scholarly journals Antimicrobial peptides in the female reproductive tract: a critical component of the mucosal immune barrier with physiological and clinical implications

2014 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 353-377 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victoria L. Yarbrough ◽  
Sean Winkle ◽  
Melissa M. Herbst-Kralovetz
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Peptides ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Clinical Implications ◽  
Critical Component

Antimicrobial peptides in the pathogenesis of infectious complications in obstetrics and gynecology

2014 ◽  
Vol 63 (5) ◽  
pp. 73-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olesya Nikolaevna Ivashova ◽  
Olga Petrovna Lebedeva ◽  
Sergey Petrovich Pakhomov ◽  
Natal’ya Alexandrovna Rudyh ◽  
Marina Sergeevna Seliverstova
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Peptides ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Infectious Complications ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Innate Immune ◽  
Cationic Peptides ◽  
Practical Application ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Angiogenic Effect

Antimicrobial peptides (AMP) are cationic peptides of innate immune system with antiviral, antibacterial and antiprotozoal activity. AMP act as immunomodulators, promote bacterial opsonization, inhibit proteases activity, have anti-endotoxic and angiogenic effect. The review describes main types of AMPs, features of their expression in female reproductive tract depending from menstrual cycle and during pregnancy. Data about the role of AMPs in defending from sexually transmitted infections (HIV, genital herpes, HPV, gonorrhea), in pathogenesis of extrauterine pregnancy and preterm birth are described. Possibility of practical application of AMPs as alternative to antibiotics and as contraceptives is estimated.

scholarly journals Antimicrobial peptides and pregnancy

Reproduction ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 141 (6) ◽  
pp. 725-735 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorraine Frew ◽  
Sarah J Stock
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Peptides ◽  
Broad Spectrum ◽  
Preterm Labor ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Inflammatory Cells ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Pregnant Female ◽  
Inflammatory Conditions ◽  
Small Proteins ◽  
And Function

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are small proteins produced by epithelial surfaces and inflammatory cells, which have broad-spectrum antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activities. They are known to be important in a number of infectious and inflammatory conditions and have been shown to be present in a number of sites throughout the female reproductive tract. Inflammation and infection are associated with a number of complications of pregnancy including preterm labor, and AMPs may play a key role in maintaining and protecting pregnancy. The aim of this review is to describe the expression and function of AMPs in the pregnant female reproductive tract and their relation to preterm labor.

Antimicrobial Peptides in Human Disease: Therapeutic Approaches. Second of Two Parts

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (10) ◽  
pp. 1148-1156 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thea Magrone ◽  
Matteo Antonio Russo ◽  
Emilio Jirillo
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Activity ◽  
Antimicrobial Peptides ◽  
Human Disease ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Pathological Condition ◽  
Multiple Organ ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Clinical Settings ◽  
Antibiotic Resistant ◽  
Health And Disease

Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs) are produced by a variety of human immune and non immune cells in health and disease. In virtue of their antimicrobial activity, AMPs have been exploited in human disease and here this aspect will extensively be described. AMPs in comparison to antibiotics possess a larger spectrum of antimicrobial activity without inducing microbial resistance. Therefore, their use in the course of antibiotic-resistant infections is justified. AMP activity in early life, in the airways, in the oral and gastro-enteric system, in the skin and in the female reproductive tract, respectively, will be elucidated. In addition, the use of AMPs in sepsis will be discussed due to the frequency of this pathological condition characterized by multiple organ dysfunctions. Finally, the evidence that AMPs represent valid substitutes of antibiotics will be provided and a series of novel substances able to reinforce the innate immune response in different clinical settings will be discussed.

scholarly journals Epididymal antimicrobial peptides: the role in sperm function (review)

2021 ◽  
pp. 4-12
Author(s):  
П.А. Шабанов ◽  
О.В. Шамова ◽  
Д.С. Орлов ◽  
А.Ю. Грязнов ◽  
Н.О. Янчук
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Peptides ◽  
Germ Cells ◽  
Plasma Membranes ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Physiological Activity ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Physiological Processes ◽  
Molecular Regulatory Mechanisms

