Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UNIPROT:P06889 (Mol)
 630,302 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Maternal circulating levels of inhibin A are significantly lower in patients with clinical symptoms of miscarriage. The objective of this study was to quantify relative expression of inhibin alpha, inhibin/activin betaA, betaB, betaC, follistatin, activin receptors and beta-glycan genes and content of inhibin A, activin A and follistatin protein in villous tissue of first trimester miscarriages and gestation-matched normal pregnancies. Twelve women with clinical symptoms of miscarriage were matched with 12 normal pregnancies for gestational age. Total RNA was isolated from placental samples. Complementary DNA produced by reverse transcription was used in the real-time PCR to quantify the expression of the genes. The ratio between the target and rRNA 18S was calculated to provide relative gene expression. Villous tissue homogenates were used for the determination of the content of inhibin A, activin A and follistatin protein. Maternal serum was assayed for inhibin A, activin A and follistatin. All villous samples expressed inhibin alpha, inhibin/activin betaA, betaB, betaC, follistatin, activin receptors (ACTRIA, ACTRIB, ACTRIIA, ACTRIIB) and beta-glycan genes. There was no significant difference in the relative expression of these genes between the groups. Villous content of inhibin A, activin A and follistatin were also not different between the two groups. Maternal serum levels of inhibin A were significantly lower in the miscarriage group compared to the controls. The decreased maternal levels of inhibin A in miscarriage patients could be due to a decrease in placental mass prior to embryonic demise. This finding also confirms that the trophoblast is the major source of inhibin A after the luteo-placental shift in early pregnancy.
Mol Hum Reprod 2004 Nov
PMID:Inhibin, activin, follistatin, activin receptors and beta-glycan gene expression in the villous tissue of miscarriage patients. 1536 55

Embryo implantation and subsequent decidualization, trophoblast invasion and formation of a functional placenta are crucial for establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. Interleukin-11 signalling has been shown to be obligatory for adequate decidualization and trophoblast invasion in mice. Defects in IL-11 signalling in mice result in trophoblast over-invasion and fetal loss. The pathological situation of human tubal pregnancy resembles that of IL-11Ralpha(-/-) mice concerning these symptoms. As our interest is focused on the human early pregnancy, we compared IL-11 expression at the implantation site of ectopic tubal pregnancy (EP) to 1st and 2nd trimester of normal intrauterine pregnancies (IP), and to the normal cycling endometrium. The mRNA expression of IL-11 and IL-11Ralpha was analysed by semiquantitative RT-PCR. Protein expression was detected by western blotting and immunohistochemistry. IL-11Ralpha is expressed constitutively in all tissue specimens analysed. IL-11 is expressed predominantly during follicular and early luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. In IP, IL-11 expression peaks during the 1st trimester and declines from the beginning of the 2nd trimester onwards. In tubal abortions, IL-11 expression is reduced in comparison to vital EP and IP. Cultured primary endometrial and decidual epithelial cells were analysed for hormonal regulation of IL-11 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and RT-PCR. IL-11 is up-regulated by estrogen and down-regulated by progesterone. Overall, our results indicate that in humans, IL-11 signalling is significantly involved in regulation of trophoblast invasion. In the case of tubal abortion, inadequate IL-11 signalling may therefore result in dysregulation of trophoblast invasion.
Mol Hum Reprod 2004 Nov
PMID:Interleukin-11 expression: its significance in eutopic and ectopic human implantation. 1546 50

The two highly related signal transducers and activators of transcription (Stats), Stat5a and Stat5b, are major mediators of prolactin signaling in both the mammary gland and in the ovary. Deficiencies in Stat5b, or in both Stat5a and Stat5b, result in loss of pregnancy during midgestation and are correlated with an increase in ovarian 20alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (20alpha-HSD) and a decrease in serum progesterone, which normally declines only immediately before parturition. To determine the relative contribution of 20alpha-HSD to progesterone metabolism and Stat5 function during pregnancy and parturition, we created a 20alpha-HSD-deficient strain of mice by gene disruption. Mice deficient for 20alpha-HSD sustain high progesterone levels and display a delay in parturition of several days demonstrating that 20alpha-HSD regulates parturition downstream of the prostaglandin F2alpha receptor in an essential and nonredundant manner. Moreover, 20alpha-HSD deficiency partially corrected the abortion of pregnancies associated with Stat5b deficiency, supporting the concept that prolactin activation of Stat5b is important in suppressing 20alpha-HSD gene expression and thereby allowing the maintenance of progesterone levels that are required to sustain pregnancy.
Mol Endocrinol 2005 Feb
PMID:Regulation of progesterone levels during pregnancy and parturition by signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 and 20alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. 1547 42

