Blood test (phlebotomy)

The human immune system is incredibly complex and has evolved to recognise itself as safe and outsiders as unsafe. In this way it can fight off infections from bacteria or viruses for example. However, we know that in some cases, the messaging gets confused. Take for example, autoimmune conditions; here the body starts to attack itself, no longer recognising its own cells or tissue as safe. Th1 and Th2 are the 2 main arms of the immune system. Broadly speaking, Th1 is the more aggressive side, reacting to invaders, Th2 is responsible for allergies. Th17 drives the autoimmune attack. Treg cells are responsible for keeping a balance. Cytokines perform the important job of helping control inflammation in the body; high levels indicate ongoing inflammation and damage.

Natural killer cells are critical for immune defences and can be low in chronic fatigue and recurrent infections. They have also been found to be raised in women with infertility or recurrent miscarriage. The NK cell activity is measured with this test to see whether the NK cells are overly active/ aggressive or are suppressed.

For fertility patients, our Advanced Immune Test combines elements of the ‘Chicago bloods’ test with a more extensive analysis of cell types Th1/ Th2/ Th17/ Treg cell groups along with NK cell activity and a wider range of inflammatory cytokines.

This test measures:

• Full blood count with lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, granulocytes and other white blood cells
• Th1 / Th2 / Th17 balance and Treg cells
• Natural Killer cells and markers of activation with stimulation
• Inflammatory cytokines TNFalpha, IL-1b, IL-8 and IL-6

Optional add-ons for more extensive panel: B cells, T cell activity, CD4:CD8 ratio

Maya had two prior miscarriages and was now going for a final frozen embryo transfer. She wanted to ensure that the immune environment for the implanting embryo was balanced. She had a history of a mild autoimmune issue but no presenting symptoms currently.

Her Advanced Immune Test results showed reduced Th2 and elevated Th17 levels, consistent with autoimmune imbalance. She had elevated inflammatory cytokines and importantly, her NK cells were highly active. Overall her immune system showed high levels of activation which might not be optimal for accepting an implanting embryo.

She started on an anti-inflammatory diet and supplement protocol including specific medicinal mushrooms to reduce NK cell activity but also to balance her Th17 and Th2 levels. Her IVF clinic prescribed steroids, and her supplement protocol was adapted once she started this medication. Her final transfer was successful and she became pregnant. Maya had a beautiful baby girl 9 months later.

Key findings:

• Low Th2 levels and increased Th17 levels, indicating possible autoimmune activation
• Increased activation of NK cells, which may be very important in infertility and miscarriage
• Increased levels of inflammatory cytokines IL1-b and IL-8