PROBLEM: Enhanced TH2 activity is characteristic for atopic diseases and is observed also in physiological pregnancy. The immune causes of repeated pregnancy losses and/or repeated in vitro fertilization failure may be associated with TH2 hypoactivity. The association with frequency of atopic diseases is unclear. METHOD OF STUDY: Intracellular production of IL-4 and IFN-gamma by peripheral CD4+ T lymphocytes was studied, as well as serum levels of total and allergen specific IgE. Simultaneously skin prick tests with inhalant allergens were performed, and clinical features of atopy were registered by means of a questionnaire. RESULTS: Lower intracellular production of IL-4 by peripheral CD4+ T cells and lower frequency of elevated total and allergen specific IgE were found in women with reproduction failure compared to controls, as well as lower frequency of some symptoms possibly associated with atopy. CONCLUSION: Our study showed the presence of TH2 hypoactivity in women with reproduction failure, which may be associated with lower occurrence of atopic diseases.
PROBLEM: Enhanced TH2 activity is characteristic for atopic diseases and is observed also in physiological pregnancy. The immune causes of repeated pregnancy losses and/or repeated in vitro fertilization failure may be associated with TH2 hypoactivity. The association with frequency of atopic diseases is unclear. METHOD OF STUDY: Intracellular production of IL-4 and IFN-gamma by peripheral CD4+ T lymphocytes was studied, as well as serum levels of total and allergen specific IgE. Simultaneously skin prick tests with inhalant allergens were performed, and clinical features of atopy were registered by means of a questionnaire. RESULTS: Lower intracellular production of IL-4 by peripheral CD4+ T cells and lower frequency of elevated total and allergen specific IgE were found in women with reproduction failure compared to controls, as well as lower frequency of some symptoms possibly associated with atopy. CONCLUSION: Our study showed the presence of TH2 hypoactivity in women with reproduction failure, which may be associated with lower occurrence of atopic diseases.