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Suraksha Agrawal

Publications and source records attributed to Suraksha Agrawal.

30 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2003

Characterization of mixed lymphocyte reaction blocking antibodies (MLR-Bf) in human pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: It is known that during normal pregnancy and after immunotherapy blocking antibodies are developed, these antibodies inhibit mixed lymphocyte reaction and are also anti-mitogenic in nature. Mixed lymphocyte reaction blocking antibodies are specific to the husband's lymphocytes. In the present study an attempt has been made to characterize the mixed lymphocyte reaction blocking antibodies in normal pregnancy and in women with recurrent spontaneous abortion after immunotherapy. METHODS: Serum was obtained from women of different gestational windows of pregnancy (Ist, IInd, IIIrd trimesters and post delivery period of normal pregnancy), recurrent spontaneous aborters from pre and post immunization. Healthy (male and females) controls were screened for the presence of mixed lymphocyte reaction blocking antibodies. The standard mixed lymphocyte reaction technique was used to evaluate the inhibitory effect of serum in the mixed lymphocyte reaction. Each serum was tested for cytotoxic antibodies. Immunoglobulin G and its isotypes were isolated according to the standard protocol. RESULTS: In the present study we have observed that there was significant inhibition of proliferation response when immunoglobulin G from different trimesters of pregnancy were added to one way mixed lymphocyte reaction or to phytohemagglutinin activated lymphocyte proliferation assay. Similar pattern was seen when immunoglobulin G isolated from adequately immunized women with recurrent spontaneous abortion was used. It was further confirmed that amongst all the isotypes of immunoglobulin G, only immunoglobulin G-3 was found to be positive for the inhibitory effect. CONCLUSIONS: Present study indicates that mixed lymphocyte reaction blocking antibodies are immunoglobulin G-3 in nature. It is developed during pregnancy and also after immunotherapy in women with recurrent spontaneous abortion who subsequently have the successful pregnancy.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2003

The potential role of HLA-G polymorphism in maternal tolerance to the developing fetus.

The mechanism by which the developing fetus survives the maternal immunity has eluded investigators and remains a central paradox in the field of stem cell research. If the mechanism can be defined, allogenic stem cells may find increased utility after transplantation. While several theories have been advanced, the differential expression of HLA antigens on trophoblasts has been the focus of many studies. Interestingly, an inverse relationship between HLA-G (nonclassical class I molecules) and class I MHC gene expression exists early in pregnancy. HLA-G transcripts are present in quite significant amounts in first-trimester placental tissue, particularly in the extravillous membranes, while the opposite occurs at term. This kind of expression is consistent with the theory that HLA-G might play a role in fetal protection. This could be consequent to either nonimmune (structural) or immune functions at the maternal-fetal interface. Current evidence suggest an immune function wherein HLA-G protects fetal cells from maternal uterine natural killer (NK) cells, which are found in large numbers within cells invading the trophoblasts. This effect has been attributed to maternal NK receptor alterations as well as inhibition of maternal NK cell traffic across the placenta. The recent identification of HLA-G polymorphism brings into play the potential role of these isoforms in fetal protection. Polymorphism may be associated with differential function or may effect linkage disequilibria with other HLA variants, providing fetal protection.

Cell Movement↗
PubMed2003

Microsatellite variation at 24 STR loci in three endogamous groups of Uttar Pradesh, India.

We have studied variation at 24 microsatellite markers among 50 individuals from each of three endogamous groups, Bhargavas, Chaturvedis, and non-Bhargava, non-Chaturvedi Brahmins of Uttar Pradesh, India. The number of alleles at the loci tested varied from 4 to 11, with an average of 6 at each locus. Heterozygosity was found to be quite high at all loci in the three subpopulations. It varied between 0.44 to 0.84 among Bhargavas (average 0.6510), 0.44 to 0.80 among Chaturvedis (average 0.6633 +/-), and 0.42 to 0.85 among Brahmins (average 6.694 +/-). Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium analysis revealed that these populations are under genetic equilibrium at almost all the loci tested. Comparisons of allele frequency between Bhargavas and Chaturvedis showed that they differed significantly at 14 short tandem repeat (STR) markers (p < 0.001), while Chaturvedis and Brahmins differed at 6 (p < 0.05) and Brahmins and Bhargavas at 8 (p < 0.05). Average F(IS) and F(ST) for the 24 STR markers was -0.02 and 0.013, respectively. We used both un-weighted pair group with arithmetic mean and principal components analysis to evaluate genetic distances among the three groups. Our results revealed that although there were differences at particular allele frequencies between Bhargavas vs. Brahmins, Bhargavas vs. Chaturvedis, and Brahmins vs. Chaturvedis, these differences were not statistically significant when combined over all 24 STR markers between Chaturvedis vs. Brahmins and Bhargavas vs. Brahmins. The genetic distance analysis revealed that Bhargavas are slightly apart from the other two populations.

Chi-Square Distribution↗
PubMed2003

Seroanalysis of Chlamydia trachomatis and S-TORCH agents in women with recurrent spontaneous abortions.

