Serum MUC3 Protein as a Novel Marker of Gestational Hypertensive Disorders.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the serum levels of mucoprotein 3 in hypertensive diseases of pregnancy. Methods: In total, 60 consecutive women with gestational hypertensive diseases (gestational hypertension (n = 20), severe preeclampsia (n = 20), HELLP syndrome (n = 20)) and 20 pregnant women without any gestational hypertensive diseases were included for this prospective controlled study. Serum MUC3 protein levels were measured with commercially available ELISA kits. Results: Serum MUC3 protein level was the lowest in normal pregnant women (0.1047 ± 0.0295 ng/ml); while the severity of the disease increases, it significantly increased in severe preeclampsia (0.2700 ± 0.0199 ng/mL) and HELLP syndrome group (0.3494 ± 0.0455 ng/mL), but less in the gestational hypertension (0.2172 ± 0.0354 ng/mL) group. Mean serum MUC3 protein level differences were found the least in gestational hypertension (0.1125 ± 0.0107, p < 0.001), the most in HELLP syndrome (-0.2546 ± 0.0107, p < 0.001) compared with the pregnant control group. Conclusion: The increase in serum MUC3 protein concentration in these women supported the argument that serum MUC3 protein may be used as a marker indicating the severity of the gestational hypertensive diseases.

First trimester fetal thymus volume may predict preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: The immunological factors have role in the development of preeclampsia. The thymus is one of the main organs of the fetal immune system. The aim of this prospective clinical study was to investigate the association between fetal thymus volume and preeclampsia by adding the 3-dimensional measurement of thymus volume to the routine fetal ultrasound scan at 11-14 week of gestation. STUDY DESIGN: Totally 72 pregnant women in their first trimester of pregnancy were included and 3-D fetal thymus volume was measured with sonographic VOCAL programme. All women gestational period was followed. The data of women with preeclampsia (n = 10, study group) and without preeclampsia (n = 62, control group) were compared. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Fetal thymus volume, preeclampsia development. RESULTS: Fetal thymus volume, mean gestational age at birth and newborn birthweight were found to be statistically lower in cases with preeclampsia compared with those without any complications. When the fetal thymus volume measured by the VOCAL programme in the study group was used as a marker for preeclampsia development, the limit value was 0.0375 cm3; sensitivity was 87.1% and specificity was 50% (AUC 85.3%, P < .001, 95% CI 0.751-0.949). As a result of binary logistic regression analysis; the low fetal thymus volume measured at 11-14 gestational weeks can be used as a predictive factor for preeclampsia (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of this study; the development of preeclampsia may be predicted by measuring 3-D fetal thymus volume at the first trimester.

Serum ischemia-modified albumin level returns to its premenopausal level with 1-year hormone therapy in healthy menopausal women.

INTRODUCTION: To assess the effect of hormone therapy (HT) on serum ischemia modified albumin (IMA) levels in healthy menopausal women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty surgical menopausal women who were admitted to our menopausal polyclinic during a 1-year period and diagnosed with menopause and planned to have HT for menopausal symptoms were enrolled in this prospective study. The serum IMA levels were recorded before and after (3 months, 6 months, 12 months later) hormone treatment (2 mg estradiol hemihydrate). RESULTS: The mean age of women was 47.60 ± 2.34 years. The mean serum IMA levels were 0.610 ± 0.096 absorbance units (ABSU) at the beginning and 0.484 ± 0.080 ABSU after 3 months of hormone therapy. Following 6 months of hormone therapy, serum IMA level was 0.546 ± 0.075, and reached 0.580 ± 0.089 ABSU following 12 months of therapy. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that HT may not block the menopause induced ischemia process. Although HT had a positive effect on serum IMA levels following 3 months' use, serum IMA levels returned to baseline levels after 12 months' use. Based on this study's findings, long-term use of HT may not have a positive effect on cardiovascular disease protection.

Biotin deficiency in hyperemesis gravidarum.

