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Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics
Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics 9/2022

30-07-2022 | Miscarriage | Reproductive Physiology and Disease

Prevention of intrauterine fetal growth restriction by administrating C1q/TNF-related protein 6, a specific inhibitor of the alternative complement pathway

Authors: Mayu Kurokawa, Ai Takeshita, Shu Hashimoto, Masayasu Koyama, Yoshiharu Morimoto, Daisuke Tachibana

Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics | Issue 9/2022

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Abstract

Purpose

The latest treatments do not sufficiently prevent miscarriage and fetal growth restriction (FGR) in pregnant women. Here, we assessed the effects of a human protein, CTRP6, that specifically inhibits the activation of the alternative complement pathway on miscarriage, fetal and placental development.

Methods

Pregnant CBA/J mice mated with DBA/2 male mice as a model of spontaneous abortion and FGR were randomly divided into the control and CTRP6 groups. In the CTRP6 group, the mice were intravenously administered CTRP6 on days 4.5 and 6.5 post-conception (dpc). The abortion rate and fetal and placental weights on 14.5 dpc were examined. Remodeling of the spiral artery was also assessed.

Results

The abortion rate in the CTRP6 group (13%) was reduced compared to the control group (21%), but there was no statistical difference. The placental and fetal weights in the CTRP6 group were also heavier than those in the control (P < 0.05). Moreover, the thickness of the blood vessel wall in the CTRP6 group was significantly thinner than that in the control (P < 0.05) and comparable to that in the non-abortion model (CBA/J x BALB). The ratio of the inner-per-the-outer diameter of the spiral artery increased more in the CTRP6 group than that in the control (P < 0.05). As well, the Th1/Th2 cytokine ratio was significantly reduced by CTRP6 treatment.

Conclusions

Taken together, the supplementation with a protein that regulates the alternative complement pathway in vivo improves FGR and promotes spiral artery remodeling in a mouse model of miscarriage and FGR.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Prevention of intrauterine fetal growth restriction by administrating C1q/TNF-related protein 6, a specific inhibitor of the alternative complement pathway
Authors
Mayu Kurokawa
Ai Takeshita
Shu Hashimoto
Masayasu Koyama
Yoshiharu Morimoto
Daisuke Tachibana
Publication date
30-07-2022
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics / Issue 9/2022
Print ISSN: 1058-0468
Electronic ISSN: 1573-7330
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-022-02582-1

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