Search Results (213)

Brucella infection is associated with an increased risk of adverse obstetric outcomes in humans and animals. Decidualization, a process involving structural and functional changes in endometrial stromal cells, is essential for proper trophoblast implantation and placental development. Trophoblasts’ migration and their ability to invade the decidua and to undergo tubulogenesis, critical for proper implantation and placental development, are normally promoted by decidual cells. We evaluated whether Brucella infection of human endometrial stromal cells (T-HESC cell line) affects their ability to decidualize and to promote trophoblast functions. Infection of T-HESC cells with either B. abortus, B. suis, or B. melitensis resulted in deficient decidualization (as revealed by reduced prolactin levels) and an increased production of proinflammatory chemokines (C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8 -CXCL8- and C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 -CCL2-) as compared to uninfected cells subjected to decidualization stimuli. In addition, conditioned media (CM) from infected decidualized T-HESC induced an inflammatory response (CXCL8, CCL2 and interleukin-6 -IL-6) in human trophoblasts (Swan-71 cell line) but reduced their ability to produce progesterone. Trophoblasts preincubated with this CM also had reduced migration, invasion, and tubulogenesis capacities, and this impairment was mediated, at least in part, by CXCL8 and CCL2. Moreover, infection of decidual stromal cells impaired the adhesion and spreading of blastocyst-like spheroids formed by Swan-71 cells. Brucella infection also affected the chemotactic capacity of decidual stromal cells for trophoblasts. Overall, these results suggest that Brucella infection of endometrial stromal cells impairs key processes required for successful implantation and placental development. Full article

The sapwood and heartwood of European larch (Larix decidua Mill.) are both used in industrial applications, but they differ in structure and composition, which may lead to surface property differences. This study compared their surface characteristics (on radial and tangential sections) after sanding with aluminium oxide papers of four grit sizes (P60, P120, P180, P240). Surface roughness (Ra, Rz), wettability (contact angle with two reference liquids: water and diiodomethane, 3 and 30 s after droplet deposition), surface free energy, and colour parameters (L*, a*, b*) were analysed. Microscopic measurements were also performed to assess anatomical differences between sapwood and heartwood. The results showed no significant differences in roughness (Ra, Rz) between sapwood and heartwood. Measurement direction and sandpaper grit accounted for about 80% of variability in roughness parameters. Wettability was mainly influenced by wood area, with its effect ranging from 55% to 89% depending on measurement time. The sapwood was characterised by the lower wettability on the tangential section, while the heartwood was characterised by the lower wettability on the radial section. This was examined for the contact angle tests performed 3 s after the water droplet had been applied to the wood surface. Such dependencies were not observed after 30 s. Sapwood exhibited higher surface free energy (SFE) values than heartwood. The greatest colour change ΔE, at level 2.59, was noted for the heartwood on the radial section after sanding with P240 sandpaper. Full article

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is a multifactorial condition affecting 1–5% of couples, often with unclear etiology. Idiopathic pregnancy losses (iPLs) are particularly challenging due to unknown molecular mechanisms. This study investigates the transcriptomic profiles of first-trimester products of conception (POC) from iPLs to uncover underlying molecular pathways. We performed RNA-sequencing on nine POC samples, identifying two distinct clusters enriched in trophoblast and decidual cells. Deconvolution analysis revealed reduced syncytiotrophoblast (STB) cells, with increased cytotrophoblast (CTB) and extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cells in iPLs. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis highlighted immune pathways enrichment in both villous trophoblasts and decidua. Gene ontology (GO) analysis of downregulated genes implicated hormonal and endocrine processes, consistent with STB reduction, while upregulated genes were associated with MHC protein complex and immune system processes, aligning with EVT increases. Histological analysis showed chronic histiocytic intervillositis (CHI) in iPL samples, supporting maternal immune dysregulation in unexplained RPL. Together, transcriptomic and histological analyses indicate that immune signaling dysregulation and impaired trophoblast differentiation may underlie unexplained iPLs. These findings bridge molecular and histopathological evidence, underscoring the interplay between trophoblast dysfunction and immune imbalance. Our results provide insights into iPL pathogenesis, highlighting potential biomarkers that may contribute to improved diagnosis and future research. Full article