The aim of this study was to determine the serum biotin levels in patients with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). Ninety pregnant women with HG (mild (n = 30), moderate (n = 30) and severe (n = 30)), and 80 pregnant women without HG were included for this study. In both groups, serum biotin levels were measured. There were no statistically significant differences in demographic and clinical characteristics between the HG groups and the control group except for PUQE scores. Serum biotin levels in all hyperemesis gravidarum groups were statistically significantly lower than control group. Negative statistically significant correlation between hyperemesis gravidarum severity and serum biotin levels was noted. This is the first study that shows low serum biotin levels in women with hyperemesis gravidarum. Impact statement What is already known on this subject? Almost 80% of pregnant women have nausea and vomiting. If nausea and vomiting became severe and the symptoms combined with weight loss and ketonuria; the diagnosis should be hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). The etiopathogenetic factors of this unwanted condition have not been exactly known. Biotin is an essential water-soluble vitamin. Biotin catabolism increases in pregnancy. Marginal biotin deficiency occurs in approximately 50% of the gestations despite the "normal" biotin intake on the diet. What do the results of this study add? Current study results elucidated that serum biotin levels were lower in HG cases compared to non HG cases. This study is the first study that reports the association between low serum level of biotin and HG. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Further research is needed to show the importance of biotin supplementation in women with hyperemesis gravidarum.

Disability, psychiatric symptoms, and quality of life in infertile women: a cross-sectional study in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Infertility is a major life crisis which can lead to the development of psychiatric symptoms and negative effects on the quality of life of affected couples, but the magnitude of the effects may vary depending on cultural expectations. AIM: We compare the level of psychiatric symptoms, disability, and quality of life in fertile and infertile women in urban Turkey. METHODS: This cross-sectional study enrolled 100 married women being treated for infertility at the outpatient department of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of the Rize Education and Research Hospital and a control group of 100 fertile married women. All study participants were evaluated with a socio-demographic data screening form, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Brief Disability Questionnaire (BDQ), and the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). RESULTS: The mean anxiety subscale score and depression subscale score of HADS were slightly higher in the infertile group than in controls, but the differences were not statistically significant. The proportion of subjects with clinically significant anxiety (i.e., anxiety subscale score of HADS ≥11) was significantly higher in infertile women than in fertile women (31% v. 17%, χ (2)=5.37, p=0.020), but the proportion with clinically significant depressive symptoms (i.e., depression subscale score of HADS >8) was not significantly different (43% v. 33%, χ (2)=2.12, p=0.145). Self-reported disability over the prior month was significantly worse in the infertile group than in the controls, and 4 of the 8 subscales of the SF-36 - general health, vitality, social functioning, and mental health - were significantly worse in the infertile group. Compared to infertile women who were currently working, infertile women who were not currently working reported less severe depression and anxiety and better general health, vitality, and mental health. CONCLUSIONS: Married women from urban Turkey seeking treatment for infertility do not have significantly more severe depressive symptoms than fertile married controls, but they do report greater physical and psychological disability and a poorer quality of life. The negative effects of infertility were more severe in infertile women who were employed than in those who were not employed. Larger follow-up studies are needed to assess the reasons for the differences between these results and those reported in western countries which usually report a higher prevalence of depression and anxiety in infertile patients.

Evaluation of the effects of fasting associated dehydration on maternal NGAL levels and fetal renal artery Doppler parameters.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate maternal neutrophil gelatinase-asssociated lipocalin (NGAL) levels and fetal renal artery (fRA) Doppler flow indices in pregnant women fasting in Ramadan in respect of dehydration in long hot summer days as a marker of hypoperfusion and early renal injury. METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study was carried out at a University Hospital. Fasting pregnant women and non-fasting age, gravidity and gestational age-matched women were evaluated for hematologic, blood biochemistry and urine parameters in the first and fourth weeks of the Ramadan. Umbilical artery and fRA Doppler flows were studied in each evaluation. RESULTS: Blood urea nitrogen, potassium and hematocrit levels, blood and urine NGAL levels were significantly higher, and fRA Doppler indices increased in fasting women (p < 0.05) during the second visit in the last week of the Ramadan, while non-fasting women had no significant alterations in each evaluation (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Adequate maternal vascular volume is essential for the maintenance of healthy pregnancy. Fasting during the long and hot summer days leads to fluid deprivation and dehydration which was found to be related to subclinical maternal renal dysfunction and increased fRA Doppler indices.

