Reproductive Immunology & Inflammation

By CNY Fertility Updated on
Reproductive Immunology & Inflammation
While other fields of medicine have long understood the importance of the immune system, Reproductive Endocrinologists are only beginning to grasp how important the immune system is in regards to unexplained infertility, IVF failure, and recurrent pregnancy loss. Reproductive Immunology is an emerging field of scientific discovery and exploration that looks at the immune system for explanations and treatment options for recurrent pregnancy loss and repetitive IVF implantation failures.

What is Reproductive Immunology?

Reproductive Immunology is a field of medicine that studies the interactions between the immune system and the reproductive system. The current area of study in reproductive medicine is the role of the immune system concerning recurrent pregnancy loss and repeated IVF failures.
 
The immune system may react to an embryo as an “invader” and thus attempt to stop the growth of these cells. Many treatments are being utilized in the field of reproductive medicine to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system to support successful pregnancy outcomes.
 
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Who Should Consider Reproductive Immunology?

Immunologic dysfunction is just one of a wide variety of problems that may lead to infertility and pregnancy loss. Indeed, a large number of pregnancies fail because of chromosomal abnormalities. While we believe that these defects account for a very substantial portion of pregnancy losses, the defects occur randomly.  Thus, they are unlikely to be significant causes of recurrent pregnancy losses and repeated IVF failure, especially in younger patients. Still, preimplantation genetic testing can be an excellent tool for those looking to reduce the chance of miscarriage from transferring embryos with random genetic mutations.That said, patients should explore reproductive immunology if:
  • Three miscarriages or IVF failures before the age of 35
  • Two miscarriages or IVF failures after the age of 35
  • Previous/known immunological problems (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, positive for antinuclear antibodies, or other immune disorders)
  • those with inadequate egg production from a stimulated cycle (number considered inadequate depends on egg and ovarian reserve – best understood in connection with your reproductive endocrinologist)
  • previous pregnancies that have shown abnormal fetal growth
  • those with one living child and multiple miscarriages while trying to have a second
  • A blighted ovum

Reproductive Immunology Testing

It is our opinion that the best tests are those mentioned above, particularly a history of multiple failed IVF cycles or recurrent pregnancy loss. While there are several immunological tests, it’s our general belief that the testing available in today’s age is not fully adequate to identify specific problems. A history of failed IVF or recurrent pregnancy loss is proof enough of a problem. It provides the necessary information on how to treat recurrent failed IVF or recurrent pregnancy loss

That said, we can take blood and endometrial sample to look at the pathology of the blood and endometrial tissue to determine if there is abundant evidence of inflammation. CNY Fertility offers the latest diagnostic testing and treatment options available for immunological conditions.

Some standard tests for reproductive immunology are as follow:

Antinuclear antibodies (ANA)

An antinuclear antibody test detects antibodies that are reactive to components of the nucleus of a cell (for instance, DNA, Nucleotides, and Histones (both of which are components of DNA), which can leak into the bloodstream following cellular death).  Those who test positive (a speckled pattern with a titer 1:40 or higher) for antibodies have been found to have a higher risk for recurrent pregnancy loss.

Antiphospholipid Antibody (APA)

Phospholipids are an important group of molecules found on the surface of cells. While most cells only displace these cellular structures on occasion, placental cells always have phospholipids present in their cell membrane.  High levels of APAs that “attack” these phospholipids increase blood coagulation and thus the restriction of blood flow. The lack of blood from this thickening to an early-stage embryo or fetus through placental tissue (which is involved in nutrient and oxygen exchange with the fetus), can lead to fetal demise, 

Antithyroid Antibodies (ATA)

ATAs are associated with an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines secreted by T cells in the uterine lining. As such, elevated ATAs may represent underlying T cell dysfunction affecting implantation.

Natural Killer Cell Assay 

Natural Killer Cells are a type of white blood cell that perform many essential functions including cellular surveillance for infections and cancerous cells.  Elevated levels of circulating NK cells are associated with recurrent pregnancy loss. A Natural Killer Assay looks for circulating natural killer (NK) cell activity as well as the ability of immunoglobulins’ ability to suppress that activity.

Helper T 1 & 2 Assay

Helper T-cells are a type of lymphocyte that can be further divided into Helper 1 and 2 cells. Helper 1 cells secrete cytokines that direct immune cells to attack and kill cells that they think are infected or abnormal. Helper 2 cells secrete cytokines that counteract those secreted by Helper 1 cells.  There is a natural balance between this system, but those with higher ratios often have higher levels of infertility and pregnancy loss.

Regulatory T Cells

Regulatory T cells are thought to play an essential role in controlling the natural tendency of a woman’s immune system to reject a semi-foreign fetus (remember, a fetus is made up of different DNA than the mother). Higher numbers of regulatory T-Cells in blood and endometrial lining have been associated with better pregnancy outcomes. 

Reproductive Immunophenotype

A reproductive immunophenotype looks at the percentage of lymphocyte types in the blood, including CD-3, CD-4, CD-8, CD-19, CD-5, CD56, CD16.

Thrombophilias

Thrombophilias is an increased tendency for blood to clot. During healthy pregnancy, the mother’s ability to produce blood clots in the uterus and the placenta is suppressed. Certain conditions may prevent the normal suppression of this clotting, which could result in pregnancy complications and fetal demise.

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We believe that diet is the number one source of chronic inflammation and fertility dysfunction.  The Standard American Diet is a carbohydrate-rich diet that causes chronic hyperglycemia leading to systemic inflammation compounded by a constant bombardment of plant antigens and bacterial overload from plants. We recommend those dealing with infertility to practice a high fat low carbohydrate diet for fertility.

Reproductive Immunology Treatment

Recently, we have achieved success in treating inflammation pharmacologically with low-dose steroids like Prednisone, Humira, intravenous immunoglobulins, and intralipids. The fat appears to be a successful method of reducing inflammation in our bodies.  Our oocyte enhancement and implantation enhancement protocols, in conjunction with our standard protocols, provide our clients with the very best opportunity for a successful pregnancy.

However, since the source of inflammation is likely related to the food we eat, it only makes sense that making dietary changes and supplements that can and will reduce inflammation. There is ample evidence that excessive amounts of carbohydrates, sugars, grains, fruits, fiber, and vegetables along with milk products are very inflammatory to our bodies and increase the number of antigen/antibody interactions. These white cells and cytokines that are enhanced in our bodies, in many cases, are not specific to a particular area. You might feel it in your joints, your skin, bowel, head, eyes, or you may not even feel it at all. But, you have a problem that results in repetitive pregnancy loss, failed implantation from IUI, IVF or natural cycles, or simply not conceiving.

Dr. Robert Kiltz on Reproductive Immunology