This article reviews a selected set of recently described pregnancy-associated proteins which possess potential for both signaling pregnancy onset and monitoring its course. These molecules are compared and contrasted...This article reviews a selected set of recently described pregnancy-associated proteins which possess potential for both signaling pregnancy onset and monitoring its course. These molecules are compared and contrasted with human chorionic gonadotropin, the first pregnancy-associated protein to be discovered, and the standard biomarker of pregnancy to which all others must still be referenced. Recent advances in hCG research have focused on the structural determination and diagnostic significance of the subunits and fragments of the hCG molecule, particularly in urine. An outline of the potential utility of this approach is also presented.展开更多
T helper 17 （TH 17） cells have been identified as a new lineage of helper T cells and have been shown to be important in host defense against extracellular infectious agents, autoimmune disease and chronic inflammat...T helper 17 （TH 17） cells have been identified as a new lineage of helper T cells and have been shown to be important in host defense against extracellular infectious agents, autoimmune disease and chronic inflammatory diseases. Recently, TH17 cells have also been shown to participate in successful pregnancy, as well as in the pathogenesis of diseases of pregnancy, such as recurrent spontaneous abortion （RSA） and pre-eclampsia （PE）. Here, we review our current knowledge of TH 17 cells in human RSA and PE. We also discuss how the local uterine microenvironment affects the differentiation of TH17 cells and the mechanisms that regulate TH17 cells during pregnancy. Research into TH17 cells will not only advance our understanding of TH 17-related pregnancy complications, but will also facilitate the design of novel therapies for reproductive diseases.展开更多
文摘This article reviews a selected set of recently described pregnancy-associated proteins which possess potential for both signaling pregnancy onset and monitoring its course. These molecules are compared and contrasted with human chorionic gonadotropin, the first pregnancy-associated protein to be discovered, and the standard biomarker of pregnancy to which all others must still be referenced. Recent advances in hCG research have focused on the structural determination and diagnostic significance of the subunits and fragments of the hCG molecule, particularly in urine. An outline of the potential utility of this approach is also presented.
文摘T helper 17 （TH 17） cells have been identified as a new lineage of helper T cells and have been shown to be important in host defense against extracellular infectious agents, autoimmune disease and chronic inflammatory diseases. Recently, TH17 cells have also been shown to participate in successful pregnancy, as well as in the pathogenesis of diseases of pregnancy, such as recurrent spontaneous abortion （RSA） and pre-eclampsia （PE）. Here, we review our current knowledge of TH 17 cells in human RSA and PE. We also discuss how the local uterine microenvironment affects the differentiation of TH17 cells and the mechanisms that regulate TH17 cells during pregnancy. Research into TH17 cells will not only advance our understanding of TH 17-related pregnancy complications, but will also facilitate the design of novel therapies for reproductive diseases.