Contribution of neutrophil activation in the differentiation of urine infection and contamination in pregnant women.

BACKGROUND: Urinary tract infections are among the most common bacterial infections of humans. Urine culture is the gold standard for asymptomatic bacteriuria and pyuria is not always present in bacteriuria, nor is it specific for bacteriuria. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to determine neutrophil activation and the contributions of this activation in the differentiation of infection and contamination. METHODS: The serum and urine myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels of 50 pregnant females with symptoms suggesting UTI and 25 healthy non-pregnant control subjects were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method and the obtained values were compared with the results of urine microscopy and urine culture. RESULTS: The leukocyte count in urine was significantly higher in group 1 (infection) and group 2 (contamination) when compared with the control group (group 1 mean: 18.2; group 2 mean: 14.2; control mean: 4.8; ANOVA test, p ≤ 0.00). According to the obtained ELISA values, a statistical difference in the levels of urine MPO between the patient and control groups was seen (p ≤ 0.00). There was no statistical difference among the groups for serum MPO levels (p ≥ 0.451). CONCLUSION: The study findings suggest that standardized measurement techniques such as dipstick screening assay for urine MPO level may be useful in differentiating infection and contamination, especially in pregnant patients.

Is the measurement of serum ischemia-modified albumin the best test to diagnose ovarian torsion?

AIM: The aim of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic value of serum oxidative stress marker levels (ischemia-modified albumin, IMA; malondialdehyde, MDA) and total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) levels that occur in ovarian torsion and to determine the threshold value of these markers in the diagnosis of ovarian torsion. METHODS: In this prospective case-control study, 34 women (the study group) with acute pelvic pain (20 with and 14 without ovarian torsion) and 40 control subjects were included. The diagnosis of ovarian torsion was confirmed with laparoscopy in all cases. Preoperative serum samples were collected in the study group. Serum oxidative stress marker levels (IMA and MDA) and TOS, TAS and OSI levels were measured. RESULTS: Serum MDA, TOS and IMA concentrations were significantly higher in women with ovarian torsion than in the healthy control group. However, serum TAS, TOS and OSI concentrations were significantly higher in women without ovarian torsion than within the healthy control group. Only IMA significantly distinguished patients with or without ovarian torsion. The best IMA value, according to the receiver operating characteristic curve, was 0.7045 absorbance units, with 90.00% sensitivity and 92.31% specificity. The patients in the ovarian torsion group had significantly lower serum TAS and OSI levels compared with patients without ovarian torsion. CONCLUSION: The elevated serum IMA levels with high sensitivity-specificity values observed in women with ovarian torsion seem to have a potential role as a serum marker in the preoperative diagnosis of ovarian torsion in emergency settings.

The role of hypoxia at primary dysmenorrhea, utilizing a novel hypoxia marker--SCUBE1.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine the SCUBE1 levels in adolescents with primary dysmenorrhea. DESIGN: A prospective cross-sectional study. SETTING: A university hospital outpatient clinic, Rize, Turkey. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 40 adolescent girls, 15 on menses and 25 not on menses. INTERVENTIONS AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Demographic features and menstrual history of the participants were assessed and blood samples were obtained for detecting the platelet volume, platelet counts, and SCUBE1 levels of the participants. RESULTS: No difference was detected between the 2 groups in mean platelet volume, platelet count, and SCUBE1 levels. CONCLUSION: Future trials are required to investigate the relation between SCUBE1 levels and primary dysmenorrhea.

Is resveratrol a potential substitute for leuprolide acetate in experimental endometriosis?

