A panoramic view to relationships between reproductive failure and immunological factors

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This review of current literature indicates that numerous immunological factors, including various autoantibodies and cytokines, may contribute to reproductive failure such as recurrent miscarriage and unexplained infertility.

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This paper is a synthesis and review of English-language literature examining how multiple immunological factors may contribute to recurrent miscarriage and unexplained infertility. Across the reviewed evidence, the authors report substantial associations involving antiphospholipid antibodies, lupus anticoagulant, antisperm antibodies, antithyroid antibodies, anti-endometrial and antiovarian antibodies, anti-Chlamydia trachomatis antibodies, cytokines, and other immunologic events linked to endometriosis and immunologically mediated premature ovarian failure. The paper’s caveat is that it is a narrative review rather than a study with original participant data, and its conclusions depend on the heterogeneity and quality of included reports. Relevance to endometriosis: the authors explicitly cite immunological events in endometriosis as potentially contributing to reproductive failure, even though the paper’s main focus is a broad overview of immunological factors in miscarriage and infertility.

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Abstract

PURPOSE: To examine the possible roles of various immunological factors in recurrent miscarriage and unexplained infertility. METHODS: The synthesis and review of the relevant current literature in English language. RESULTS: Substantial evidence suggests that antiphospholipid antibodies, lupus anticoagulant, antisperm antibodies, antithyroid antibodies, anti-endometrial antibodies, antiovarian antibodies, anti-C trachomatis antibodies, cytokines, and immunological events in endometriosis and premature ovarian failure due to immunologic factors may contribute to reproductive failure including unexplained infertility and/or non-chromosomal recurrent miscarriage. CONCLUSIONS: Elimination or suppression of the immunological factors related with reproductive failure might occupy an important place in the treatment of unexplained infertility and non-chromosomal recurrent miscarriage.
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Abstract

Purpose To examine the possible roles of various immunological factors in recurrent miscarriage and unexplained infertility.

Methods

The synthesis and review of the relevant current literature in English language.

Results

Substantial evidence suggests that antiphospholipid antibodies, lupus anticoagulant, antisperm antibodies, antithyroid antibodies, anti-endometrial antibodies, antiovarian antibodies, anti-C trachomatis antibodies, cytokines, and immunological events in endometriosis and premature ovarian failure due to immunologic factors may contribute to reproductive failure including unexplained infertility and/or non-chromosomal recurrent miscarriage.

Conclusions

Elimination or suppression of the immunological factors related with reproductive failure might occupy an important place in the treatment of unexplained infertility and non-chromosomal recurrent miscarriage. Similar content being viewed by others

References

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Author information Authors and Affiliations Corresponding author Rights and permissions About this article Cite this article Kokcu, A., Yavuz, E., Celik, H. et al. A panoramic view to relationships between reproductive failure and immunological factors. Arch Gynecol Obstet 286, 1283–1289 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-012-2480-6 Received: Accepted: Published: Issue date: DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-012-2480-6

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Condition tags

endometriosisinfertility

MeSH descriptors

Abortion, Habitual Infertility, Female Infertility, Male Abortion, Habitual Embryo Implantation Embryo Implantation Endometriosis Endometriosis Fallopian Tubes Fallopian Tubes Female Humans Infertility, Female Infertility, Male Male Primary Ovarian Insufficiency Primary Ovarian Insufficiency Sperm-Ovum Interactions Sperm-Ovum Interactions

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