Analysis of chromosomes and the T helper 17 and regulatory T cell balance in patients with recurrent spontaneous abortion.

ABSTRACT

The present study investigated the genetic etiology and possible immunological pathogenesis of recurrent spontaneous abortion by analyzing chromosome abnormalities, and the balance between T helper 17 (Th17) and regulatory T (Treg) cells. A total of 54 patients with recurrent spontaneous abortion were selected. The villus and decidual tissues, and peripheral venous blood were collected from each patient. Villus chromosome analysis was performed by high-throughput gene sequencing. Flow cytometry was used to detect Th17 and Treg cells in patients without chromosome abnormalities (n=30) and the control group (normal pregnancy; n=32). Immunoglobulin (IG) combined with human chorionic gonadotropin hormone (HCG) treatment was given to patients without chromosome abnormalities (n=30). Changes in the expression levels of Th17 and Treg cells before and after treatment were compared with patients with successful pregnancy (n=18). Before treatment, compared with the control group, the proportion of Th17 cells in peripheral blood and decidual tissue was increased and the proportion of Treg cells decreased. After treatment, compared with patients before treatment, the proportion of Th17 cells decreased and Treg cells increased, and the Th17 and Treg cells balance was reversed with a biased towards Treg cells. The present results suggested that the Th17 and Treg cell immune imbalance may be an important immune factor in recurrent spontaneous abortion. IG combined with HCG therapy may improve pregnancy outcomes by reversing the imbalance between Th17 and Treg cells.