OBJECTIVE: Resveratrol, a phytoalexin polyphenol, has anti-angiogenic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties. We aimed to compare the anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic effects of resveratrol and leuprolide acetate (LA) in an experimental endometriosis model. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective experimental study was conducted in a University Surgical Research Center. Thirty-three non-pregnant female Sprague-Dawley rats, in which experimental model of endometriosis were surgically induced were randomly divided into four groups. Group 1 was administered 30 mg/kg resveratrol i.m. for 14 days, group 2 was given 1mg/kg s.c. single dose LA, group 3 was administered both resveratrol and LA, and group 4 had no medication. After two weeks medication rats were sacrificed and size, histopathology and immunreactivity to matrix metalloproteinase (mmp)2, mmp9, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) of the endometriotic implants were evaluated. Plasma and peritoneal fluid levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were analyzed. RESULTS: The endometriotic implant volumes, histopathological grade and immunreactivity to mmp2, mmp9 and VEGF were significantly reduced (p<0.001), and plasma and peritoneal fluid levels of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α were significantly decreased in group 1 and group 2 in comparison to group 3 and group 4 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Resveratrol alone is a potential agent for the treatment of endometriosis and may be an alternative to LA. In contrast, the combination of LA and resveratrol decreased the anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic effects of each agent. Since resveratrol is widely used as an alternative therapy for a variety of conditions, it can undermine the effectiveness of LA. Therefore, caution should be exercised when used in combination with other agents.

Management of cesarean scar pregnancy with suction curettage: a report of four cases and review of the literature.

PURPOSE: To present the outcomes of four cases of cesarean scar pregnancy treated with suction curettage. METHODS: Four patients were ultrasonographically diagnosed with cesarean scar pregnancies treated with suction curettage in a tertiary care center. RESULTS: Serum ß-human chorionic gonadotropin levels ranged between 1,681 and 15,573 mU/mL, gestational sac diameter measured from 10 to 24 mm and scar thickness was between 4.7 and 6.8 mm. All patients underwent suction curettage under general anesthesia with transabdominal ultrasonography guidance. No complications were observed during or after operation. CONCLUSION: Suction curettage is a viable alternative for conservative treatment in selected cases of patients who are diagnosed with CSP early in gestation and who have a myometrial thickness of more than 4.5 mm.

Tubal pregnancy associated with endometrial carcinoma after in vitro fertilization attempts.

Endometrial carcinoma is rarely seen during reproductive ages and commonly related to infertility, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and obesity. Pregnancy associated endometrial carcinoma is even rarer and this is the second case reported in the literature concerning tubal pregnancy associated endometrial carcinoma. We present a case of a 36-year-old woman with a history of PCOS, infertility, and several attempts of ovulation induction and in vitro fertilization, who was diagnosed with tubal pregnancy and a well differentiated endometrial carcinoma. We also review the literature about pregnancy associated endometrial carcinoma in the first trimester.

Evaluation of female sexual function index and associated factors among married women in North Eastern Black Sea region of Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was detection of Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) scores of married women living in North Eastern Black Sea region of Turkey and comparison with demographic data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional, descriptive study conducted at a University Hospital, gynecology and obstetrics outpatient clinic. Married women between 18-50 years of age, without any complaint enrolled in the study and participants were asked to fill out the form of FSFI. Age, gravidity and number of living children, duration of marriage, education and income levels, employment status, and contraceptive methods has been questioned. Sexual desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, pain subscales, and total score of FSFI were determined and compared with demographic data. RESULTS: Lower FSFI levels were detected from 70.9% of the respondents. Age, duration of marriage and number of children were adversely affected the FSFI scores. Intermediate education level and usage of a contraceptive method were related with higher FSFI scores. Pain scores were high in all participants independently from other parameters. CONCLUSIONS: For identification of women's sexual dysfunction, increasing the knowledge level and awareness about sexuality are required.

Which endometrial pathologies need intraoperative frozen sections?

