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M Vignali

Publications and source records attributed to M Vignali.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1998

Soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 serum profile in physiologic and preeclamptic pregnancy.

PROBLEM: The aim of this study was to determine serum levels of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM)-1, an adhesion receptor that mediates interactions with the immune system, in physiologic and preeclamptic pregnancies. Moreover, we evaluated whether the release of sICAM-1 during pregnancy correlated to plasma fibronectin concentrations. METHOD OF STUDY: Serum was collected from 18 nonpregnant, control women, from 58 normal pregnant women during the first (n = 13), second (n = 15), and third (n = 30) trimesters, and from 25 preeclamptic patients at 27-39 weeks' gestation. All samples were assayed for sICAM-1 by a specific enzyme-linked immunoassay and for fibronectin by a nephelometric system. Serum sICAM-1 levels in preeclamptic patients were compared to those obtained from gestational-matched normal pregnant women. RESULTS: Levels of sICAM-1 were significantly elevated (P < 0.001) in each of the three trimesters of normal pregnancy (I trimester: 390.4 +/- 25.7 ng/ml; II trimester: 386.3 +/- 15.4 ng/ml; and III trimester: 367.3 +/- 15.8 ng/ml) when compared to those of healthy nonpregnant women (263.3 +/- 11.6 ng/ml). No significant difference in sICAM-1 concentrations was observed among the three trimesters. Preeclampsia was associated to a significant decrease (P < 0.01) of sICAM-1 levels (309.8 +/- 11.6 ng/ml) relative to those observed in gestational-matched pregnant women (367.3 +/- 15.8 ng/ml). Fibronectin and sICAM-1 levels did not correlate. CONCLUSION: The increased levels of sICAM-1 found in physiologic pregnancies and its reduction in preeclampsia may account for some of the immunologic alterations demonstrated to be associated with pregnancy.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Molecular action of GnRH analogues on ectopic endometrial cells.

The mechanisms leading to the occurrence and progression of endometriosis are far from being completely understood. After implantation or differentiation of ectopic endometrium, further proliferation of the endometriosis implants will depend either on the endocrine status or on the local production of endocrine, immunological, growth and angiogenic factors. GnRH receptors as well as GnRH analogues binding to cell membranes have been detected on human breast, ovarian and endometrial cancer cells. Thus, along with an indirect effect due to hypoestrogenism, a direct effect of GnRH analogues on both breast, ovarian and endometrial cancer cells has been suggested as a possible mechanism of action. Likewise, we speculate whether GnRH analogues may also exert a direct modulatory effect on endometriosis cell growth.

Aromatase↗
PubMed1998

Interleukin-12 and its free p40 subunit regulate immune recognition of endometrial cells: potential role in endometriosis.

An alteration of immune recognition and killing of misplaced endometrial cells, refluxed with menstrual debris in ectopic sites, has been claimed to be responsible for the initiation and progression of endometriosis. In particular, current evidence emphasizes the role of natural killer (NK) cells as potential effectors of peritoneal immune surveillance. Interleukin-12 (IL-12), a heterodimeric cytokine composed of p40 and p35 chains, has potent regulatory effects on NK cell growth and function. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether this cytokine may also have a role in the specific cytolytic NK cell response toward endometrial antigens. To this aim, concentrations of IL-12 and its free p40 subunit were determined in peritoneal fluid of 33 patients with endometriosis and 40 women without laparoscopic evidence of the disease. Similar concentrations of IL-12, but significantly higher levels of free p40, were present in peritoneal fluid of patients with endometriosis compared to those in women without the disease. We also observed that the IL-12 plus free p40/IL-12 ratio increased with the severity of the disease. Moreover, we investigated whether incubation of NK cells with heterodimeric IL-12 and/or p40 has any effect on NK cell-mediated lysis of endometrial cells. NK cells pretreated with heterodimeric IL-12 exhibited an enhanced cytotoxic response toward endometrial targets. This IL-12-induced cytotoxicity could be abrogated by the p40 subunit in a specific and dose-dependent manner. The p40 inhibitory effect was mediated by down-regulation of IL-12 high affinity binding sites on NK cells, as we observed inhibition of surface IL-12 receptor beta1-chain expression, a decrease in IL-12-binding capacity, and inhibition of phosphorylation of STAT4 (signal transducer and activator of transcription) protein. These data suggest that the excess of p40 present in peritoneal fluid of patients with endometriosis may be related to the NK cell defect associated with the disease. Moreover, IL-12 could be a potential specific agent able to correct the p40-induced defect in vivo.

