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Multiplexed Fluorescent Immunohistochemical Staining of Four Endometrial Immune Cell Types in Recurrent Miscarriage
Published on: August 4, 2021
Increased Dickkopf-1 expression in patients with unexplained recurrent spontaneous miscarriage
1Department of Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
Clinical and Experimental Immunology
|April 23, 2013
Summary
Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) is elevated in the serum and decidual tissues of women with unexplained recurrent spontaneous miscarriage (URSM). DKK1 shows potential as a reliable biomarker for URSM, detectable in blood samples.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Molecular Endocrinology
- Women's Health
Background:
- Wnt signaling is crucial for early pregnancy, but its role in unexplained recurrent spontaneous miscarriage (URSM) is unclear.
- A predictive biomarker for maternally-caused URSM is currently lacking.
- Dickkopf-1 (DKK1), a Wnt signaling antagonist, is investigated for its role in pregnancy complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) in patients with unexplained recurrent spontaneous miscarriage (URSM).
- To determine if DKK1 can serve as a predictive biomarker for URSM.
- To explore the relationship between Wnt pathway activity and early pregnancy progression.
Main Methods:
- Collected plasma and decidual tissue samples from 59 women (29 URSM, 30 controls).
- Measured serum DKK1 levels using time-resolved immunofluorometric assay.
- Quantified DKK1 mRNA and protein in decidual tissues via RT-PCR and Western blot/immunohistochemistry.
Main Results:
- Serum DKK1 levels were significantly higher in URSM patients compared to controls (P < 0.001).
- DKK1 mRNA and protein expression in decidual tissues were also elevated in URSM patients (P = 0.013).
- Cytoplasmic DKK1 staining was observed in decidual glandular epithelium of URSM patients, absent in controls.
Conclusions:
- Elevated DKK1 in serum and decidua suggests its involvement in unexplained recurrent spontaneous miscarriage.
- DKK1 is a potential valuable biomarker for URSM, conveniently detectable in serum.
- Serum DKK1 measurement may obviate the need for invasive decidual tissue analysis in URSM diagnosis.
