An epidemiologic study of contraception and preeclampsia

Article Abstract:

Preeclampsia is a condition occurring in pregnant women that results in toxemia and may, in some cases, lead to eclampsia (toxemia of pregnancy), a condition that is often fatal. Preeclampsia is the third leading cause of mortality in pregnant women and frequently causes damage or death to the fetus as well. The cause of this condition is unknown. Previous studies indicated that a correlation exists between the occurrence of preeclampsia and the use of contraception devices that prevent sperm contact with the endometrium (uterine wall lining). This study further tested this theory by recording the contraceptive and reproductive histories of 225 pregnant women. The subjects were divided into two groups; 115 women who did not have preeclampsia and 110 women who did. Subjects were matched by age when possible and all of the women were between 15 and 35 years old. It was found that women who used contraception that prevented sperm contact with uterine tissue had more than twice the incidence of preeclampsia than the women who used other forms of birth control. A corresponding pattern was also observed; the frequency of preeclampsia increased along with the use of these "barrier" methods of contraception. The reasons for this are still not clear, but the data indicate that lack of sperm exposure is associated in some way with preeclampsia. If a direct causative relationship is found, this will have repercussions for recommended contraceptive methods.

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Immunology, contraception, and preeclampsia

Article Abstract:

Although the precise cause of preeclampsia and eclampsia is still unknown, it is considered to have an immunological origin. Examinations of the interaction between the mother and the fetus have been the focus of numerous investigations and hypotheses. In recent years, it has been theorized that in preeclampsia and eclampsia an antigenic reaction takes place, similar to that which is observed in organ transplant rejection reactions. The author of this editorial believes that collective observations of this condition support the hypothesis set forth by Klonoff-Cohen et al. in the December 8,1989 issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association. Klonoff-Cohen et al. asserted that a relationship exists between developing preeclampsia and using contraceptive methods which involve the blockage of sperm from uterine tissue contact. This suggests that seminal plasma contains a molecule message that is transferred to the developing embryo. A maternal immunological reaction is subsequently stimulated. A higher incidence of preeclampsia is observed in women with their first pregnancy, in women whose pregnancies are with different fathers, and in women whose pregnancies are a result of artificial insemination. In light of the immunologic, demographic, and epidemiologic data, preeclampsia and eclampsia are the result of abnormalities or a dysfunction of the fetoplacental unit.

Evaluation, editorial

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Tumor immunology

Article Abstract:

Many tumors contain tumor-associated antigens (TAA) and the body can produce an immune response to these. CD8 T cells and natural killer cells are the immune cells most often involved in the response to TAAs. These cells are most effective at preventing metastasis by clearing tumor cells from the blood. In a technique called adoptive immunotherapy, these cells are isolated from a cancer patient, stimulated with interleukin, and injected back into the patient. When TAAs are found circulating in the blood, they are called circulating tumor markers. Some of these markers, such as CEA, alpha-fetoprotein, CA125 and prostate specific antigen, can provide prognostic information. Vaccines are being developed to boost the patient's immune response. Other researchers are using monoclonal antibodies to direct a toxic drug specifically against a tumor while sparing healthy tissue. Some diagnostic tests use antibodies against TAAs to detect sites of metastasis.

Physiological aspects, Cancer, Tumor antigens, Tumor markers

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