Ascitic Fluid↗
PubMed1997

H1-mediated repression of transcription factor binding to a stably positioned nucleosome.

Previously, we reported that histone H1 binding to nucleosome cores results in the repression of binding of the basic helix-loop-helix upstream stimulatory factor (USF) (Juan, L.-J., Utley, R. T., Adams, C. C., Vettese-Dadey, M., and Workman, J. L. (1994) EMBO J. 13, 6031-6040). We have tested whether this inhibition resulted from H1-mediated changes in nucleosome positioning (Ura, K., Hayes, J. J., and Wolffe, A. P. (1995) EMBO J. 14, 3752-3765) forcing the USF recognition sequence into less accessible locations within the nucleosome. Nucleosome boundaries were determined by assays combining micrococcal nuclease and restriction endonuclease digestion. A unique pair of boundaries were observed, indicating a single nucleosome translational position. This nucleosome position did not change on H1 or USF binding. Thus, H1 repression of USF binding was independent of nucleosome mobility, indicating an alternative mechanism of H1 repression. H1 repressed USF binding at a site 35 base pairs into the nucleosome core more effectively than at a site near the "linker" DNA, suggesting that inhibition by H1 was not simply due to steric occlusion. Instead, these data are consistent with a model by which H1 binding reduces transient dynamic exposure of the DNA from the histone octamer surface (Polach, K. L., and Widom, J. (1995) J. Mol. Biol. 254, 130-149).

Binding Sites↗
PubMed1997

Pregnancy outcome among HIV positive and negative intravenous drug users.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze determinants of pregnancy outcome, among HIV infected and uninfected intravenous drug users. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 315 pregnant current intravenous drug users, IVDU (151 HIV infected and 164 HIV uninfected subjects) were referred to the Center for Pregnant Drug Addicts of the Mangiagalli Clinic, Milan, Italy, for internatal care and delivery between 1985 and 1993. RESULTS: HIV uninfected and infected mothers did not differ significantly according to type of pregnancy, gestational age at childbirth, mode of delivery, pregnancy outcome and newborn weight, height, head circumference, sex and Apgar at 1 and 5 min. Out of 133 children (born to HIV infected mothers) for whom HIV status was available, 20 (15%) were HIV infected or developed AIDS-related signs and symptoms during a 24 months follow-up. The distribution of HIV infected and non infected infants was not significantly different as regards maternal CD4 lymphocyte count, week of gestation at birth, mode of delivery, infant weight, height, head circumference and Apgar at 1 and 5 min. CONCLUSION: Our data show that HIV infected women in the early stages of HIV infection are not at a higher risk of adverse course of pregnancy than HIV uninfected women. Vertical transmission rates were not associated to newborn characteristics.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Antipoliomyelitis neutralizing antibodies in maternal and neonatal serum.

During 1993 blood samples were taken from 1251 women consecutively admitted to the Maternity Ward of the University of Parma. Samples were also taken from all the newborn babies. Absence of antipolio neutralizing antibodies in serum diluted 1/2 was shown in 6 mothers; 4 mothers for polio 1, 1 mother for polio 2 and 1 simultaneously for the poliovirus 1 and 3. If one considers only the cases of absence in undiluted serum, there were 2 negative subjects (0.16%). One of these was for antibodies against polio 1 and the other for antibodies against polio 2. In the cord blood samples the frequency of negative results in serum diluted 1/2 is higher: 42 in all with 13 babies negative for polio 1. 17 babies for polio 2, 8 for polio 3 and 2 babies simultaneously for polio 1 and polio 3. If one considers just the babies without antibodies even in undiluted serum, the fraction of seronegatives is 9 (0.7%) with 1 for polio 1, 6 for polio 2 and 1 for types 1 and 3. The Geometric Mean Titres of the antibodies are significantly higher in mothers born before 1964 (year of introduction of mass vaccination with OPV) compared with those born after that year. Likewise, the same phenomenon was observed in the respective children.

