seminal fluid has important role in helping embryo implant

Dr. Braverman

2026 Posts
Reply seminal fluid has important role in helping embryo implant Posted on: Feb 26, 2011 at 1:19pm
New studies have shown that a cytokine in seminal fluid called Transforming Growth Factor (TGF-Beta) plays an important role in the generation of the protective immune cells called T regulator cells in the mother. In this study placement of TGF vaginally was shown within 2 days to create tolerance to the fathers genetics in the mother (hence tolerance to the embryos genetics) by stimulating the production of these T Reg cells(see website for explanation of T reg cells).
Deficiency in TGF by the father can lead to failure to produce these T reg cells and be one of the causes of recurrent pregnancy loss. We can measure the levels of TGF in the seminal fluid and researchers are now looking at treatment with TGF to help initiate immune tolerance to paternal genetics as an adjunct to the treatment for patients with multiple miscarriages of an unexplained nature.
Braverman Medical Team
Braverman Reproductive Immunology P.C.

Olgadepolga

0 Posts
Re: seminal fluid has important role in helping embryo impla Posted on: Feb 28, 2011 at 2:20am
My husband had his prostate and seminal viscles removed so his sperm were extracted by TESE as he now has dry orgasms and no ejaculate. So I have not been exposed to my husbands sperm for the last 5 years.

I have had three unsuccessful transfers (no sign of implanting) using good donor eggs and my husbands sperm which was diagosed by SCSA diagnostics inc. to be good to fair sperm DNA integrity.

We have asked about the importance of semen for implantation both to my fertility immunologist here in the UK and CWRC. We have had no positive response/interest.

Has there been any significant recent research that I can show them?

A uterine biopsy showed that my Treg cells are diminished. What would you suggest in our situation - is there any merit in using donor semen a few days before transfer? or is it repetitive more long term exposure that is needed? (we have a few vials as back up to my husbands sperm but did not need to use them)

Dr. Braverman

2026 Posts
Reply Re: seminal fluid has important role in helping embryo impla Posted on: Mar 1, 2011 at 12:12am
Well it would appear that this may be somehow connected to the lack of exposure to seminal fluid components. There are studies that have looked at vaginal admistration of Transforming Growth Factor to help sensitize the mother to paternal antigens and hence increase the number of T reg cells. I would think this would be a good option for you. It is not the DNA but the seminal fluid TGF that appears to activate the dendritic cells to help generate T reg cells. But if they dont want to try this certainly other immune therapies such as IVIG, intralipids, neupogen , prednisone should be considered.
Braverman Medical Team
Braverman Reproductive Immunology P.C.

Olgadepolga

0 Posts
Re: seminal fluid has important role in helping embryo impla Posted on: Mar 3, 2011 at 12:24am
Given that my husband can't produce semen who do we contact in the New York area to get the seminal fluid TGF that appears to activate the dendritic cells to help generate T reg cells?

Alternatively, is there any value in using donor semen a few days before transfer? (we have a few vials as back up to my husbands sperm but did not need to use them) I am post menopausal so there is no chance of conception from the donor sperm.

Dr. Braverman

2026 Posts
Reply Re: seminal fluid has important role in helping embryo impla Posted on: Mar 4, 2011 at 3:35am
I am not aware of where you can purchase the TGF commercially . However neupogen may accomplish the same result by preventing dendritic cell maturation and hence sensitizing your body against your husbands genenetics.
I would be happy to discuss this a possible therapy for you. Feel free to call my office to schedule a consultation if you wish to pursue this.
Braverman Medical Team
Braverman Reproductive Immunology P.C.

anhelgri

10 Posts
Re: seminal fluid has important role in helping embryo impla Posted on: Jan 8, 2012 at 12:25pm
My RI told me that post-transfer I should avoid unprotected intercourse as the seminal fluid can increase inflammation that I have too much of already. She says that intercourse around LP is only recommended for those with too little inflammation. What's your view on that?

Dr. Braverman

2026 Posts
Reply Re: seminal fluid has important role in helping embryo impla Posted on: Jan 10, 2012 at 9:45am
depends on what is being done and what the problem is. In high HLA mathcing patients that are using donor sperm I would agree as you wouldnt want the immune system to activate against your husbands HLA genes. but other than that there is no evidence that the sperm causes inflammation , in fact the cytokines in the seminal fluid help activate production of T regulator cells that decrease inflammation, so I would respectfully but conclusively disagree with that advice.
Braverman Medical Team
Braverman Reproductive Immunology P.C.

anhelgri

10 Posts
Re: seminal fluid has important role in helping embryo impla Posted on: Jan 15, 2012 at 4:45am
I haven't been tested for HLA matches. I have very high IL-18 and IL-15 levels. According to her it's not a good idea for seminal plasma to enter uterus post-transfer as it increases a chance of infection and more inflammation.

anhelgri

10 Posts
Re: seminal fluid has important role in helping embryo impla Posted on: Jan 27, 2012 at 2:06pm
Here is a recent article from my RI. In section 4.1 it recommends exposure to partner's seminal plasma in cases where there is too little inflammation.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21334074

Dr. Braverman

2026 Posts
Reply Re: seminal fluid has important role in helping embryo impla Posted on: Jan 27, 2012 at 2:07pm
thank you for that reference, I have the journal and will reread this article again. It is not surprising that there are different issues here. One that the semen must generate the production of T regulator cells, but if local inflammation is necessary early and modulated through IL15 and 18 that the sperm should also play a part in that earlier process. Im sure both are happening and it is of no surprise to me that sperm and seminal fluid play a part in both, and help coordinate the transition from the inflammatory response critical for imlantation to the anti inflammatory response necessary for long term success.
Braverman Medical Team
Braverman Reproductive Immunology P.C.