Deciduous teeth accumulate toxic metals until fully mineralized, making them a stable biological matrix for assessing chronic exposure during fetal and early postnatal life. Their metal content is influenced by environmental factors (e.g., industrial areas, mining sites) and individual factors (e.g., maternal diet, early nutrition, passive smoking). The aim of this study was to evaluate the toxic metal content in deciduous teeth and to identify factors contributing to its accumulation, as well as possible health implications. A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines and following the PICO framework. Quality assessment was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist for quasi-experimental studies. The literature search was carried out in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases using the following keywords: deciduous, milk, primary, decidua, teeth, dentition, heavy metal, toxic metals. A total of 134 articles were initially identified, with 95 remaining after duplicate removal. After screening, 75 articles were excluded: 71 did not meet the inclusion criteria, 3 were not available in English, and 1 lacked full-text access. Ultimately, 20 studies were included in the review. Toxic metal concentrations were determined using various analytical techniques, mainly inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Higher levels of metals, especially lead, were observed in the teeth of children residing in industrial areas, near mines, or in regions affected by armed conflict. Although two out of five studies indicated a possible link between fathers’ smoking habits and elevated lead concentrations, no definitive relationship was established between secondhand smoke exposure and the levels of lead and cadmium found in dental tissue. Similarly, no definitive relationship was identified between mercury and lead content and the prevalence of autism. However, lower manganese levels were associated with the presence of autistic traits, weaker verbal performance, and reduced memory capacity. In conclusion, deciduous teeth represent a valuable biological material for assessing chronic prenatal and early postnatal exposure to toxic metals, which may serve as a starting point for further research into diseases of unknown etiology, such as autism, and in the future may have clinical significance in their prevention and treatment. And it is also important for monitoring environmental pollution levels. Full article

To clarify the physiological importance of the tryptophan catabolizing enzyme, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase, in human pregnancy, we have studied how the expression of this enzyme controls extravillous cytotrophoblast invasion into the decidua. We have generated an Ishikawa cell line stably transfected with a plasmid encoding indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase under the control of a tetracycline inducible promoter. Using this Ishikawa cell line and extravillous cytotrophoblast cell line, HTR-8/SVneo, we developed a quantitative in vitro trophoblast invasion assay. When trophoblast cells were cultured on a layer of Ishikawa cells expressing indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase, tryptophan degradation was enhanced and trophoblast cell invasion was suppressed. These findings suggest that indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase expressed in the decidua may play a role in regulating trophoblast invasion. Full article