Antibodies, Viral↗
PubMed1997

Basic fibroblast growth factor messenger ribonucleic acid levels in human placentas from normal and pathological pregnancies.

This study was designed to determine whether basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) gene expression in human placenta varies as a function of gestational age and to evaluate whether bFGF synthesis might be altered in pathological pregnancies. Moreover, we also investigated whether human placental cells express the bFGF receptor gene. The presence of mRNA for bFGF and its receptor was demonstrated by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) performed on total RNA derived from human placental cells at different times of culture. Levels of bFGF mRNA were determined by competitive RT-PCR in human placental tissues collected at the beginning and at the end of pregnancy. Competitive RT-PCR was also employed to evaluate bFGF synthesis in term placentas derived from pregnancies complicated by diabetes. mRNA for both bFGF and its receptor were demonstrated in human placenta starting as early as 8 weeks of pregnancy. Values of bFGF mRNA were significantly higher in first trimester compared with term placentas. Term placentas derived from pregnancies associated with type I diabetes expressed levels of bFGF mRNA higher than those present in normal term placentas. These data demonstrate that bFGF and its receptor are synthesized in human placental cells throughout gestation. Moreover, bFGF gene expression is developmentally regulated. Finally, bFGF might also be partially responsible for the placental alterations observed in pregnancies complicated by diabetes.

Adrenal Cortex↗
PubMed1997

Comparative effect of the calcium antagonist verapamil and the synthetic steroids gestrinone and danazol on human monocyte phagocytosis in vitro.

Recent evidence suggested that periovulatory treatment with an immunomodulatory agent such as verapamil might be an effective alternative to conventional treatment for endometriosis-associated subfertility. In particular, it has been reported that the drug might reduce the accentuated macrophage peritoneal activation demonstrated in patients with endometriosis. In this study, we compared the effect of the calcium antagonist verapamil with those of gestrinone, danazol and testosterone on human monocyte phagocytosis in an attempt to evaluate any significant differences in their ability to influence a parameter of cell inflammatory activation. Peripheral blood monocytes were isolated from 37 healthy women. Monocyte function was determined by phagocytosis of fluorescent microspheres after an overnight incubation in the presence or absence of the various agents. This study indicates that verapamil at the pharmacological concentration of 0.4 micrograms/ml, the systemic level in patients taking 40-80 mg/8 h p.o., significantly inhibits monocyte function. A lower immunosuppressive but still significant effect was achieved in this assay system with gestrinone at a concentration of 3 x 10(-8) M). The pharmacological concentration of danazol (10(-6) M) and the physiologic concentration of testosterone (10(-8) M) did not significantly affect this immunologic test system. These results provide evidence that verapamil is able to exert a slightly greater immunosuppressive effect than steroidal drugs on monocyte phagocytosis. However, due to the small differences observed, further studies on the biological mechanism of the drug seem to be necessary to completely elucidate its potential role in endometriosis-associated subfertility.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 is expressed on human granulosa cells and mediates their binding to lymphoid cells.

Some immune cellular components have been recently demonstrated to play a critical role in ovarian physiology. Resident ovarian white blood cells are known to produce cytokines that modulate granulosa cell (GC) functions and differentiation. Moreover, it has been postulated that, during the formation of the corpus luteum and luteolysis, human luteal cells are able to interact with lymphocytes and macrophages through some adhesion molecules. This study was designed to examine, at messenger RNA and protein levels, whether intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, known to be involved in leukocyte-cell binding, is expressed by human GCs. Furthermore, we also investigated whether this molecule could be involved in the complex events that allow the interaction between the ovary and the immune system. GCs, obtained from women undergoing in vitro fertilization procedures, were enzymatically dispersed with collagenase and cultured for different time periods. To assess the presence of ICAM-1 messenger RNA, total RNA obtained from freshly aspirated GCs and GCs luteinized in culture was reverse transcribed and then amplified using two oligonucleotide primers specific for the human ICAM-1 gene. A single major DNA band of the expected size (943 bp) was obtained. The identity of this material with the human ICAM-1 sequence was further confirmed by restriction enzyme analysis. Surface ICAM-1 protein was detected by flow cytometric analysis on luteinized GCs cultured for 7 and 15 days. Finally, to evaluate a possible functional activity of ICAM-1, a 51Cr-release-binding assay between peripheral blood lymphocytes and luteinized GCs was performed in the presence and absence of a monoclonal antibody against ICAM-1. As a result, lymphocyte adhesion to GC monolayers was significantly, but not completely, inhibited by the anti-ICAM-1 monoclonal antibody. These findings demonstrate that intercellular interactions between GCs and the immune system are, at least in part, mediated by the adhesion molecule ICAM-1. Based on this data, we might speculate that this molecule could participate in the remodeling processes of the ovarian endocrine compartment.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1997

