IGG SUBCLASSES DISTRIBUTION AND PATHOGENETIC ACTIVITY OF AUTOANTIBODIES TO HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN N WOMEN WITH A HISTORY OF REPRODUCTIVE FAILURE

Objective. To study the IgG subclass distribution and avidity of anti-human chorionic gonadotropin autoantibodies (anti-hCG) in women with reproductive failure in order to evaluate their pathogenetic activity. Subjects and methods. A study group included 83 women with anti-hCG IgG, of them there were 46 (55.4%) and 25 (30.1%) with a history of miscarriage and infertility, respectively. Their sera were tested for IgG subclasses (1—4) of anti-hCG, as well as circulating immune complexes (CIC) (CIC-C1q, CIC-C3d) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results. IgG1, IgG2 and IgG4 subclasses of anti-hCG with a high avidity index were most common in the study group; different spectra of IgG subclasses were observed. There was a preponderance of IgG1 — the latter was seen in 66 (79.5%). Highly avid IgG1 and/or IgG2 were detected significantly more frequently in women with first-trimester spontaneous or threatened abortion after use of assisted reproductive technology for infertility. The mechanisms responsible for immunopathogenesis in the production of anti-hCG are assumed to comprise the activation of the complement system and effector cells. Conclusion. Estimation of the pathogenetic activity of anti-hCG, by determining avidity and IgG subclasses may be of practical significance in the prediction of the course of pregnancy and the development of reproductive failure.

anti-human chorionic gonadotropin autoantibodies, IgG subclasses, avidity