Embryotoxic cytokines-Potential roles in embryo loss and fetal programming
Sarah A Robertson1, Peck-Yin Chin1, Joseph G Femia1
1The Robinson Research Institute, School of Medicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
Journal of Reproductive Immunology
|January 7, 2018
Summary
Cytokines influence embryo development and implantation success. Imbalances between beneficial and harmful cytokines may contribute to infertility and reproductive issues.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive immunology
- Developmental biology
- Epigenetics
Background:
- Cytokines in the reproductive tract mediate embryo-maternal communication, impacting development and implantation.
- Pro-survival cytokines support optimal embryo growth, while pro-inflammatory (embryotoxic) cytokines can impair development and survival.
- Embryotoxic cytokines may affect offspring's long-term health via epigenetic programming.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the dual role of cytokines in embryo development and implantation.
- To highlight the impact of embryotoxic cytokines on reproductive success.
- To explore the potential link between elevated embryotoxic cytokines and infertility or reproductive failure.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on cytokine roles in reproduction.
- Analysis of experimental findings, particularly from mouse models, on embryotoxic cytokine effects.
- Examination of evidence linking inflammatory conditions to altered cytokine profiles in reproductive tissues.
Main Results:
- Pro-survival cytokines (e.g., GM-CSF, LIF) promote embryo development.
- Embryotoxic cytokines (e.g., TNF, IFNG) induce cell stress, apoptosis, and hinder blastocyst development.
- Elevated embryotoxic cytokines are observed in inflammatory conditions like diabetes, obesity, PCOS, and endometriosis.
Conclusions:
- The balance of embryotrophic and embryotoxic cytokines is crucial for successful implantation and acts as an endometrial 'biosensor'.
- Excessive embryotoxic cytokines may contribute to infertility and recurrent implantation failure in humans and animals.
- Further research is warranted to investigate the clinical implications of embryotoxic cytokines in reproductive health.
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