Expression of corticotropin-releasing hormone and its R1 receptor in human endometrial stromal cells.

Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) is a hypothalamic neuropeptide that has been identified also in several peripheral tissues, including organs of the reproductive system. In man, CRH is synthesized and released by the gonads, the placenta, maternal decidua, and the epithelial endometrium. So far, CRH has been demonstrated in endometrial stromal cells only after decidualization. The aim of this study was to seek evidence of the production and secretion of CRH by endometrial stromal cells in different phases of the menstrual cycle and to look for gene expression of the recently identified CRH receptor R1. Total RNA was extracted from stromal cells monolayers established from endometrial samples collected during both proliferative and secretive phases. After reverse transcription, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification was carried out using primers specific to CRH and to CRH receptor R1, resulting in the expected bands, respectively 233 bp for CRH and 274 bp for CRH-R1. The identity of the obtained CRH PCR product was confirmed by restriction enzyme analysis and by Southern blotting. Purification by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) of stromal cell culture medium revealed a major peak of CRH immunoreactivity coeluting with the standard CRH(1-41), thus indicating the secretion of the mature peptide. Our study demonstrates the synthesis and secretion of CRH by endometrial stromal cells at all phases of the menstrual cycle. We also demonstrate the expression of the CRH receptor R1 gene. It can be hypothesized that CRH contributes via autocrine/paracrine mechanisms to endometrial physiology.

Blotting, Southern↗
PubMed1996

Prevention of postoperative urinary stress incontinence after surgery for genitourinary prolapse.

OBJECTIVE: To compare cystopexy alone versus cystopexy with posterior pubourethral ligaments plication for the occurrence of postoperative stress incontinence after prolapse surgery, and to compare the two surgical series in terms of complications and urodynamic effects. METHODS: One hundred two continent patients randomly underwent cystopexy alone (N = 52) or cystopexy with posterior pubourethral ligaments plication (N = 50). All had a urethrocystocele grade 2 or greater and a negative stress test with the prolapse repositioned. A full urodynamic investigation was repeated 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: Twelve (23%) and 14 (28%) patients (P = .73) required intermittent self-catheterization for 11.1 +/- 5.1 and 16.5 +/- 11.1 days, respectively (cystopexy alone versus cystopexy with posterior pubourethral ligaments plication, P = .002). Long-lasting difficulties in voiding were present in zero and five (10%) patients (P = .02). One subject receiving posterior pubourethral ligaments plication underwent urethral dilation for complete urinary retention. At 1 year follow-up, four patients (8%) in each series developed postoperative stress incontinence (P = .62). Symptomatic detrusor instability complicated the postoperative course in one patient (2%) of each group. CONCLUSION: Cystopexy alone implied lower morbidity in terms of resumption of spontaneous voiding and long-lasting difficulties in voiding. The procedure could be recommended as an effective and safe treatment for continent patients with severe urethrocystocele. Additional plication of the posterior pubourethral ligaments did not seem superior to cystopexy alone in preventing the postoperative occurrence of stress incontinence.

