Expression of kisspeptin/GPR54 and PIBF/PR in the first trimester trophoblast and decidua of women with recurrent spontaneous abortion

Abstract

Kisspeptin and its receptor GPR54 play a major role in trophoblast invasion, and progesterone-induced blocking factor (PIBF) is needed for maintaining pregnancy. The expression of kisspeptin/GPR54 and PIBF/progesterone receptor (PR) in trophoblasts and deciduas and the relationship between kisspeptin and PIBF were investigated in the same women with recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). Trophoblastic and decidual tissues were collected from 32 RSA women who miscarried a genetically normal fetus, and 35 women who had voluntary abortion. Kisspeptin, GPR54, PIBF and PR were investigated using immunohistochemistry. Kisspeptin, GPR54 and PIBF expressions in syncytiotrophoblasts and cytotrophoblasts were decreased in RSA women as compared to controls (P<0.05). Kisspeptin, PIBF and PR expressions in deciduas were significantly decreased in RSA women as compared to controls (P<0.01). GPR54 expression in deciduas nearly showed no difference between the RSA group and the control group (P=0.958). Kisspeptin and PIBF expressions in syncytiotrophoblasts, cytotrophoblasts and deciduas were correlated with each other in the RSA group (Kappa=0.602, P=0.001; Kappa=0.590, P=0.001; Kappa=0.392, P=0.011). These data support the hypothesis that decreased kisspeptin and PIBF expressions in trophoblasts and deciduas are associated with RSA.