Detection of cytokines (interleukin-1, interleukin-6, transforming growth factor- ) and soluble tumour necrosis factor receptors in embryo culture fluids during in-vitro fertilization

Abstract

Several lines of evidence suggest that a number of immunoactive cytokines participate in early reproductive events such as implantation and placental development. Furthermore, cytokines may influence embryo growth and differentiation. In the present study, the production of tumour necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-1 (IL1), interleukin-6 (IL6) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF beta) during the first 48 h after oocyte retrieval during in-vitro fertilization was investigated. In addition, the question was raised whether soluble receptors may contribute to cytokine activity regulation in early reproduction, and concentrations of TNF and IL6 receptors in culture media were determined. Finally, an investigation of whether any association exists between cytokine concentrations and embryo morphology was performed. Media from 256 embryos were analysed. IL1, IL6 and TGF beta were produced during the 48 h culture period, whereas no TNF was detected. Levels of IL1 and IL6 were significantly higher in media from the first 24 h culture period than from the second period, whereas TGF beta concentrations in supernatants from the two observation periods did not differ. IL6 receptors were not detected, whereas TNF receptors (p75) appeared in media from the 24-48 h culture period. Granulosa, cumulus and sperm cells are potential sources of cytokine production, especially during the first 24 h period. The contribution of the embryo to cytokine/cytokine receptor production remains an open question. No significant correlation was observed between cytokine/cytokine receptor concentrations and embryo morphological score.

Local expression of inflammatory cytokines in the facial tissue of children with a cleft lip and palate

“…Cytokines are of central importance for the regulation of inflammation, tissue remodeling, and embryogenic development [5,6]. Yet little is known about the local expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the cleft lip and palate tissues.…”

“…There are data about the cytokines role in the embryo growth and differentiation, as well as inflammation and the tissue remodeling [5,6]. Traditionally, these small, nonstructural proteins are subdivided into following families: interleukins, growth factors, chemokines, colony-stimulating factors, interferons, the transforming growth factor and the tumor necrosis factor families [7].…”

Unraveling the sperm proteome and post-genomic pathways associated with sperm nuclear DNA fragmentation

“…Huleihel et al [98] demonstrated that germ cells at different stages of development and differentiation may produce and release cytokines to regulate spermatogenesis in a paracrine or autocrine manner. Furthermore, Austgulen et al [99] suggest that sperm cells may be a source of cytokines production during embryo growth and implantation. These data suggest the presence of proteins involved in cytokines production in ejaculated sperm of subjects with Low DNA fragmentation.…”

Differential Regulation of the Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinases and Tissue Inhibitors of Metalloproteinases by Cytokines and Growth Factors in Bovine Endometrial Stromal Cells and Trophoblast Cell Line BT-1 In Vitro1

“…The maternal-fetal interaction stimulates proliferation and differentiation of trophoblasts and endometrial decidualization, which likely are spatially and temporally regulated by autocrine and paracrine systems [1,2]. Various cytokines and growth factors derived from the maternal endometrium and blastocysts, such as interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, transforming growth factor ␤ (TGF␤), insulin-like growth factor (IGF), and tumor necrosis factor ␣ (TNF␣), have been associated with embryo development and implantation [3][4][5]. Moreover, an earlier study using knockout mice lacking the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) gene has demonstrated that HGF is involved in placental growth and development [6].…”