Maternal–fetal tolerance mechanisms are crucial during human pregnancy to prevent the immune rejection of the embryo. A well-known mechanism blocking NK-cell cytotoxicity is the interaction of their inhibitory killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (iKIR) with HLA-C molecules on the target cells. In this study, we aimed to investigate the expression of iKIRs (KIR2DL1 and KIR2DL2/3) on the matched decidual and peripheral γδT cells and the localization of HLA-C ligands throughout human pregnancy. The degranulation of γδT cells of pregnant and non-pregnant women in the presence of trophoblast cells was evaluated as well. Our results showed a higher proportion of iKIR-positive γδT cells at the maternal–fetal interface early in human pregnancy compared to the paired blood of pregnant women and full-term pregnancy decidua. In accordance, HLA-C was intensively expressed by the intermediate cytotrophoblasts and decidua-invading extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) in early but not late pregnancy. Decidual γδT cells during early pregnancy showed higher spontaneous degranulation compared to their blood pairs, but neither decidual nor peripheral γδ T cells increased their degranulation in the presence of Sw71 EVT-like cells. The latter were unable to suppress the higher cytotoxicity of γδT cells, suggesting a complex regulatory landscape beyond NK-like activity inhibition. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study examines index pregnancies with histopathological diagnosis of placenta accreta, based on findings of basal plate myometrial fibers (BPMFs) without intervening decidua, and the risk of hemorrhagic morbidity and/or clinically adherent placenta in the subsequent pregnancy. Outcomes were compared between index pregnancies with incidental asymptomatic BPMF findings and those with symptoms based on hemorrhagic and placental factors. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a large, integrated healthcare system from 2008 to 2019. All patients with an index finding of BPMF without intervening decidua and subsequent delivery of a live singleton were identified. Index pregnancies with BPMF were categorized as asymptomatic or symptomatic by the absence or presence of hemorrhagic morbidity and/or clinically adherent placenta. Rates of hemorrhagic morbidity and clinically adherent placenta in the subsequent pregnancy were compared among asymptomatic and symptomatic BPMF index pregnancies in bivariate analyses and multivariate models controlling for potential confounders. Results: A total of 140 patients were found to have BPMF and a subsequent delivery of a live singleton. Subsequent hemorrhagic morbidity/adherent placenta occurred in 28% of cases, with a lower incidence in asymptomatic patients (8% vs. 39%, p < 0.0001). Symptomatic BPMF was associated with increased odds of hemorrhagic morbidity/adherent placenta (aOR 10.2, 95% CI 2.7–38.4). Among 71 patients with subsequent placental pathology, 32% had recurrent BPMF, which correlated with higher morbidity compared to those without recurrence or those without placental pathology (61% vs. 40% vs. 9%, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Incidentally identified BPMF was associated with a lower rate of subsequent hemorrhagic morbidity and/or adherent placenta compared to symptomatic BPMF. Symptomatic BPMF is highly associated with hemorrhagic morbidity and/or adherent placenta in the next pregnancy compared with incidentally identified BPMF, particularly if it is recurrent. These data can inform counseling and management of pregnant individuals with BPMF planning subsequent pregnancies. Full article

The uterine decidua contains NK cells differing in their characteristics from classical NK cells, as well as other populations of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs). ILC differentiation depends on the active transcription factors: ILC1 is characterized by T-bet expression, ILC2 is defined by RORα and GATA3, ILC3 expresses RORγt and AhR. We analyzed in vitro the expression of transcription factors by NK cells in the presence of trophoblast cells and cytokines and changes in NK cell cytotoxic activity. We used NK-92 and JEG-3 cell lines, which we cocultured in the presence of IFNγ, IL-10, IL-15, and TGFβ. Then, cells were treated with antibodies to AhR, Eomes, GATA-3, RORα, RORγt, and T-bet and were analyzed. We determined NK cell cytotoxicity towards K562 cells. To characterize the functional state of trophoblast cells, we estimated their secretion of TGFβ and βhCG. We showed that in the presence of trophoblasts, the expression of the classical NK cell transcription factors—Eomes, T-bet, as well as RORα, regulating ILC2 differentiation, and AhR, participating in NCR+ ILC3 formation—decreased in NK cells. RORγt expression typical for NCR- ILC3 remained unchanged. IFNγ inhibited AhR expression. IL-10 stimulated an increase in the number of T-bet+ ILC1-like cells. Both IL-10 and IFNγ suppressed RORα expression by NK cells and stimulated TGFβ secretion by trophoblasts. After coculture with trophoblast cells, NK cells reduced their cytotoxicity. These results indicated trophoblast cell influence on the acquisition of ILC1 and ILC3 characteristics by NK cells. Full article

To investigate the association between miscarriage and ZIKV and CHIKV infection. The study population consisted of pregnant women who had miscarriages between 2015, 2016 and 2017, comprising a total of 30 women who were treated at the Santa Casa de Misericórdia do Pará Foundation (FSCMPA). The processed samples came from already paraffinized material containing placental and fetal remains, where they were tested with hematoxylin–eosin and immunohistochemistry for ZIKV and CHIKV. Regarding the sociodemographic, clinical and obstetric characteristics of the patients, they correspond to the age group between 20 and 29 years of age; of brown color; women who had abortions for the first time; miscarriages occurring in the first trimester of pregnancy; women belonging to the metropolitan region of Belém; diagnosed with incomplete abortion and who had undergone uterine curettage procedure. Regarding the histopathologic and immunohistochemical findings, an inflammatory infiltrate rich in neutrophils and lymphocytes, among others, was found in the endometrial fragments and chorionic membranes. In addition, placental areas consisting of edema, necrosis and hemorrhage were found. The study identified ZIKV and CHIKV in 40% (n = 12) of samples from spontaneous abortion specimens, and CHIKV was the most prevalent virus in the study, representing 36.11% of the total specimens, with reddish granular material in the cytoplasm of decidua cells and placental villi suggesting that the viruses may be present in these regions of the placenta. Full article

