Correlation between serum zinc levels and successful immunotherapy in recurrent spontaneous abortion patients

Abstract

BACKGROUND:Immunotherapy with paternal lymphocytes plays an important role in preventing recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) and is an effective treatment for it. This kind of treatment is performed as an immunotherapy method in several centers in the world. It attributes to the production of anti-paternal cytotoxic antibodies (APCAs) in women with RSA. Production of APCA after lymphocyte immunotherapy (LIT) in RSA patients gives them a better chance for successful pregnancy. Regarding the important effect of trace elements on the function of the immune system, we tried to investigate the correlation between serum zinc level and the success of LIT in RSA.MATERIALS AND METHODS:Serum zinc concentration was determined in two groups of RSA patients using atomic absorption spectrophotometer systems. Group (a) that responded to the paternal lymphocytes and their cross-match test was positive, and group (b) that had no response to the paternal lymphocytes immunizations and their cross-match test was negative.RESULTS:Serum zinc levels in group (a) patients were 74.98 ± 11.88 μg/dl, which was significantly higher than those in group (b) with the zinc concentration of 64.22 ± 9.22 μg/dl.CONCLUSIONS:Zinc deficiency may be one of the substantial causes of negative results for LIT in RSA patients. Therefore, compensation of zinc defect before LIT can be a promising approach to improve the immune response in patients.

Micronutrients in Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes

“…Copper (I) ions can produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) ( Figure 3 ), catalyze the Haber–Weiss reaction, and induce insulin resistance by ROS leading to altered glucose homeostasis. 13 , 14 , 19 , 20 Lysyl oxidase (LOX), a copper-containing enzyme, is involved in oxidizing lysine and hydroxylysine residues present in precursors of elastin and collagen, also enabling crosslinking in the amniotic membrane. This crosslinking maintains mature elastin’s elasticity and stabilizes collagen fibrils.…”

Micronutrients in Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes

“…Insulin-like growth factor1(IGF1) promotes differentiation of the placenta, placental growth, and functional development in pregnancy during its early stages. [10][11][12][13][14][15][16] Copper Copper is biologically essential for oxidation, energy metabolism, myelination of neurons, hematopoiesis, iron transport, and defense against free radicals. 14 The maternal copper level increases during pregnancy due to an increase in ceruloplasmin induced by increased estrogen.…”

“…Copper (I) ions can produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) (Figure 2), catalyze the Haber-Weiss reaction, and induce insulin resistance by ROS leading to altered glucose homeostasis. 9,10,15,16 Lysyl oxidase (LOX), a copper-containing enzyme, is involved in oxidizing lysine and hydroxylysine residues present in precursors of elastin and collagen, also enabling crosslinking in the amniotic membrane. This crosslinking maintains mature elastin's elasticity and stabilizes collagen fibrils.…”

“…Mothers who present with spontaneous abortion have significantly lower mean concentrations of serum zinc. 14,16,[28][29][30] Low serum zinc levels can lead to decreased cell generation, reduced protein synthesis, and increased cellular oxidative stress (Figure 1). Insufficient supply of antioxidants in maternal and placental circulation can predispose to complications in pregnancy.…”

“…All these can predispose to recurrent spontaneous abortion in women. 16 Copper Copper has roles in connective tissue development, hematopoiesis, energy metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis, and myelination of neurons. 30 Serum copper levels are 30% to 35% lower in women with miscarriages.…”