CD68+ M1 MACROPHAGES IS ASSOCIATED WITH PLACENTAL INSUFFICIENCY UNDER FETAL GROWTH RESTRICTION

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Reproductive Biology
• Pathology

Background:

• Fetal growth restriction (FGR) complicates pregnancies, impacting fetal development.
• Placental macrophages play a role in pregnancy outcomes.
• Understanding macrophage involvement in FGR is crucial for improving perinatal care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of M1 and M2 macrophages in placentas of pregnancies complicated by FGR.
• To compare macrophage levels in term and preterm births within FGR pregnancies.

Main Methods:

• Immunohistochemistry was used to analyze CD68+ (pro-inflammatory) and CD163+ (anti-inflammatory) macrophages in placental tissues.
• Placental morphology was assessed in 16 FGR pregnancies (term and preterm births) and 10 controls.

Main Results:

• Placentas from preterm FGR births showed significantly lower weight, shorter gestation, and prolonged labor compared to controls.
• Elevated levels of CD68+ and CD163+ macrophages were observed in placentas of preterm FGR births compared to term FGR births.
• A negative correlation was found between CD68+ macrophage expression and newborn weight in the preterm FGR group.

Conclusions:

• Increased CD68+ macrophage activation in preterm FGR placentas may indicate inflammatory processes affecting placental vascular and stromal components.
• These changes likely contribute to chronic placental insufficiency and exacerbate fetal growth restriction.
• Macrophage polarization warrants further investigation in the context of FGR management.