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Microchimerism and endocrine disorders.
Laura Fugazzola1, Valentina Cirello, Paolo Beck-Peccoz
1Department of Medical Sciences, University of Milan, Endocrine Unit-Padiglione Granelli, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Ca' Granda, Via Francesco Sforza, 35, 20122 Milan, Italy. l.fugazzola@policlinico.mi.it
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|March 9, 2012
Summary
Fetal microchimerism may worsen autoimmune diseases but protect against cancer. Maternal microchimerism is linked to type 1 diabetes, with cells potentially targeting or regenerating pancreatic tissues.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Microchimerism involves cell exchange between mother and fetus, with cells persisting long-term.
- Fetal cell microchimerism (fmcs) and maternal cell microchimerism (mcms) describe cell transfer in opposite directions.
- These microchimeric cells can remain in host tissues for decades.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of maternal and fetal microchimerism in endocrine diseases.
- To synthesize current understanding of microchimerism's impact on autoimmunity and cancer.
- To explore the implications of microchimerism in type 1 diabetes.
Main Methods:
- A literature search was conducted using the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
- Studies focusing on maternal and fetal microchimerism in endocrine diseases were identified and reviewed.
Main Results:
- Fetal microchimerism is implicated in autoimmune thyroid diseases (Hashimoto's, Graves') and thyroid cancer.
- Fetal cells in thyroid cancer tissues may differentiate, potentially aiding tumor destruction or repair.
- Reduced circulating fetal cells in cancer patients suggest a protective role against malignancy.
- Maternal microchimerism is associated with type 1 diabetes, with maternal cells possibly affecting pancreatic beta cells.
Conclusions:
- Fetal microchimerism appears to have a dual role, potentially pathogenic in autoimmunity and protective in cancer.
- Maternal microchimerism may play a role in the development or progression of type 1 diabetes.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the complex interactions of microchimeric cells in endocrine health and disease.
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