Aged↗
PubMed1996

Cerebral artery blood flow in relation to age and menopausal status.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate vascular reactivity in women's cerebral arteries from reproductive age to postmenopause. METHODS: The pulsatility index (PI) was measured cross-sectionally in the internal carotid and middle cerebral arteries of 120 women, using a Doppler ultrasound system. Fifteen women were enrolled in each of eight 5-year intervals, spanning ages 20-59 years. RESULTS: In the population as a whole, there was a slight but statistically significant correlation between age and the PI in both arteries, but not after excluding postmenopausal subjects. A significant correlation was found between PI and months since menopause (but not chronologic age) in the postmenopausal women. There was also a statistically significant difference in the PI values for both arteries between pre- and postmenopausal women of similar age. CONCLUSION: Menopause causes a significant increase in the PI of women's cerebral arteries. In postmenopausal women, there is a significant correlation between the PI of the internal carotid and middle cerebral arteries and menopausal but not chronologic age. This effect may be one of the mechanisms by which menopause is associated with the known higher risk for coronary heart disease observed in women.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist-induced hypoestrogenism and blood flows in cerebral arteries.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of the hypoestrogenism induced by GnRH agonist (GNRH-a) therapy on cerebral vessel blood flow. DESIGN: Open, controlled study. SETTING: Tertiary care units of the University of Milan, Italy. PATIENTS: Young women scheduled to undergo 6 months of therapy with a GnRH-a; a control group was also enrolled. INTERVENTIONS: In both groups, the pulsatility index of both the internal carotid artery (ICA) and middle cerebral artery (MCA) was measured by means of Doppler ultrasound over a period of 6 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The ICA and MCA pulsatility index. RESULTS: No variation in the pulsatility index of either artery was found in either group. CONCLUSIONS: A 6-month period of GnRH-a-induced hypoestrogenism in young women does not lead to any variation in the blood flow of cerebral vessels. This provides some reassurance as to the safety of these drugs in relation to the role that the reactivity of peripheral arteries may play in determining risk of cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, our results show that blood flow in the cerebral vessels of young subjects is under extraestrogenic control and that this may counterbalance estrogen deprivation through mechanisms that probably are no longer active in the perimenopausal years.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

A new laparoscopic procedure for creation of a neovagina in Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results of a new laparoscopic technique for the creation of a neovagina in women with Rokitansky syndrome. DESIGN: Open noncomparative clinical study. SETTING: Tertiary care center. PATIENT(S): Fourteen patients with Rokitansky syndrome, aged 15 to 34 years, desiring to have sexual relations. INTERVENTION(S): The patients underwent creation of a neovagina at laparoscopy by a modification of Vecchietti's technique. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): At the clinical examinations performed during the follow up (ranging from 6 to 24 months), the patients reported the frequency, satisfaction, and any difficulties found at intercourse. At each examination, the depth and diameter of the neovagina was determined. The characteristics of the neovaginal mucosa were investigated by vaginoscopy. RESULTS(S): No intraoperative and postoperative complications were observed. The patients considered the discomfort caused by the Vecchietti's device and the daily tractions acceptable. In all the patients the mucosa was pink, trophic, and moist 3 months after the operation. Two fingers were introduced easily into the neovagina in all cases, and the mean length was 8.1 +/- 1.1 cm. All but one patient defined their sexual intercourse as satisfying within 6 months from the intervention. CONCLUSION(S): In light of the results obtained in the present series, we consider that, because of its efficacy, rapidity, and safety, the laparoscopic surgical method used by us may be suggested as the treatment of choice to correct Rokitansky syndrome.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Alteration in the pulsatility index values of the internal carotid and middle cerebral arteries after suspension of postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy: a randomized crossover study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of the suspension of hormone replacement therapy on blood flow in the internal carotid and the middle cerebral arteries. STUDY DESIGN: Doppler ultrasonography was used to measure the pulsatility index of the internal carotid and middle cerebral arteries of 23 women. The patients were all receiving continuous transdermal estradiol replacement therapy (50 micrograms/day) with a cyclic supplementation of medroxyprogesterone acetate every second month (10 mg/day for 12 days). The duration of the study was 12 months. The patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups. The first group (11 subjects) continued therapy for the first 6 months and then suspended it for the following 6 months; the second group (12 subjects) interrupted hormone replacement therapy for the first 6 months and then resumed it for the following 6 months. The internal carotid and middle cerebral artery pulsatility index was measured at the start of the 12-month period and then every 3 months. Serum estradiol levels were measured to check compliance. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was found between the internal carotid and middle cerebral artery pulsatility index values of the two groups at each of the measurements after the first one. Over the first 6 months the pulsatility index values rapidly increased in the patients kept off hormone replacement therapy and remained stable in those receiving hormone replacement therapy. After the crossover at 8 months, the pulsatility index rapidly dropped to values similar to those at baseline in the patients who resumed hormone replacement therapy and increased in those who suspended therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Resistance to blood flow in cerebral vessels of postmenopausal women rapidly changes after hormone replacement therapy suspension. In postmenopausal women estrogen administration should be continued to maintain the favourable variations of vascular reactivity induced by hormone replacement therapy.

