Some test results (finally)

So here are some results from my autoimmune testing I recently did. I think we may have found the culprit for my losses. Please read below and I will write another post on my thoughts:

 
Test: CD-3 (Pan T-Cells) 
Normal levels: 63-86% 
My level: 90.0 (High)
What it means:
These cells are the most important in our immune system. They are low when the immune system is weak (suppressed) and normal when the immune system is healthy. Infertile patients and patients with recurrent pregnancy losses have values in the high normal range. These individuals have immune systems that are strong - even overactive. A strong overactive immune system is associated with a 5% incidence of autoimmune diseases for example, thyroiditis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis. 

Test: CD-8 (T-Cytotoxic-Suppressors) 
Normal Levels: 17-35% 
My levels: 37.8 (High)
What it means: 
These cells are the referees of the Pan T and the T Helper interactions. They coordinate how strongly or how weakly the immune system reacts. In women with miscarriage and or infertility these cells are often on the low side. "They get tired arbitrating the hyperactive Pan T cells and the T Helpers." They are rarely high. 

CD56+ CD16+ Natural Killer Cells 
Normal Levels: 3-12% 
My Levels: 1.0 (Low)
What it means: 
Natural Killer cells of this type are produced in the bone marrow and these cells produce a chemotherapy molecule called TNF (Tumor Necrosis Factor). This molecule is involved in eliminating cancer cells that may develop in normal individuals. Tumor Necrosis Factor also causes joint damage in women with rheumatoid arthritis. These Natural Killer cells are often elevated in women with infertility and recurrent miscarriage. The Tumor Necrosis Factor produced by these cells kills the rapidly dividing cells of the embryo and placenta often resulting in IVF or GIFT failure, blighted ovum or a chemical pregnancy where the BhCG elevates slightly and then quickly returns to non-pregnant levels. Normal levels for this cell population are 3-12%. The CD 56 and the CD16 molecules on the surface of these cells are special glue (adhesion) molecules that allow the Natural Killer Cells to attach to cancer, placental and embryonic cells. Once glued to the placental cell, it sprays Tumor Necrosis Factor on the cell and kills it. 

TH1/TH2 Intracellular Cytokine Ratios:
Normal Levels: 
TNF-a:IL-10 (CD3+CD4+) 13.2-30.6
IFN-G:IL-10 (CD3+CD4+) 5.8-20.5
My levels: 
TNF-a:IL-10 (CD3+CD4+) 61.5 (High)
IFN-G:IL-10 (CD3+CD4+) 17.0 (normal)
What it means:

This is a ratio between two groups of chemicals in the body. The TH1 cytokines are defensive and include TNFα and IFNɤ. The TH2 cytokines including IL10 and others calm down the immune system and promote immune tolerance particularly during pregnancy so that the mother’s body will allow the embryos to implant and the pregnancy to be stable.

The defensive cytokines are important as well. They defend the body against bacteria, viruses and cancer changes. Normally during pregnancy, the ratio shifts towards TH2 to maintain the pregnancy. If the ratio is deviated significantly toward the defensive cytokines (TH1), the chances of conceiving become less and the risk of miscarriage becomes high. Th1 cytokine dominance will make the environment inside the uterus hostile to the embryos and the pregnancy. This damages the endometrium, and its receptivity. Additionally, it can also damage the embryos and make their chances of implantation much lower.

High TNFα can damage the eggs before they are released from the ovaries. It is imperative to bring the level down and keep it down for a couple of months before you try for pregnancy. The eggs that develop in the first two weeks of the cycle would have started to wake up from a long dormant phase over the previous two to three months, and it is important to wake up in a healthy environment to avoid the potential damage.

Increased ratio of TNFα is treated with TNFα antagonists e.g. humira in the form of two injections two weeks apart, and retest 7-10 days later. If the levels are not low enough, it is advised to have a further course of two injections. Usually it is supplemented with a second course and a drip of intralipids to boost the effect. Of course, not everyone will respond to TNFα antagonists adequately. However, the effect can be boosted with steroids and intralipids. Additionally, you might need IVIg early in pregnancy if you still have high TNFα