BACKGROUND: Endometrial cancers are the most common gynecologic cancers. Endometrial sampling is a preferred procedure for diagnosis of the endometrial pathology. It is performed routinely in many clinics prior to surgery in order to exclude an endometrial malignancy. We aimed to investigate the accuracy of endometrial sampling in the diagnosis of endometrial pathologies and which findings need intra-operative frozen sections. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three hundred nine women applying to a university hospital and undergoing endometrial sampling and hysterectomy between 2010 and 2012 were included to this retrospective study. Data were retrieved from patient files and pathology archives. RESULTS: There was 17 patients with malignancy but endometrial sampling could detect this in only 10 of them. The endometrial sampling sensitivity and specificity of detecting cancer were 58.8% and 100%, with negative and positive predictive values of 97.6%, and 100%, respectively. In 7 patients, the endometrial sampling failed to detect malignancy; 4 of these patients had a preoperative diagnosis of complex atypical endometrial hyperplasia and 2 patients had a post-menopausal endometrial polyps and 1 with simple endometrial hyperplasia. CONCLUSIONS: There is an increased risk of malignancy in post-menopausal women especially with endometrial polyps and complex atypia hyperplasia. Endometrial sampling is a good choice for the diagnosis of endometrial pathologies. However, the diagnosis should be confirmed by frozen section in patients with post-menopausal endometrial polyps and complex atypia hyperplasia.

The effect of cabergoline on folicular microenviroment profile in patients with high risk of OHSS.

The aim of this study to evaluate the effect of cabergoline on follicular microenvironment by measuring follicular fluid (FF) insulin like growth hormone -I (IGF-I), antimullerian hormone (AMH), inhibin B and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) levels in women with PCOS and high risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). In this prospective cohort study, 41 women with PCOS undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for assisted reproduction and having the high risk factors for OHSS are included. The women in the study group (n = 15) received cabergoline for OHSS prevention while the women in the control did not received any medications for OHSS prevention. FF samples were collected during oocyte pick-up procedure for all women were determined using commercially available ELISA kits. Concentrations of FF IGF-I, AMH, inhibin B and HGF were assessed. In the study group FF AMH (2.96 ± 1.27 versus 1.91 ± 0.64 ng/mL), Inhibin B (1339.47 ± 198.56 versus 1200.09 ± 133.64 pg/mL), HGF (5623.21 ± 2411.09 versus 3787.42 ± 2269.89 pg/mL) and IGF-I (298.60 ± 37.80 versus 219.90 ± 71.40 pg/mL) concentrations were significantly decreased compared with control group. Cabergolin prevents OHSS in high risk patients by disrupting FF hormone microenvironment.

Cord blood oxidative stress markers correlate with umbilical artery pulsatility in fetal growth restriction.

OBJECTIVE: To compare cord blood oxidative stress markers (OSM) between intrauterine small fetuses with high umbilical artery (UA) Doppler indices and normal indices. METHODS: Forty women who had oligohydramnios and intrauterine growth-restricted fetuses with abnormal (n = 20, group I) or normal Doppler indices (n = 20, group II) were included. All patients underwent fetal Doppler ultrasound studies. Cord blood was collected at birth and six OSMs (ischemia-modified albumin (IMA), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), malondialdehyde (MDA)) levels, total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) were studied. RESULTS: The mean cord blood IMA, MDA, TOS, and OSI values for group I were significantly increased when compared to the group II (p < 0.001 for IMA, MDA, TOS, and OSI). However the mean cord blood HGF and TAS values were statistically significantly decreased in group I, compared with group II (p < 0.001 for HGF, and TAS). A significant positive (for IMA, MDA,TOS levels, and OSI ratio) and negative (for HGF and TAS levels) correlations between UA pulsatility index (PI) and cord blood OSM were found. CONCLUSION: The correlation between cord blood OSM and Doppler blood flow changes shown in this study may contribute to understanding the underlying oxidative stress-related mechanisms.

An uncommon complementary isochromosome of 46,XY, i(9)(p10),i(9)(q10) in an infertile oligoasthenoteratozoospermic man.

