title: [Role of heat shock proteins (Hsp) in human and mammalian fertilization and pregnancy. Part II].
abstract: Hsp expression is fundamental during gametogenesis in mammals and human. Different Hsps are required for each step of spermatogenesis and ovogenesis in order to provide the normal course of the transformation and differentiation processes. Hsp are proved to be among the first proteins found in the zygote. The Hsp synthesis is restored as soon as transcription is regained in the blastocyst. Hsp serve as modulating signals for the immune system, either for immunosuppression or immunostimulation. Certain Hsp members are immunodominant antigens for a number of microbial pathogens, e.g. Chlamydia trachomatis. A chlamydial infection leads to antichlamydial antibodies formation, which cross-react with self Hsp molecules and thus fertilization, implantation and pregnancy are disrupted, as well as there is worse reproductive perspective and lower success results from the assisted reproduction techniques. Further studies are needed to study the Hsp role at different stages of normal human pregnancy, as well as the immune response to Hsp as a factor for infertility.
authors: I
authors: I
authors: Hristova
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000276:immunology; D002692:Chlamydia trachomatis / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D005306:Fertilization; D005718:Gametogenesis; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D006360:Heat-Shock Proteins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D055633:Immune System Phenomena; D007246:Infertility / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000276:immunology* / Q000382:microbiology
chemical_list: D006360:Heat-Shock Proteins