BACKGROUND: To describe immune and endocrine responses in severe hymenoptera hypersensitivity requiring venom immunotherapy (VIT) during in vitro fertilization (IVF). CASE PRESENTATION: A 39-year old patient was referred for history of multiple miscarriage and a history of insect sting allergy. Four years earlier, she began subcutaneous injection of 100 mcg mixed vespid hymenoptera venom/venom protein every 5-6 weeks. The patient had one livebirth and three first trimester miscarriages. Allergy treatment was maintained for all pregnancies ending in miscarriage, although allergy therapy was discontinued for the pregnancy that resulted in delivery. At our institution ovulation induction incorporated venom immunotherapy (VIT) during IVF, with a reduced VIT dose when pregnancy was first identified. Serum IgE was monitored with estradiol during ovulation induction and early pregnancy. Response to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation was favorable while VIT was continued, with retrieval of 12 oocytes. Serum RAST (yellow jacket) IgE levels fluctuated in a nonlinear fashion (range 36-54%) during gonadotropin therapy and declined after hCG administration. A healthy female infant was delivered at 35 weeks gestation. The patient experienced no untoward effects from any medications during therapy. CONCLUSION: Our case confirms the safety of VIT in pregnancy, and demonstrates RAST IgE can remain <60% during IVF. With proper monitoring, VIT during IVF can be safe and appropriate for selected patients and does not appear to adversely affect blastocyst implantation, early embryo development or perinatal outcome. Further studies will be needed to develop VIT guidelines specifically applicable to IVF.
Clin Mol Allergy 2004 Oct 19
PMID:First successful case of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer with venom immunotherapy for hymenoptera sting allergy. 1549 69

This paper presents an overview of the application of and risks of exposure to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in pregnancy. It reviews the risks to the fetus by considering the hazards in terms of the three main components of an MRI system. These are the static magnetic field, the time-varying magnetic gradient fields and the pulsed radio frequency fields. The hazards discussed are biological effects, miscarriage, heating effects and acoustic noise exposure. This paper also presents a survey of MRI sites within the United Kingdom to ascertain the extent of MRI usage in pregnancy. To validate the situation of MRI in pregnancy a survey was sent to 352 MR units throughout the United Kingdom. The questions were grouped to assess (a) maternal MRI diagnosis (b) fetal MRI and (c) work practices for pregnant MRI staff. The results showed that 91% of sites were imaging pregnant women in need of diagnosis in the second and third trimester. This paper highlights that MRI can add information for fetal central nervous system abnormalities identified by ultrasound screening, however within the UK direct fetal imaging was only performed in 8% of sites. This paper indicates the need for research to be undertaken for specific MRI clinical conditions. It also advises that risk assessment for pregnant staff working in MRI is performed, and that there is a clear need for further research into the effects of MRI in pregnancy as there is a need for clear authoritive advice.
Prog Biophys Mol Biol
PMID:A review of the current use of magnetic resonance imaging in pregnancy and safety implications for the fetus. 1555 70

We analysed chromosomes, conducted hormonal assays and screened genomic DNA of 34 patients with or without detectable Y chromosome for the presence/absence of SRY, PABY, DYS1, DYZ3 and DYZ1 loci and for mutations in the SRY gene. The samples studied represented cases of oligozoospermia, cryptorchidism, Swyer syndrome, Turner syndrome, male pseudohermaphroditism, XXY female syndrome, Klinefelter's syndrome, repeated abortion and instances of male infertility. Chromosomal constitutions and the level of hormones (FSH, LH, PRL, E2 and TSH) were found to be abnormal in several cases. A phenotypic female (P20) positive for all the Y-linked loci screened, showed mutations upstream of the HMG box in the SRY gene. In addition, one or more of the Y-linked loci were detected in several phenotypic females. Fluorescence in-situ hybridization of metaphase chromosomes and interphase nuclei of an aborted fetus with DYZ1 probe detected signals from normal to low levels to its complete absence confirming a complex Y chromosome mosaicism. Upon DNA analysis, the fetus was found to be positive for all the above-mentioned Y-linked loci. Organizational variation within the DYZ1 arrays and its correlation with recurrent spontaneous abortion may be followed-up in subsequent studies to substantiate this observation. This would augment genetic counselling to the affected couples. Prospects of this approach in the overall management of clinical cases with sex chromosome-related anomalies are discussed.
Mol Hum Reprod 2005 Feb
PMID:Fate of SRY, PABY, DYS1, DYZ3 and DYZ1 loci in Indian patients harbouring sex chromosomal anomalies. 1557 56