OBJECTIVE: To report a rare case of male infertility associated with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia and complementary isochromosome 46 XY, i(9)(p10),i(9)(q10). DESIGN: Case report. SETTING: Reference hospital. PATIENT(S): Infertile oligoastenozoospermic man with complementary isochromosome 46,XY, i(9)(p10),i(9)(q10). INTERVENTION(S): Peripheral blood lymphocytes obtained for karyotyping, and florescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis for gonadal mosaicism in ejaculated spermatozoa. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Physical examination, semen analysis, GBG banding, and FISH procedure. RESULT(S): The semen analysis revealed oligoasthenoteratozoospermia. The lymphocytic karyotype detected a complementary isochromosome 46,XY, i(9)(p10),i(9)(q10), and the FISH procedure showed abnormal sperm. CONCLUSION(S): This the first report of oligoasthenoteratozoospermia associated with complementary isochromosome 46,XY, i(9)(p10),i(9)(q10).

Comparison of single and multiple dose methotrexate therapy for unruptured tubal ectopic pregnancy: a prospective randomized study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the success rates of single and multiple dose methotrexate protocols for the treatment of unruptured tubal ectopic pregnancy. DESIGN: Prospective randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Maternity and teaching hospital in Turkey. POPULATION: One hundred twenty women treated with methotrexate therapy for unruptured tubal ectopic pregnancy. METHODS: Sixty-two women received a single dose and 58 received a multiple dose methotrexate regimen. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Success rate of methotrexate therapy (women successfully treated with one injection and women who completed four doses). RESULTS: In the single dose group, treatment was considered successful in 50 women (80.6%), whereas in the multiple dose group, 52 women (89.7%) responded to treatment (p = 0.21; OR 0.90, 95%CI 0.77-1.05). The average number of days required for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels to fall below 5 mU/mL was longer in the single dose (22.3 +/- 7.6) compared with the multiple dose group (18.3 +/- 10.7) (p = 0.03). In the single dose group fewer or 17 women (24.7%) experienced side-effects compared to 28 (48.3%) of those who had multiple doses (p = 0.02, OR 0.57, 95%CI 0.35-0.92). CONCLUSION: A multiple dose methotrexate regimen for the treatment of unruptured tubal ectopic pregnancy is not more effective than a single dose one. In addition, multiple doses may cause more side-effects, but the time for hCG levels to fall below 5 mU/mL is shorter.

Does brucellosis in human pregnancy increase abortion risk? Presentation of two cases and review of literature.

Brucellosis is one of the most common zoonotic diseases that can be encountered during pregnancy. We present two pregnant women with brucellosis. One of them delivered normally and the other patient had an abortion. We reviewed the literature regarding the clinical course of brucellosis in pregnant women. Brucellosis during pregnancy can be associated with abortion, congenital and neonatal infections and infection of the delivery team. Therefore treatment with a combination of rifampicin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole should be started as soon as it is diagnosed to prevent possible complications.

Placental fas/fas ligand expression in early pregnancy losses.

PROBLEM: The aim of this study was to compare the expression levels of Fas and Fas ligand (FasL) in first-trimester placentas obtained from spontaneous abortions in patients with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) or factor V (FV) Leiden mutation, compared with values in placentas from induced abortions in patients negative for these conditions. METHOD OF STUDY: We studied explants from 6- to 10-week-old placentas that had been prepared by collagenase digestion from 10 spontaneous abortions from APS-positive patients, nine spontaneous abortions in patients positive for FV Leiden mutation, and 10 induced abortions. All tissues were analyzed by flow cytometry for expression of Fas and FasL. RESULTS: Flow cytometric analysis showed that placental FasL expression was significantly lower in abnormal pregnancies than in normal ones. However, no such difference was observed for Fas expression. CONCLUSION: FasL on placental cells may be involved in the maintenance of immune privilege, thereby ensuring the safety and growth of placental tissues. Dysregulation of apoptotic mechanisms may play a critical role in spontaneous abortions.