Reproductive immunology
Reproductive immunology refers to the phenomenon of immunological arrest that allows a mother to accept a foreign embryo. The treatment of immune problems addresses infertility, recurrent miscarriages, premature deliveries, and dangerous complications of pregnancy, such as pre-eclampsia. There are five categories of immune problems that can cause infertility, IVF failure and pregnancy loss, with category 1 being the least severe and category 5 the most severe. A woman with category 1 problems who experiences recurrent pregnancy loss may activate immune problems from any of the other categories.
Category 1: HLA (human leukocyte antigen) compatibility — the couple’s tissues
are too similar genetically.
Category 2: Problems with blood clotting. Phospholipid adhesion molecules create
an autoantibody response.
Category 3: An autoimmune response occurs to components in the embryo.
Category 4: Autoimmune response to sperm antigen.
Category 5: Certain types of immune cells increase in number and activity, including natural killer (NK) cells, antibodies to hormones, and antibodies to neurotransmitters.
Chinese medicine treatment of immunological factors
Chinese medicine provides effective treatment for reproductive immunology by treating the root cause of immune system imbalance:
Acupuncture has a profound homeostatic effect on the immune system, bringing it back into balance, whether it is hyper- or hypo-functioning. Stress reduction acupuncture is also often needed when immune factors are present.
Herbal medications can be used to enhance the functioning of drug protocols and minimize their side effects.
Reproductive organ massage is useful in cases where there is reduced blood flow to the reproductive system.
Nutrition and dietary therapy provide important cofactors that reduce blood clotting and calm the immune system.
Factors that indicate for the need for immune testing:
Testing used in reproductive immunology:
Western treatment of immunological factors
Western treatment uses medication to help prevent miscarriage associated with immune system problems:
Prednisone is a corticosteroid and anti-inflammatory that is normally taken prior to conception and is used to treat women who have antinuclear antibodies.
Immunoglobulin G infusion (IVIG) is a preparation of human antibodies injected intravenously. It is used to treat women who have elevated levels of NK (natural killer) cells or antithyroid antibodies.
Enbrel, also known as etanercept, is a medication that binds directly to tumor necrosis factor and inhibits its attachment to the placental membrane.
Heparin is an anti-coagulant used to prevent miscarriage due to anti-phospholipid antbodies.
Low-dose aspirin is an anti-inflammatory used to suppress the innate immune response to the presence of a foreign body such as sperm or an embryo. It is also an anti-platelet agent useful for anti-phospholipid antibodies.
Lymphocyte immunization therapy (LIT) is a medical procedure not currently performed in the USA. It is typically used to reduce NK (natural killer) cells.