info:eu-repo/semantics/article
The chimera-type galectin-3 is a positive modulator of trophoblast functions with dysregulated expression in gestational diabetes mellitus
Fecha
2020-12Registro en:
Freitag, Nancy; Tirado González, Irene; Barrientos, Gabriela Laura; Cohen, Marie; Daher, Silvia; et al.; The chimera-type galectin-3 is a positive modulator of trophoblast functions with dysregulated expression in gestational diabetes mellitus; Wiley Blackwell Publishing, Inc; American Journal of Reproductive Immunology; 84; 6; 12-2020; 1-9
1046-7408
CONICET Digital
CONICET
Autor
Freitag, Nancy
Tirado González, Irene
Barrientos, Gabriela Laura
Cohen, Marie
Daher, Silvia
Goldman Wohl, Debra
Mincheva Nilsson, Lucia
John, Constance M.
Jeschke, Udo
Blois, Sandra M.
Resumen
Problem: From conception, a delicate regulation of galectins, a family of carbohydrate-binding proteins, is established to ensure maternal immune tolerance in pregnancy. Though galectin-3 (gal-3), the only chimera-type galectin, is abundantly expressed at the feto-maternal interface; the physiological role of this lectin during pregnancy remains to be fully elucidated and requires further investigation. Method of study: In this study, we analyzed serum gal-3 levels during the course of healthy gestation. Trophoblast functions were evaluated upon gal-3 exogenous stimulation using trophoblastic cell lines (e.g, HIPEC65, SGHPL-4, and BeWo cells). Finally, we investigated variations in peripheral gal-3 levels associated with the development of spontaneous abortion and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Results: Gal-3 circulating levels increased as normal pregnancy progressed. In vitro experiments showed that exogenous gal-3 positively regulated trophoblast functions inducing invasion, tube formation, and fusion. Compared with normal pregnant women, circulating gal-3 levels were significantly decreased in patients who developed GDM. Conclusion: Our results reveal a physiological role for gal-3 during pregnancy, promoting proper trophoblast functions associated with healthy gestation. GDM is associated with a failure to increase circulating gal-3 levels late in gestation. Thus, dysregulation of gal-3 may indicate a contribution of the chimera-type lectin to this adverse pregnancy outcome.