Genital tract infections are an important cause of pregnancy loss, many of which are amenable to treatment. There is scarcity of literature on role of S-TORCH agents in recurrent spontaneous abortions (RSA) and available data on role of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) is controversial. In a retrospective analysis, CT IgM, IgG and IgA antibodies were tested by indirect ELISA in 86, 53 and 30 sera samples respectively from women with RSA (= or > 3 abortions). IgM antibodies using m-capture ELISA for S-TORCH agents (Syphilis, tested by VDRL) were analysed in 47 sera from women with RSA. Results compared with 29 age matched normal pregnant women. Anatomical, endocrine, Rh incompatibility and chromosomal abnormality in the couple were ruled out prior to inclusion in the study. Serum anti-CT IgM positivity was 46.5% in RSA vs. 13.8% in control group (p < 0.001). S-TORCH positivity in RSA group was 31.9% and nil in the control group (p < 0.005). Present study demonstrates a strong association between IgM antibodies to CT and S-TORCH agents in women with history of RSA.

Abortion, Habitual↗
PubMed2002

Humoral immune response to an allogenic foetus in normal fertile women and recurrent aborters.

BACKGROUND: Several humoral immune factors are responsible for a successful pregnancy. There are a few studies, which demonstrate the role of antipaternal cytotoxic antibodies (APCA) and mixed lymphocyte reaction blocking factor (MLR-Bf) in the maintenance of pregnancy. However, these factors have not been studied in women with history of recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). We designed this study to review the role of APCA and MLR-Bf in normal pregnancy as well as in women with a history of RSA. METHODS: One hundred and five women with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion were included in the present study. These women were screened for all other known causes of recurrent abortion. We also included 60 normal fertile women, fifteen from each trimester and fifteen women during the post partum period (up to six months). RSA and controls (normal pregnancy) were matched for age, caste, and socio economic background and also for parity. APCA and MLR-Bf were evaluated in all the groups. All women with RSA who conceived during the study period were on follow up. RESULTS: We have analyzed the status of APCA and MLR-Bf in normal pregnancy (different gestational periods and during post partum), and in women with history of RSA. Our results show that APCA was significantly higher in controls as compared to RSA women. MLR-Bf was directed against the husbands' cells in normal pregnancy and was virtually absent in RSA women. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that there is a significantly low titer of APCA and MLR-Bf in women with recurrent spontaneous abortion. This highlights the role of these factors in the maintenance of successful pregnancy.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2002

HLA and bone marrow transplant donor search strategies.

Searching for a family donor other than an HLA identical sibling can be successful. The chance of finding an identical or one antigen mismatched family donor can be calculated with a computer program, so this may help in the decision making whether to perform extended family typing or not. Extended family donors are often better matched rather than unrelated donors. The reason is that they have at least one haplotype genetically identical to the patient, and that there may be some higher match grade for the minor histocompatibility antigens. Sometimes extended family donor could be the only donor for the patient. Ethical considerations have to be taken into account and extended family donors should be volunteer donors.

Bone Marrow Transplantation↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Polymorphisms in the apolipoprotein B-100 gene: association with plasma lipid concentration and coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the association of apolipoprotein B gene polymorphisms with coronary artery disease and lipid levels in Indians. METHODS AND RESULTS: One hundred patients of angiographically proven atherosclerotic coronary artery disease and one hundred age- and sex-matched control subjects (treadmill negative) were included in the study. Serum lipids including cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein, and apolipoprotein B were analyzed. Genomic DNA was extracted and the apolipoprotein B 3' hypervariable region amplified by polymerase chain reaction. Regions carrying Xba1, EcoR1, and Msp1 restriction sites present in the apolipoprotein B gene were amplified and digested separately by the respective enzymes. Restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis showed that EcoR1 with the R+/R+ genotype was significantly more common in patients with coronary artery disease. Overall, the genotypes EcoR1+/+, Msp1+/+, Xba1+/+ and Eco R1+/+ Msp1+/-, Xba1-/- were significantly more common in patients as compared to controls (p<0.05). When gene polymorphisms were compared with lipid abnormalities, the genotypes EcoR1+/+, Xba1-/-, and Msp1+/+ were more frequent in patients with elevated apolipoprotein B and very low-density lipoprotein levels. On the other hand, these genotypes were less common in patients with increased total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels. When we studied the individual alleles of the variable number of tandem repeats region, we observed that allele 34 was significantly increased in patients with coronary artery disease as compared to controls. Allele 36 was present with a frequency of 1% in controls while it was totally absent in patients. CONCLUSIONS: This study identifies the apolipoprotein B gene polymorphism associated with coronary artery disease. An association between apolipoprotein B gene polymorphisms and elevated apolipoprotein B and very low-density lipoprotein levels was observed. However, there was no positive association with other elevated lipid levels in North Indians from Uttar Pradesh.

Apolipoprotein B-100↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Angiotensin-converting enzyme gene polymorphism in coronary artery disease in north India.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of angiotensin-converting enzyme gene polymorphism in patients with coronary artery disease in north India. METHODS AND RESULTS: One hundred forty-six patients with angiographically proven atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, and 146 age- and sex-matched control subjects (treadmill-negative) were included in the study. Genomic DNA was extracted and analyzed for angiotensin-converting enzyme insertion/deletion polymorphism. Two independent investigators scored the genotypes. CONCLUSIONS: When we compared the genotypes of patients with coronary artery disease with those of normal controls, it was seen that all three genotypes, i.e. DD, ID and II, were not statistically different among patients and controls. Further, we categorized the patient and control groups into 2 subgroups, i.e. below and above 50 years of age. Interestingly, it was observed that the DD genotype was significantly higher in patients in the higher age group (i.e. above 50 years of age). However, this needs further validation by studying patients with coronary artery disease from other parts of India.

Adult↗