Body Mass Index↗
PubMed1996

Human endometrial stromal cells as a source of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 molecules.

Intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1-mediated cell-cell adhesion is essential for various immunological functions, including natural killer (NK) cell-mediated cytotoxicity against endometrium. The present study was designed to establish whether shedding of ICAM-1 from cultured endometrial stromal cells occurred and to characterize its potential functional significance in endometrial physiology and pathology. The shed sICAM-1 molecule was detected and quantified in supernatants from endometrial stromal cultures and in peritoneal fluid by a specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results of this study indicate that cultured endometrial stromal cells constitutively shed ICAM-1 from their surface. This ability is regulated during the menstrual cycle, as it appears to be higher in the proliferative than in the secretory phase of the cycle (16.93 +/- 2.2 and 7.7 +/- 1.76 ng/ml respectively). In order to evaluate whether the release of sICAM-1 could interfere with cell-mediated lysis of endometrium we compared the determinations of sICAM-1 in endometrial supernatants with the ability of such supernatants to suppress NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity toward endometrial targets. A significant correlation (r = 0.6, P < 0.05) was found between the sICAM-1 concentration in endometrial supernatants and the percentage of inhibition of NK cell-mediated lysis exerted by the same supernatant samples. Finally, endometrial stromal shedding of sICAM-1 appears to be related to endometriosis since endometrial stromal cultures obtained from patients with advanced stages of the disease released significantly higher amounts of the soluble protein compared to the control group (P < 0.05). sICAM-1 is a soluble molecule which can interfere with immunological functions, and its shedding may be one of the mechanisms by which refluxed endometrial cells escape immunosurveillance.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Modulation of NK cell lytic function by endometrial secretory factors: potential role in endometriosis.

PROBLEM: Development and progression of endometriosis have been suggested to be related to a defect of NK cells in the ability to eliminate endometrial fragments regurgitated with menstrual debris in ectopic sites. However, it has not been clarified yet whether the origin of this defect has to be attributed to an intrinsic alteration of NK cell population or to a consequence of the environmental system. The present study was designed to evaluate whether soluble factors of endometrial origin might directly interfere with NK cell lytic function. METHOD: Media conditioned by 20 endometrial stromal cultures (10 from endometriosis patients and 10 from women without the disease) were examined to test their effects on NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity directed against endometrial stromal targets. NK cells were purified from peripheral blood samples by a two steps panning technique and incubated overnight with and without endometrial supernatants. Thereafter, the percentage of lysis against endometrial cells was detected in a 51Cr cytotoxicity assay. RESULTS: Media conditioned by the overall endometrial stromal cultures exerted a significant suppressive effect (P < 0.001) on NK cell function when compared to control NK fractions (mean percentage of cytotoxicity +/- SEM 17.46 +/- 2.8 and 29.41 +/- 1.49, respectively). No inhibitory effect was detect with conditioned media obtained from peritoneal cells and keratinocytes. Moreover, NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity resulted significantly more inhibited by the addition of endometrial supernatants obtained from endometriosis patients (mean percentage cytotoxicity +/- SEM 13.55 +/- 2.3, P < 0.05) when compared to those from women without the disease (mean percentage cytotoxicity +/- SEM 21.38 +/- 4.9). CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate the existence of soluble non-specific factors(s) released by human endometrial cells able to interfere with NK cell killing. These factors could participate in the local regulation of the immunological mechanisms suggested to be involved in the development of endometriosis.

Cell Survival↗