Peripheral blood subpopulations of Bregs producing IL-35 in women with endometriosis.

PROBLEM: Interleukin 35 (IL-35) is involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis by suppressing immunoreaction and promoting endometrial cell proliferation. It may also be an essential cytokine in forming the immunosuppressive functions of regulatory B lymphocytes (Bregs). The involvement of Bregs in the pathogenesis of endometriosis has not been previously investigated. In this study, we determined the frequencies of different Breg subpopulations, namely, B10, immature B-cells, and plasmablasts, and their abilities to produce IL-35 in women with endometriosis compared to healthy women. METHODS: The frequencies of different subpopulations of Bregs producing IL-35 were measured in the peripheral blood of women with endometriosis (total pool), women with deep infiltration endometriosis (DIE), women with ovarian endometriosis, and healthy women as a control by flow cytometry. RESULTS: We observed a decrease in the percentage of B10 cells and plasmablasts in women with endometriosis and an increase in the percentage of these Breg populations producing IL-35 in the same experimental group. Interestingly, we also revealed that women with DIE had increased percentages of B10 cells and plasmablasts producing IL-35. CONCLUSION: Taken together, our findings are the first to reveal the frequencies of different subpopulations of Bregs producing IL-35 in women with endometriosis. The results suggest that IL-35 expression in B lymphocytes could be used as a peripheral marker of endometriosis; however, further studies are needed.

Fibronectin Molecular Status in Plasma of Women with Endometriosis and Fertility Disorders.

The diagnosis of endometriosis and fertility disorders is difficult; therefore, it is necessary to look for reliable biomarkers. Analysis of the molecular status of fibronectin as a key player in repair and wound healing processes, as well as in coagulation and fibrinolysis pathways, is justified. ELISA and SDS-agarose immunoblotting were applied to determine the fibronectin concentration and presence and occurrence of soluble FN-fibrin complexes in the blood plasma of women with endometriosis (n = 38), fertility disorders (n = 28) and the healthy group (n = 25). The concentration of fibronectin in the blood plasma of women with endometriosis (292.61 ± 96.17 mg/L) and fertility disorders (287.53 ± 122.68 mg/L) was significantly higher than in the normal group (226.55 ± 91.98 mg/L). The presence of FN-fibrin complexes of 750, 1000, 1300, 1600 and 1900 kDa in the plasma of women with endometriosis and fertility disorders was shown. The presence of FN-fibrin complexes with a molecular mass of more than 1300 kDa in women with endometriosis and infertility and the complete absence of these complexes in healthy women may indicate an increased and chronic activation of coagulation mechanisms in these patients. The presence of complexes of high molecular mass may be one of the biomarkers of fertility disorders in women.

[The role of matrix metalloproteinases in tumor invasion and metastasis]. / Rola metaloproteinaz macierzowych w procesie inwazji nowotworowej i przerzutowaniu.

The complicated process of invasion and metastasis consists of a long series of sequential and interrelated steps. The outcome of the process is dependent on both: the tumour cells and the properties of tissue microenvironments. Many investigators are interested in the influence of extracellular matrix components on that process. Especially matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)--family of zinc-dependent enzymes, which take part in the coordination of extracellular matrix synthesis and breakdown seems to play crucial role in this process. A positive correlation between different type of MMPs and specific tumors has been demonstrated in many studies. In this article we summarize the current views on the role of MMPs in cancer invasion and metastasis.

[Implantation and antigenicity of human endometrium]. / Implantacja a antygenowosc ludzkiego endometrium.

It is essential for an embryo's further development that it generate a connection with the mother. The first stage of this process is implantation, a highly coordinated event that involves both embryonic and endometrial participation. A blastocyst may attach to the endometrium only during the "implantation window", when the uterus is receptive. A description of the molecular features of a receptive endometrium is the aim of this review. During the secretory phase, the endometrium synthesizes such cytokines as LIF (leukemia inhibitory factor), HB-EGF (heparin-binding epithelial growth factor), and TGF-alpha (transforming growth factor alpha) as well as special surface structures, such as integrins. There are two types of integrins: cycle dependent and constitutionally expressed. The coexpression of cycle-dependent integrins may mark the "implantation window". The endometrium of fertile and infertile women may vary in expression of the integrins. Insufficient synthesis of integrins may be caused by a luteal phase deficiency. E-cadherin and alpha-crystalin B play an important role during implantation. The expression of pinopodes on endometrial cells during the "implantation window" marks optimal uterine receptivity. The composition of all the factors mentioned above define the unique properties of the endometrium during the "implantation window".

Age related natural antiviral non-specific immunity of human leukocytes.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of our study was to examine the dependence of innate antiviral immunity on age and sex in human leukocytes. MATERIAL/METHODS: Innate antiviral immunity was measured by using the direct method of infection of leukocytes with vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), which was selected as the indicatory virus for detection of immunity. The lack of VSV replication by infected leukocytes (0-1 log TCID50) was taken as an indicator for complete immunity; a low level of VSV replication (2-3 log) for partial immunity; and a high VSV titer (4 or more log) for the no or very low immunity. RESULTS: The kinetics of VSV replication was studied in leukocytes isolated from 127 individuals ranging in a age from 0 to 89 years. Individual differentiation in the kinetics of VSV replication indicated differing degrees of innate immunity even in newborns. Age-related differences in natural immunity were observed: low immunity in newborns, highest in the age group 31-40, and reduced in the age group >60. Sex dependent innate immunity was shown in the group of aged persons, as innate immunity was higher in women than in men. CONCLUSIONS: Innate immunity of leukocytes develops to age 30-40, after which immunity is gradually reduced. Sex dependence was observed only in the group of elderly persons, where women expressed higher immunity; this is probably a reason for their statistically greater longevity.

[Ultrasonographic morphometry of the umbilical cord during physiological and pathological pregnancy]. / Ultrasonograficzna morfometria pepowiny w wybranych stanach patologii ciazy i w ciazy fizjologicznej.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the relation among the ultrasonographic, morphometric parameters of the umbilical cord during physiological and pathological pregnancy. DESIGN: Ultrasonographic morphometric parameters were prospectively evaluated in 29 consecutive cases of physiological and 42 cases of pathological pregnancies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 71-ultrasonographic examinations was performed between 28-40 weeks of gestation. The examined group consisted of 29-physiological pregnancies and 42-pathologic. 15-was complicated with the risk of preterm delivery. 27-was complicated with hypotrophy caused by Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH) in 14 cases and by exposure to tobacco smoke in 13 cases. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: We showed no statistically important correlation between the umbilical parameters and the period of pregnancy except of A/B index, measuring Doppler flow in umbilical artery which value was decreasing together with the period of gestation (r = -0.6185, p < 0.05). Hypocoiling umbilical cord characterised the group of patients which pregnancy was complicated with premature delivery. Statistically important decreasing of diameter value of umbilical cord and umbilical vein in cases of pregnancy complicated with hypotrophy was revealed. We found out the strong correlation between hypercoiling of umbilical cord as well as diameter of umbilical cord and degree of intensification of hypotrophy in smoking women (r = -0.8, p < 0.05).