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Abstract
Galectins are galactose binding proteins and, in addition, factors for a wide range of pathologies in pregnancy. We have analyzed the expression of prototype (gal-1, -2, -7, -10) and chimera-type (gal-3) galectins in the placenta in cases of spontaneous abortions (SPA) and recurrent abortions (RA) in the first trimester. Fifteen placental samples from healthy pregnancies were used as a control group. Nine placentas were examined for spontaneous abortions, and 12 placentas for recurrent abortions. For differentiation and evaluation of different cell types of galectin-expression in the decidua, immunofluorescence was used. For all investigated prototype galectins (gal-1, -2, -7, -10) in SPA and RA placenta trophoblast cells the expression is significantly decreased. In the decidua/extravillous trophoblast only gal-2 expression was significantly lowered, which could be connected to its role in angiogenesis. In trophoblasts in first-trimester placentas and in cases of SPA and RA, prototype galectins are altered in the same way. We suspect prototype galectins have a similar function in placental tissue because of their common biochemical structure. Expression of galectin 3 as a chimera type galectin was not found to be significantly altered in abortive placentas.
Highlights
In pregnancy complex regulation of different immunotolerating systems is essential to avoid rejection of the fetus and subsequent miscarriage
In trophoblasts in first-trimester placentas and in cases of spontaneous abortions (SPA) and recurrent abortions (RA), prototype galectins are altered in the same way
As galectins are a large group of diverse proteins with different functions, we have investigated only prototype and chimera-type galectins according to their Carbohydrate Recognition Domains (CRD) architecture in first-trimester placentas [12,23]
Summary
In pregnancy complex regulation of different immunotolerating systems is essential to avoid rejection of the fetus and subsequent miscarriage. Several causes for spontaneous abortion have been described and investigated. Besides macroscopic factors like fibroma or malformations of the uterus [5,6], there are numerous features described on the molecular level. Interleukins and cytokines were described for interaction of cellular immune defense with T-cells. Elevated interleukin (IL)-15 expression in the extravillous trophoblast may lead to rejection in the process of nidation and vascularization [7]. Placenta-expressed cytokines like IL-2, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and Interferon (IFN)-γ are expected to disturb normal pregnancy development in the placenta, whereas T-helper2-cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, and IL-10) may protect pregnancy in different ways and interactions [7,8]. Other factors (e.g., thyroid hormone receptor expression) seem to be altered in spontaneous and recurrent miscarriages [9]
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