A eutopic endometrium in endometriosis shows altered immune responses, including abnormalities of NK cells and expression of plasma cells, related to reproductive issues. This study investigated the counts of CD56-positive NK cells and CD138-positive plasma cells in the basal decidua of term placentas in singleton pregnancies after endometriosis-related infertility conceived by assisted reproductive technology (ART). This single-center, case-control study involved immunohistochemical analysis of CD56-positive NK cells and CD138-positive plasma cells in basal decidua using primary monoclonal mouse antibodies, followed by secondary antibodies using a standardized protocol. CD56 and CD138 immunohistochemically positive cells were reported as the total cell count for each studied antibody expressed per 1 mm² of basal decidua (Olympus BX46 and Olympus Image Analyzer). Placental samples containing basal decidua from 36 participants with endometriosis-related infertility who conceived by ART, 31 participants with male factor infertility who conceived by ART and 40 healthy controls were included. Endometriosis decidua showed the lowest median count of CD56-positive NK cells (11.5 / mm², p = 0.039) in BD compared to male factor group (25 / mm²) and healthy controls (24.5 / mm²). No differences were found for CD138-positive plasma cells counts between study groups. Basal decidua in pregnancies after endometriosis-related infertility showed reduced total count of CD56-positive NK cells, without differences in the CD138-positive plasma cell counts compared to control groups. Future studies should investigate how changes in NK cells throughout pregnancy affect the development of perinatal complications and placental pathologies in women with endometriosis, which could uncover potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets. Full article

Conventional agriculture may not meet the needs of the growing human population and sustainable development. These issues necessitate a shift towards traditional foods and underutilized desert plants, offering promising sustainable agricultural and food security alternatives. ‘Panchkuta’, a blend of five plants (Prosopis cineraria, Acacia senegal, Capparis decidua, Cordia dichotoma, and Mangifera indica), is a traditional food combination from (semi) arid regions. In this study, the bioactive metabolites were identified through analytical techniques, including TLC and GC-MS analysis. Tapping these underexplored plants can help design and develop healthy functional foods and nutraceutical products. Full article

Stem cell-based therapies hold significant potential for cancer treatment due to their unique properties, including migration toward tumor niche, secretion of bioactive molecules, and immunosuppression. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from adult tissues can inhibit tumor progression, angiogenesis, and apoptosis of cancer cells. We have previously reported the isolation and characterization of placenta-derived decidua basalis mesenchymal stem cells (DBMSCs), which demonstrated higher levels of pro-migratory and anti-apoptotic genes, indicating potential anti-cancer effects. In this study, we analyzed the anti-cancer effects of DBMSCs on human breast cancer cell lines MDA231 and MCF7, with MCF 10A used as control. We also investigated how these cancer cells lines affect the functional competence of DBMSCs. By co-culturing DBMSCs with cancer cells, we analyzed changes in functions of both cell types, as well as alterations in their genomic and proteomic profile. Our results showed that treatment with DBMSCs significantly reduced the functionality of MDA231 and MCF7 cells, while MCF 10A cells remained unaffected. DBMSC treatment decreased epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related protein levels in MDA231 cells and modulated expression of other cancer-related genes in MDA231 and MCF7 cells. Although cancer cells reduced DBMSC proliferation, they increased their expression of anti-apoptotic genes. These findings suggest that DBMSCs can inhibit EMT-related proteins and reduce the invasive characteristics of MDA231 and MCF7 breast cancer cells, highlighting their potential as candidates for cell-based cancer therapies. Full article

