in early pregnancy decidua.

Peroxidase-catalyzed oxidation of capsaicinoids: steady-state and transient-state kinetic studies.

Capsaicinoids are the pungent compounds in Capsicum fruits (i.e., "hot" peppers).

Th1 cytokines and the prothrombinase fgl2 in stress-triggered and inflammatory abortion.

Problem: The immune system contributes to the outcome of pregnancy by complex immunological interactions. Cytokines especially influence the immune milieu pro or contra pregnancy. T helper 1 (Th1) cytokines [tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma)] cause inflammation and together are thought to threaten the maintenance of pregnancy.

Iron deficiency is prevalent in a sample of pregnant women at delivery in Germany.

Objective: To determine the prevalence and risk factors of iron deficiency in pregnancy, since iron supplements are not routine in Germany.

Study Design: Soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), ferritin, hemoglobin (Hb), C-reactive protein (CRP) and leucocyte counts were determined in venous blood samples of 378 women before delivery; 191 of them filled in a questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 9.

Activation of the novel prothrombinase, fg12, as a basis for the pregnancy complications spontaneous abortion and pre-eclampsia.

Problem: Impaired trophoblast invasion during the first trimester of pregnancy is linked to spontaneous abortion, and defective invasion in the second trimester to hypertension + proteinuria (pre-eclampsia). Hypertension developing during the third trimester of human pregnancy represents, in part, a corrective response in the mother to provide adequate placental perfusion for fetal growth when trophoblast has not to invaded and converted the myometrial porprtion of maternal spiral arteries into to low resistance-high capacitance conduits. Deportation of vesicles from hypoxemic trophoblast is thought to cause hypertension plus proteinuria, vascular damage and a systemic coagulopathy.

Stress and immune mediators in miscarriage.

Background: Stress is thought to be abortogenic and psycho-neuro-immunological pathways have been suggested to be involved in triggering miscarriages. From experiments in pregnant mice exposed to stress some insights into the underlying mechanisms have been gained, delineating immunological imbalances as a cause of pregnancy failure. In order to test the validity of the conclusions drawn from murine experiments and the role of stress in human pregnancy loss, the following study was performed.

Pregnancy as a model of controlled invasion might be attributed to the ratio of CD3/CD8 to CD56.

Problem: Pregnancy can be considered as a model of successfully controlled tissue invasion. Cellular mediated immunity appears to regulate the controlled invasion of fetal trophoblast cells. In endometrium cancer, a dysregulation of invasive malignant cells can be observed.

Erythropoietin in amniotic fluid as a marker of chronic fetal hypoxia.

Objective: To determinate the erythropoietin concentration in amniotic fluid in normal pregnancies and pregnancies with suspected hypoxia.

Method: The erythropoietin concentration of 164 samples of amniotic fluid was determined by ELISA. The samples were taken by amniotomy during birth, as well as amniocentesis conducted during prenatal care.

Computerized cardiotocography following vibroacoustic stimulation of premature fetuses.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of vibroacoustic stimulation (VAS) on the fetal heart rates (FHRs) in a group of premature fetuses.

Study Design: The FHRs were analyzed using the Oxford Sonicaid Computer System 8000, 30 min preceding and then 3 times following VAS.

Results: The changes of the mean FHR after VAS in the premature group and the control group of term fetuses occurred in the first 10 min after VAS.

[Detection of erythropoietin in amniotic fluid].

Objective: To investigate the concentrations of amniotic fluid erythropoietin in normal and risk pregnancies.

Material And Methods: The concentrations of erythropoietin were measured in 150 samples of amniotic fluid. The samples were obtained by amniocentesis and amniotomia and were analysed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).