There are hoards of factors that are responsible for normal conception. Similarly there are different factors responsible for failure to conceive. The structural and functional causes can be identified pretty easily with various diagnostic tests. The immunologic factors however may be missed at times. Varied stages of proper conception are affected due to faulty immune system. Either patient presents with unexplained infertility, recurrent abortions or recurrent IVF failures.
The natural killer cells or CD 56 cells produce toxic cytokines that in turn produce antibodies to hormones like HCG and progesterone. Thus because of this abnormal response of the body to produce antibodies to its own helpful cells, problem ensues. There are different causes for this:
(1) One or both partners may be having antisperm antibodies. This makes the active sperm ineffective and unable to fertilize the egg. Sometimes these antibodies are present in the ejaculate itself thus preventing the sperms from releasing effectively. It has been suggested that genital tract trauma, infections, varicocele, and vasectomy may precipitate such antisperm antibodies.
(2) Anti-phospholipid syndrome: Phospholipids are essential for proper embryo implantation. But when antibodies are formed against them, they lead to too early blood clotting in women, thus preventing the blood supply to baby.
(3) Pregnancy may fail due to mother developing antibodies to her own fetus’ DNA.
(4) High number of CD 19 or natural killer cells may damage the placental cells or the endocrine system necessary for the continuation of pregnancy.
Advanced tests and investigations in standardized state of art laboratories have made it possible to identify even some of the immunologic abnormalities so that appropriate steps can be taken to curb future menace!
The natural killer cells or CD 56 cells produce toxic cytokines that in turn produce antibodies to hormones like HCG and progesterone. Thus because of this abnormal response of the body to produce antibodies to its own helpful cells, problem ensues. There are different causes for this:
(1) One or both partners may be having antisperm antibodies. This makes the active sperm ineffective and unable to fertilize the egg. Sometimes these antibodies are present in the ejaculate itself thus preventing the sperms from releasing effectively. It has been suggested that genital tract trauma, infections, varicocele, and vasectomy may precipitate such antisperm antibodies.
(2) Anti-phospholipid syndrome: Phospholipids are essential for proper embryo implantation. But when antibodies are formed against them, they lead to too early blood clotting in women, thus preventing the blood supply to baby.
(3) Pregnancy may fail due to mother developing antibodies to her own fetus’ DNA.
(4) High number of CD 19 or natural killer cells may damage the placental cells or the endocrine system necessary for the continuation of pregnancy.
Advanced tests and investigations in standardized state of art laboratories have made it possible to identify even some of the immunologic abnormalities so that appropriate steps can be taken to curb future menace!
Written By: Palm Beach Fertility Center - 9291 Glades Road, Suite 202 - Boca Raton, Florida 33434 Call: (800) 953-BABY
Palm Beach Fertility Center offers fertility treatment and reproductive services to South Florida and international patients. We specialize in In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), ART Services, Gamete Intra-fallopian Transfer (GIFT), Zygote Intra-fallopian Transfer (Zift), Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), Blastocyst Transfer, Assisted Hatching (AH), Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD), Embryo Freezing/Cryopreservation, Egg Donation, Donor Egg Program and Surrogacy.
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