PGD is an alternative to prenatal diagnosis that circumvents therapeutic abortion. Diagnosis is carried out on single cells obtained from three-day-old embryos, and only those that are free of the disease under consideration are transferred to the mother. Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a common neurocutaneous disorder, inherited as an autosomal dominant trait and caused by mutations in the NF1 gene. For some patients, PGD may be the only acceptable manner to ensure the birth of unaffected children. Because of the large number of known NF1 mutations, the development of mutation-specific single-cell protocols is impractical, labour-intensive and expensive. This paper discusses the development of five PGD protocols, three of which are based on multiplex PCR for microsatellite-markers linked to the NF1 gene. After a linkage study, the diagnosis can be established through the markers, thereby obviating the need to detect the mutation itself. This not only ensures the accurate diagnosis of the embryos, but also a prompt acceptance of PGD referrals since one protocol can be useful for several couples. In addition, two mutation-specific PCRs were developed for two couples where a marker-based protocol was not applicable. In total, 16 PGD cycles were carried out for six couples, which resulted in one ongoing pregnancy and the delivery of a healthy unaffected boy.
Mol Hum Reprod 2005 May
PMID:Preimplantation genetic diagnosis for neurofibromatosis type 1. 1583 74

In the implantation, trophoblasts penetrate maternal decidua by secreting proteases. It has been reported that cathepsins are highly expressed in the mouse villi, and play an important role in normal embryonal growth and decidualization. In this study, we evaluated cathepsins and their endogenous inhibitors, cystatins, in tissue and serum of patients with recurrent miscarriage. Decidua and villi were surgically collected from 22 patients and 12 healthy women. Immunohistochemistry was performed with antibodies against cathepsins, stefin A (cystatin A), stefin B (cystatin B) and cystatin C. The concentrations of cathepsins, stefins and cystatin C were measured by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In addition, we measured the serum level of cystatin C in 85 Japanese women with recurrent miscarriage. Staining of cathepsin B, D, H, L, stefin B and cystatin C was observed in the cytoplasm of epithelial cells in decidua. Stefin A was expressed on the surface of the trophoblast. The concentration of cathepsin B and H in patients' decidua was significantly higher than in control individuals. The serum level of cystatin C was significantly lower in patients than in control individuals. Our findings suggest that the regulation of the cathepsin-cystatin system may play an important role in patients with recurrent miscarriage.
Mol Hum Reprod 2005 May
PMID:Role of cathepsins and cystatins in patients with recurrent miscarriage. 1586 50

This review focuses on the impacts of lead exposure on reproductive health and outcomes. High levels of paternal lead exposure (>40 microg/dl or >25 microg/dl for a period of years) appear to reduce fertility and to increase the risks of spontaneous abortion and reduced fetal growth (preterm delivery, low birth weight). Maternal blood lead levels of approximately 10 microg/dl have been linked to increased risks of pregnancy hypertension, spontaneous abortion, and reduced offspring neurobehavioral development. Somewhat higher maternal lead levels have been linked to reduced fetal growth. Some studies suggest a link between increased parental lead exposure and congenital malformations, although considerable uncertainty remains regarding the specific malformations and the dose-response relationships. Common methodological weaknesses of studies include potential exposure misclassifications due to the frequent unavailability of exposure biomarker measurements at biologically appropriate times and uncertainty regarding the best exposure biomarker(s) for the various outcomes. A special concern with regard to the pregnant woman is the possibility that a fetus might be exposed to lead mobilized from bone stores as a result of pregnancy-related metabolic changes, making fetal lead exposure the result of exposure to exogenous lead during pregnancy and exposure to endogenous lead accumulated by the woman prior to pregnancy. By reducing bone resorption, increased calcium intake during the second half of pregnancy might reduce the mobilization of lead from bone compartments, even at low blood lead levels. Subgroups of women who incurred substantial exposures to lead prior to pregnancy should be considered to be at increased risk.
Birth Defects Res A Clin Mol Teratol 2005 Jun
PMID:Teratogen update: lead and pregnancy. 1588 Jul

CD200 is a type I membrane glycoprotein which is expressed on a number of cell types uniquely relevant to the inflammatory and immune cascade; included in those are dendritic cells, endothelial cells and activated T cells. Previous studies have shown that CD200 plays an important role in prevention of graft rejection, autoimmune diseases and spontaneous abortion. The molecular mechanism(s) controlling expression of CD200 are yet to be defined. We report below the cloning and characterization of the 5'-flanking region of the human CD200 gene, including an exon1/intron1 boundary region and various transcriptional initiation sites. Serial deletion analysis revealed a 169 bp region responsible for constitutive expression of CD200. Positive regulatory domains (PRDs) were identified in the core promoter using linker-scanning mutagenesis. EMSA documented clear evidence for C/EBPbeta as being important in transcriptional regulation of CD200.
Mol Immunol 2006 Feb
PMID:Cloning and characterization of the human CD200 promoter region. 1595 64


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