Altered Endocannabinoid Signaling in Placentas from SARS-CoV-2-Infected Pregnancies.

Area of Science:

• Reproductive biology
• Immunology
• Virology

Background:

• Pregnancy SARS-CoV-2 infection linked to inflammation and placental issues.
• Endocannabinoid system crucial for placental development and immune function.
• Molecular mechanisms of placental involvement in COVID-19 remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate placental histopathology and molecular changes in SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• Analyze expression of cannabinoid receptors 1 (CNR1) and 2 (CNR2) in COVID-19 placentas.
• Explore potential molecular pathways involved in placental response to SARS-CoV-2.

Main Methods:

• Histopathological analysis of placental tissues from COVID-19 positive and healthy pregnant women.
• Immunohistochemistry and digital image analysis for CNR1 and CNR2 expression.
• Bioinformatic analysis including protein-protein interaction and KEGG pathway enrichment.

Main Results:

• COVID-19 placentas showed increased fibrinoid, syncytial knots, vascular congestion, and inflammation.
• Elevated systemic inflammatory markers (neutrophils, CRP) and coagulation markers (D-dimer, fibrinogen) in COVID-19 group.
• Significant upregulation of CNR1 and CNR2 in various placental cells and compartments.

Conclusions:

• SARS-CoV-2 infection induces coordinated inflammatory, structural, and molecular placental alterations.
• Upregulated CB1 and CB2 receptors indicate endocannabinoid system involvement in placental immune and vascular response to COVID-19.
• Findings offer insights into placental pathology in maternal viral infections.