Reduced expression of gap junction gene connexin 43 in recurrent early pregnancy loss patients

Connexin 43 (Cx43) gap junctions play an important role in development and differentiation of endometrium and placenta. Therefore, aberrant expression of Cx43 could result in altered physiological and pathological processes leading to recurrent early pregnancy loss (REPL). To investigate if expression of Cx43 is effected in REPL patients as compared to controls, Cx43 expression was compared in the chorionic villi and uterine decidua samples of 15 REPL patients and 15 induced abortion subjects as controls. Cx43 levels were evaluated using semi-quantitative RT-PCR, quantitative Real-time PCR and by western blot. Cx43 expression at mRNA and protein level was significantly decreased in both chorionic villi and decidua (p < 0.05) of REPL patients. Reduced expression of Cx43 transcript and protein in fetal chorionic villi and maternal decidua indicate the key role of Cx43 in REPL risk.