Expression of HLA-G and KIR2DL4 receptor in chorionic villous in missed abortion

Abstract

Objective Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) is a molecule that was first known to confer protection to the fetus from destruction by the immune system of its mother. HLA-G expression is mainly restricted to the fetal–maternal interface on the extravillous cytotrophoblast, placenta, amnion. Methods: The purpose of this study is to investigate the HLA-G and KIR2DL4 expression in chorionic villous among 2 groups with missed abortion: group 1 – 27cases with normal karyotype and group 2 – 22 with fetal polyploidy. Criteria of inclusion: abortive material from two groups of women with missed abortion; 6–12 weeks gestational age, singleton pregnancy, cytogenetic of chorionic villous was obligatory – normal fetal karyotype and polyploidy of fetus. Results: During IHC investigations the average relative area of HLA-G expression in trophoblast was counted (in 1st group 33.9 ± 3.5 and in 2nd group 38.6 ± 2.8). Expression of HLA-G the most verified in extravillous chorion stroma. The average relative area of KIR2DL4 receptor was not statistically different among two groups (31.6 ± 2.4 and 32.2 ± 1.7). Conclusions These results suggest the role of HLA-G for the progression in early reproductive losses. Low expression of HLA-G is associated with pregnancy complications and can be one of the reasons for spontaneous abortion.