The study was carried out to assess the effect of the larch wooly adelgid Adelges laricis Vallot (Hemiptera: Adelgidae) infestation on its secondary host, the European larch Larix decidua Mill. Morphology and anatomy of adelgid-infested needles, and content of defense phenolic compounds including individual flavonoids isorhamnetin, kaempferol, quercetin, rutin, catechin, epicatechin, apigenin, ampelopsin and taxifolin, were analyzed. The amount of total phenols in needles from adelgid-infested twigs of L. decidua increased following the development of the A. laricis population, from the end of April until the end of June. The most abundant among flavonoids were the flavanols, mainly catechin and epicatechin, which predominated in the larch needles during the whole period of adelgid infestation. The content of catechin and epicatechin increased following the increase in the adelgid population number. An increase in content occurred also in flavanonols ampelopsin and taxifolin, while the content of the flavonol kaempferol decreased as the population number of A. laricis increased. The analysis of the anatomical structure of needles showed changes in the shape of the needles, the presence of a thicker layer of epicuticular waxes, and a higher number of mesophyll layers as a result of adelgid feeding. Full article

Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL), also named Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion (RSA), is a common fertility problem that refers to at least two consecutive pregnancy losses and affects 1–2% of couples all over the world. Despite common causes such as genetic abnormalities, uterine anomalies or hormonal and metabolic disorders, there is still a huge challenge in identifying the causes of about 40–60% of RPL patients. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are endogenous ncRNAs with a unique closed-loop and single-stranded structure. Accumulated evidence indicates the role of circRNAs in embryonic development and implantation, which may help decipher the mechanisms and causes underlying RSA. Four works were selected in the SRA public repository that used RNAseq analysis in control and RPL samples in four tissues: endometrium, chorionic villus tissue, decidua and decidua immune cells. Two programs were selected for circRNA detection: DCC and CIRI2. A total of 1715 candidate circRNAs were detected after filtering the results. In the differential expression analysis, decidual tissue showed the highest percentage of circRNA with differential expression between cases and controls. CircRNAs originating from genes OGA, FNDC3B, RAB11FIP1, SIPA1L2 and GREB1L showed the highest expression in women suffering from pregnancy losses, in decidual tissue or endometrium. In the GO term enrichment analysis, multiple terms related to embryonic development and immunological response were consistently enriched in villus and decidual tissues. Although some differentially expressed circRNAs were shared between tissues, decidua seems the tissue of choice for analyzing the role of circRNAs in RPL. Full article

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is a complex early pregnancy complication affecting 1–2% of couples and is often linked to immune dysfunction. Aberrations in T and B cell subpopulations, as well as natural killer (NK) cell activity, are particularly influential, with studies showing that abnormal NK cell activation and imbalances in T and B cell subtypes contribute to immune-mediated miscarriage risk. Successful pregnancy requires a tightly regulated balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory immune responses. In the early stages, inflammation supports processes such as trophoblast invasion and spiral artery remodeling, but this must be tempered to prevent immune rejection of the fetus. In this review, we explore the underlying immune mechanisms of RPL, focusing on how dysregulated T, B, and NK cell function disrupts maternal tolerance. Specifically, we discuss the essential role of uterine NK cells in the early stages of vascular remodeling in the decidua and regulate the depth of invasion by extravillous trophoblasts. Furthermore, we focus on the delicate Treg dynamics that enable the maintenance of optimal immune homeostasis, where the balance, and not only the quantity of Tregs, is crucial for fostering maternal–fetal tolerance. Other T cell subpopulations, such as Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, also contribute to immune imbalance, with Th1 and Th17 cells promoting inflammation and potentially harming fetal tolerance, while Th2 cells support immune tolerance. Finally, we show how changes in B cell subpopulations and their functions have been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. We further discuss current therapeutic strategies aimed at correcting these immune imbalances, including intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg), glucocorticoids, and TNF-α inhibitors, examining their efficacy, challenges, and potential side effects. By highlighting both the therapeutic benefits and limitations of these interventions, we aim to offer a balanced perspective on clinical applications for women facing immune-related causes of RPL. Full article