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Prolactin and proinflammatory cytokine expression at the fetomaternal interface in first trimester miscarriage
Emanuele Garzia1, Roberta Clauser, Luca Persani
1Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Health Sciences, San Paolo Hospital Medical School, University of Milano, Milan, Italy. emgarzi@tin.it
Insights
Impaired prolactin (PRL) expression in early pregnancy miscarriage is linked to altered TH1 cytokine profiles. Prolactin and interleukin-2 (IL-2) may play reciprocal roles in maintaining a healthy pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive immunology
- Maternal-fetal medicine
- Molecular biology
Background:
- The maternofetal interface is crucial for successful pregnancy.
- Immune system modulation is vital for preventing pregnancy loss.
- Prolactin (PRL) and TH1 cytokines are implicated in pregnancy maintenance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of prolactin (PRL), PRL-receptor (PRL-R), and TH1 cytokines (IL-2, TNF-α, IFN-γ) at the maternofetal interface.
- To compare expression patterns between women with spontaneous miscarriage and controls.
Main Methods:
- Case-control study comparing women with miscarriage and elective termination.
- Analysis of decidua and villi samples using RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry.
- Inclusion of only euploid villous samples for accurate genetic assessment.
Main Results:
- Prolactin (PRL) expression was reduced in miscarriage cases.
- Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and PRL-receptor (PRL-R) showed broad expression in both groups.
- Interleukin-2 (IL-2) expression was notably higher in decidual samples from the miscarriage group.
Conclusions:
- PRL expression correlates with successful pregnancy.
- TH1 cytokines have distinct roles at the implantation site.
- Potential reciprocal influence between prolactin and IL-2 in pregnancy.
Objective:
To investigate the expression of prolactin (PRL), PRL-receptor (PRL-R), and the TH1 cytokines interleukin-2 (IL-2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) at the maternofetal interface.
Design:
Case-control study.
Setting:
University hospital unit of gynecology and obstetrics and research laboratories.
Patient(S):
Women undergoing suction curettage for spontaneous miscarriage (study group) and voluntary termination of pregnancy (control group) in the first trimester.
Intervention(S):
Samples of decidua and villi collected and histologically examined at the time of suction curettage.
Main Outcome Measure(S):
Evaluation of all villous samples for karyotype with only euploid cases included; detection of transcripts of PRL, PRL-R, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-2 by qualitative reverse-transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR); investigation of pattern and site of expression by immunohistochemistry.
Result(S):
In both groups, PRL-R and IFN-γ were broadly expressed. The expression of PRL was impaired or absent in the villi of the study group compared with controls. Expression of TNF-α was reduced, although not statistically significantly, in both decidual and villous samples of the study group. Immunohistochemical analysis showed the lack of IL-2 expression in decidual specimens of the control group versus the full expression shown in the study group.
Conclusion(S):
Our results highlight the correspondence between PRL expression and vital pregnancy and the involvement of the TH1 cytokines with different specific roles at the implantation site. Prolactin and IL-2 may reciprocally influence expression.
