Heat Shock Proteins and Pregnancy Outcome
Author Information
Author(s): A. Neuer, S. Spandorfer, P. Giraldo, C. Mele, H.C. Liu, K. Marzusch, D. Kneissl, S.S. Witkin
Primary Institution: Cornell University Medical College
Hypothesis
Does immune sensitization to bacterial heat shock proteins affect pregnancy outcomes in IVF patients?
Conclusion
Immune sensitization to human hsp60 may negatively impact pregnancy outcomes in some patients.
Supporting Evidence
- Women with cervical immunity to hsp60 had higher rates of unsuccessful IVF outcomes.
- Circulating IgG antibodies to hsp60 were more common in patients with arrested embryo development.
- Anti-hsp60 antibodies inhibited mouse embryo development in vitro.
Takeaway
If a woman has been exposed to certain bacteria, it might make it harder for her to get pregnant because her body could mistakenly attack her own proteins that help embryos grow.
Methodology
The study involved testing serum samples from women undergoing IVF for antibodies to hsp60 and assessing embryo development in a mouse model.
Limitations
The direct relevance of mouse embryo studies to human embryo development remains unproven.
Participant Demographics
Women undergoing IVF, some with a history of recurrent spontaneous abortion.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.004
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
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