Low plasma HLA-G protein concentrations in early gestation indicate the development of preeclampsia later in

Shang-mian Yie1, Robert N Taylor, Clifford Librach

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sunnybrook and Women's College Health Sciences Centre (SWCHSC), Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Insights

Lower levels of human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) in early pregnancy may predict preeclampsia (PE). This finding suggests HLA-G testing could aid in early PE detection.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive immunology
  • Maternal-fetal medicine

Background:

  • Preeclampsia (PE) is a serious pregnancy complication.
  • Human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) plays a role in immune tolerance during pregnancy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if early pregnancy circulating HLA-G levels can predict preeclampsia development.
  • To assess the diagnostic potential of HLA-G as an early biomarker for PE.

Main Methods:

  • Longitudinal plasma sampling during first, second, and third trimesters.
  • Quantification of HLA-G protein using a validated sandwich ELISA.
  • Comparison of HLA-G levels between preeclampsia patients and matched controls.

Main Results:

  • Significantly lower first-trimester HLA-G levels in PE patients (1.25 µg/mL) compared to controls (1.95 µg/mL).
  • Significantly lower second-trimester HLA-G levels in PE patients (1.11 µg/mL) compared to controls (1.90 µg/mL).

Conclusions:

  • Circulating HLA-G levels are reduced in the first trimester in women who later develop preeclampsia.
  • Measuring plasma HLA-G concentration may serve as a valuable early predictive marker for preeclampsia.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Rh Blood Group01:19

Rh Blood Group

The Rhesus (Rh) antigen is crucial in determining blood groups and ensuring compatibility during blood transfusions.
Teratogenicity01:07

Teratogenicity

The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...
Transcytosis of IgG01:15

Transcytosis of IgG

Transcytosis is the process in which molecules are internalized by endocytosis, transported across the cell, and released through exocytosis from the opposite end of the cell. Molecules such as insulin, immunoglobulins, and certain nutrients are transferred through the recycling endosomes by recycling and transcytosis.
IgG molecules from a mother undergo transcytosis starting around 13 weeks of gestation. The amount of IgG transferred and entering the fetal blood circulation increases with...
Pathophysiology of Diabetes01:20

Pathophysiology of Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia. The four categories of diabetes are type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, other specific types of diabetes, and gestational diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility, suggesting a...
Ovarian Cycle01:27

Ovarian Cycle

The menstrual cycle includes a critical component known as the ovarian cycle, which undergoes two main phases each month—the follicular phase and the luteal phase. The follicular phase is variable and averaging around 14 days. Ovulation, triggered by a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH), marks the transition between the two phases. The second phase, the luteal phase, is relatively consistent, lasting approximately 14 days, and is marked by the activity of the corpus luteum. While a cycle length...
Development of Blood Vessels01:07

Development of Blood Vessels

The development of the vascular system in a fetus is a complex and intricate process that begins as early as 15 to 16 days post-conception. This process starts outside the embryo, specifically in the mesoderm of the yolk sac, chorion, and connecting stalk. Approximately two days later, the formation of blood vessels occurs within the embryo itself.
The initial formation of this system is facilitated by the small amount of yolk present in the ovum and yolk sac. Blood vessels originate from...