Placental Galectin-2 Expression in Gestational Diabetes: A Systematic, Histological Analysis.
Int J Mol Sci
; 21(7)2020 Mar 31.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-32244351
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most common pregnancy-associated metabolic disorder that negatively impacts on the health of both mothers and their offspring in the long-term. The molecular mechanisms involved are not fully understood. As in other states of insulin resistance, a disproportionate immune response in GDM leads to a state of chronic low-grade inflammation. Galectin-2 exerts regulatory effects on different immune cells. This study investigated galectin-2 expression in the placenta of 40 GDM patients and 40 controls, in a sex-specific manner. Immunohistochemistry was used for semi-quantitative analysis of expression strength. The phenotypes of galectin-2 expressing cells were characterized through double immunofluorescence. We found a significant up-regulation of galectin-2 in the fetal syncytiotrophoblast, as well as in the maternal decidua of GDM placentas. Double staining showed a strong galectin-2 expression in extra villous trophoblast cells and fetal endothelial cells in GDM. These findings present the first systematic investigation of galectin-2 in GDM. The findings contribute to the emerging understanding of the role of immunomodulation and inflammation in GDM and of galectin-2 itself. This might also have implications for the long-term cardiovascular health of the offspring.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Placenta
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Diabetes Gestacional
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Galectina 2
Limite:
Adult
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Female
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Humans
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Male
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Pregnancy
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Int J Mol Sci
Ano de publicação:
2020
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Alemanha