Значительное снижение показателей мужской фертильности, наблюдаемое в последнее время во всем мире, ведёт к необходимости более глубокого изучения механизмов молекулярной регуляции гаметогенеза и посттестикулярной трансформации сперматозоидов. Совершенствование способов влияния на эти процессы, а также поиск веществ, повышающих устойчивость гамет к действию различных повреждающих факторов, открывают перспективы разработки новых подходов в лечении мужского бесплодия. В связи с этим актуальным направлением является исследование роли эндогенных антимикробных пептидов и их физиологической активности при созревании и функционировании мужских половых клеток. Антимикробные пептиды - это уникальные компоненты системы врожденного иммунитета. Они не только обеспечивают противоинфекционную защиту организма от бактерий, вирусов и грибов, но и проявляют достаточно разнообразные биологические эффекты, которые связаны, в том числе и со способностью этих молекул принимать непосредственное участие в физиологических процессах посттестикулярного созревания половых клеток, модификации цитоплазматических мембран сперматозоидов в эпидидимисе, а также капацитации в женском репродуктивном тракте. В настоящем обзоре рассмотрены современные представления о роли антимикробных пептидов придатков яичек с позиций их участия в функционировании сперматозоидов в норме и при патологии. The significant worldwide decline in male fertility requires a comprehensive study of molecular regulatory mechanisms of gametogenesis and post-testicular sperm maturation. Improving ways to influence these processes as well as searching for substances that increase the resistance of gametes to the action of various damaging factors open up prospects for development of new approaches to treat male infertility. In this regard, current emphasis is on the study of a role of endogenous antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and their physiological activity during the maturation and functioning of male germ cells. AMPs are unique components of the innate immune system. They not only provide protection against bacteria, viruses, and fungi, but also have relatively diverse biological effects. These effects are closely related to the ability of AMPs to be directly involved in the physiological processes of post-testicular maturation of germ cells, in modification of the plasma membranes of sperms in the epididymis, and their capacitation in the female reproductive tract. This review focuses on the current understanding of the role of epididymal AMPs with regard to the functioning of sperm in normal and pathological conditions.

Effect of Contraceptive Steroids on the Endometrium of Guinea Pig: SEM study

1977 ◽  
Vol 35 ◽  
pp. 668-669
Author(s):  
Mai M. Said ◽  
Ramesh K. Nayak ◽  
Randall E. McCoy
Keyword(s):  
Guinea Pig ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Human Female ◽  
Surface Ultrastructure ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Sem Study ◽  
Uterine Mucosa ◽  
Group 1

Burgos and Wislocki described changes in the mucosa of the guinea pig uterus, cervix and vagina during the estrous cycle investigated by transmission electron microscopy. More recently, Moghissi and Reame reported the effects of progestational agents on the human female reproductive tract. They found drooping and shortening of cilia in norgestrel and norethindrone- treated endometria. To the best of our knowledge, no studies concerning the effects of mestranol and norethindrone given concurrently on the three-dimensional surface features on the uterine mucosa of the guinea pig have been reported. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of mestranol and norethindrone on surface ultrastructure of guinea pig uterus by SEM.Seventy eight animals were used in this study. They were allocated into two groups. Group 1 (20 animals) was injected intramuscularly 0.1 ml vegetable oil and served as controls.

Surface ultrastructure of danazol treated rat endometrium: A SEM study

1983 ◽  
Vol 41 ◽  
pp. 556-557
Author(s):  
R.P. Apkarian ◽  
J.S. Sanfilippo
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sections ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Preliminary Investigation ◽  
Breast Disease ◽  
Distal Segment ◽  
Uterine Horn ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Ultrastructural Changes ◽  
Cycle Phase ◽  
Sprague Dawley

The synthetic androgen danazol, is an isoxazol derivative of ethisterone. It is utilized in the treatment of endometriosis, fibrocystic breast disease, and has a potential use as a contraceptive. A study was designed to evaluate the ultrastructural changes associated with danazol therapy in a rat model. The preliminary investigation of the distal segment of the rat uterine horn was undertaken as part of a larger study intended to elucidate the effects of danazol on the female reproductive tract.Cross-sections (2-3 mm in length) of the distal segment of the uterine horn from sixteen Sprague-Dawley rats were prepared for SEM. Ten rats in estrus served as controls and six danazol treated rats were noted to have alterations of the estrus cycle i.e. a lag in cycle phase or noncycling patterns. Specimens were fixed in 3% glutaraldehyde in 0.05M phosphate buffer containing CaCl2 at pH 7.0-7.4 and chilled to 4°C. After a brief wash in distilled water, specimens were passed through a graded series of ethanol, critical point dryed in CO2 from absolute ethanol, and coated with 6nm Au. Observations were made with an IS1-40 SEM operated at 15kV.

The application of electron microscopy to diagnosis in gynecologic neoplasms and tumor-like conditions

1984 ◽  
Vol 42 ◽  
pp. 102-105
Author(s):  
Lawrence M. Roth
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Malignant Tumors ◽  
Frozen Section ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Ultrastructural Examination ◽  
Specific Diagnosis ◽  
Potential Value ◽  
Gynecologic Neoplasms

The female reproductive tract may be the site of a wide variety of benign and malignant tumors, as well as non-neoplastic tumor-like conditions, most of which can be diagnosed by light microscopic examination including special stains and more recently immunoperoxidase techniques. Nevertheless there are situations where ultrastructural examination can contribute substantially to an accurate and specific diagnosis. It is my opinion that electron microscopy can be of greatest benefit and is most cost effective when applied in conjunction with other methodologies. Thus, I have developed an approach which has proved useful for me and may have benefit for others. In cases where it is deemed of potential value, glutaraldehyde-fixed material is obtained at the time of frozen section or otherwise at operation. Coordination with the gynecologic oncologist is required in the latter situation. This material is processed and blocked and is available if a future need arises.

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