Interaction of extravillous trophoblast galectin-1 and mucin(s)-Is there a functional relevance?

In the course of embryo implantation extensive interaction of the trophoblast with uterine tissue is crucial for adequate trophoblast invasion. This interaction is highly controlled, and it has been pointed out that a specific glycocode and changes in glycosylation may be important for successful implantation and maintenance of pregnancy. Both uterine and trophoblast cells have been shown to express cell surface glycoconjugates and sugar binding proteins, such as mucins (MUC) and galectins (gals).

Monoclonal antibody 26 cross-reactive with β2-glycoprotein I affects human trophoblast invasion in vitro.

Objective: Monoclonal antibody 26 (MAb 26) raised against tetanus toxoid has documented cross-reactivity with β2-glycoprotein I. Passive introduction of this antibody in mice results in an antiphospholipid syndrome-like condition. We investigated the effects of MAb 26 on first trimester human trophoblast in vitro.

Interleukin-8 (CXCL8) stimulates trophoblast cell migration and invasion by increasing levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)2 and MMP9 and integrins alpha5 and beta1.

Interleukin-8 (IL8/CXCL8) is present in decidua and trophoblast, which also expresses the IL8 receptors, CXCR1 and CXCR2. IL8 was shown to stimulate trophoblast migration. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)2, MMP9, and integrins alpha(5)beta(1) and alpha(1)beta(1) were found to play important roles in trophoblast invasion.

Effects of anti-phospholipid antibodies on a human trophoblast cell line (HTR-8/SVneo).

Antibodies to phospholipids (aPL) have been shown to adversely affect trophoblast invasion in vivo and in vitro. HTR-8/SVneo cells derived from first trimester of pregnancy extravillous trophoblast were studied. Matrigel invasion assay, cytochemistry and cell-based enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) with aPL or normal IgG was used.

Presence of interleukin-8 and the IL-1 receptor antagonist in the cervical mucus of fertile and infertile women.

Background: Cytokines are involved in almost every aspect of reproduction, and recent studies suggested a relationship between cytokines and male/female infertility. In the present study, the levels of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) were determined in the cervical mucus of fertile and infertile women.

Methods: Groups of patients were formed according to the results of the standard procedure for infertility investigation, including postcoital test and the presence of antispermatozoid antibodies in the sera of both partners and in seminal plasma, by mixed antiglobulin reaction (MAR) test and Kibrick agglutination test.