Choriocarcinoma and gestational trophoblastic disease

Molar pregnancy with a coexisting living fetus: a case series

Background

Coexistence of molar pregnancy with living fetus represents a challenge in diagnosis and treatment. The objective of this study to present the outcome of molar pregnancy with a coexisting living fetus who were managed in our University Hospital in the last 5 years.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of patients who presented with molar pregnancy with a coexisting living fetus to our Gestational Trophoblastic Clinic, Mansoura University, Egypt from September, 2015 to August, 2020. Clinical characteristics of the patients, maternal complications as well as fetal outcome were recorded. The patients and their living babies were also followed up at least 6 months after delivery.

Results

Twelve pregnancies were analyzed. The mean maternal age was 26.0 (SD 4.1) years and the median parity was 1.0 (range 0–3). Duration of the pregnancies ranged from 14 to 36 weeks. The median serum hCG was 165,210.0 U/L (range 7662–1,200,000). Three fetuses survived outside the uterus (25%), one of them died after 5 months because of congenital malformations. Histologic diagnosis was available for 10 of 12 cases and revealed complete mole associated with a normal placenta in 6 cases (60%) and partial mole in 4 cases (40%). Maternal complications occurred in 6 cases (50%) with the most common was severe vaginal bleeding in 4 cases (33.3%). There was no significant association between B-hCG levels and maternal complications (P = 0.3).

Conclusion

Maternal and fetal outcomes of molar pregnancy with a living fetus are poor. Counseling the patients for termination of pregnancy may be required.

Trial registration

The study was approved by Institutional Research Board (IRB), Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University (number: R.21.10.1492).

Doxorubicin resistant choriocarcinoma cell line derived spheroidal cells exhibit stem cell markers but reduced invasion

Cell cycle-specific cancer chemotherapy is based on the ability of a drug to halt, minimise or destroy rapidly dividing cells. However, their efficacy is limited by the emergence of a self-renewing cell pool called “cancer stem cells” (CSC). Choriocarcinoma is a tumour of trophoblastic tissue. We, in this study, analysed whether spheroids generated from doxorubicin-treated and non-treated choriocarcinoma cell lines exhibit markers of stem cells. Two choriocarcinoma cell lines, namely JEG-3 and BeWo, were used in this study. Spheroids were generated from doxorubicin-treated cells and the non-treated cells under non-adherent condition, followed by analysis of stem-cell markers’ expression, namely NANOG, OCT4 and SOX2. Immunofluorescence analysis suggested a general increase in the markers’ concentration in spheroids relative to the parental cells. RT-qPCR and immunoblots showed an increase in the stem-cell marker expression in spheroids generated from doxorubicin-treated when compared to non-treated cells. In spheroids, Sox2 was significantly upregulated in doxorubicin-treated spheroids, whereas Nanog and Oct4 were generally downregulated when compared to non-treated spheroids. Both 2D and 3D invasion assays showed that the spheroids treated with doxorubicin exhibited reduced invasion. Our data suggest that choriocarcinoma cell lines may have the potential to produce spheroidal cells, yet the drug-treatment affected the invasion potential of spheroids.

Gestational Trophoblastic Disease: Contemporary Diagnostic Approach

Pathologic diagnosis of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD)-hydatidiform moles and gestational trophoblastic neoplasms-underwent a major shift in the past decade from morphology-based recognition to precise molecular genetic classification of entities, which also allows for prognostic stratification of molar gestations. This article highlights these recent advances and their integration into the routine pathology practice. The traditional gross and histomorphologic features of each entity are also reviewed with special focus on differential diagnoses and their clinical implications.

Hyperthyroidism in molar pregnancy: β-HCG levels do not always reflect severity

BACKGROUND

Molar pregnancy is a complication characterised by abnormal benign or malignant proliferation of trophoblastic cells resulting in markedly elevated β-hCG (human chorionic gonadotrophin) levels, an established marker for the presence of the disease. Owing to the structural homology between β-hCG and TSH, the raised β-hCG can result in secondary hyperthyroidism.

METHODS

Two patients aged 20 (Case 1) and 31 years (Case 2) presented to the emergency department within a few days of each other complaining of vaginal bleeding associated with abdominal pain. Ultrasound evaluation, β-hCG and thyroid function tests were performed on both patients.

RESULTS

Both had elevated β-hCG levels and ultrasound evidence of molar pregnancy and were diagnosed with gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) associated with hyperthyroidism based on thyroid function test results. Case 1 had lower β-hCG levels and free T4 levels compared with Case 2 but clinical assessment of the former revealed severe illness and more complicated course with the development of a thyroid storm. Case 2 had β-hCG levels almost double those of Case 1, yet was stable and her levels decreased much faster, reaching and maintaining undetectable levels.

CONCLUSIONS

These cases demonstrate that the β-hCG levels do not always correlate with disease severity and prognosis in patients with GTD.

[IPartial molar pregnancy with liveborn diploid fetus: case study and literature review]

Partial hydatiform mole (MHP) represents a spectrum of trophoblastic-related disorders occurring during pregnancy. Also known as embryonal mole, it is characterized by a recognizable ovum abnormality with vesicular transformation of villi but with recognizable placental appearance and amniotic cavity containing the fetus. First-trimester spontaneous abortion most commonly suggests the diagnosis. Partial moles rarely persist beyond the first trimester and are then a cause of maternal and fetal complications and diagnostic confusion. MHP of genetic origin is triploid with extra chromosome of paternal origin. The coexistence of normal fetal karyotype and MHP is exceptional. We report a rare case of partial molar pregnancy with liveborn diploid fetus in a 36-year-old woman diagnosed with threat of premature labour associated with placenta previa at 27 weeks of amenorrhea (WA).

Production of an anti-angiogenic factor sFLT1 is suppressed via promoter hypermethylation of FLT1 gene in choriocarcinoma cells

BACKGROUND

Soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFLT1) as an anti-angiogenic factor is abundantly expressed in placental trophoblasts. Choriocarcinoma, a malignant tumor derived from trophoblasts, is known to be highly angiogenic and metastatic. However, the molecular mechanism underlying angiogenesis in choriocarcinoma pathogenesis remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the mRNA expression and DNA methylation status of the FLT1 gene in human choriocarcinoma cells and trophoblast cells.

METHODS

qRT-PCR, Western blotting and ELISA were conducted to evaluate the mRNA and protein expression levels of sFLT1. 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5azadC) treatment and bisulfite sequencing were used to study the FLT1 gene promoter methylation. The effect of sFLT1 on choriocarcinoma growth and angiogenesis was evaluated in a xenograft mouse model.

RESULTS

Expression of the FLT1 gene was strongly suppressed in choriocarcinoma cell lines compared with that in the primary trophoblasts. Treatment of choriocarcinoma cell lines with 5azadC, a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, markedly increased in mRNA expression of three FLT1 splice variants and secretion of sFLT1 proteins. Bisulfite sequencing revealed that the CpG hypermethylation was observed at the FLT1 promoter region in choriocarcinoma cell lines and a human primary choriocarcinoma tissue but not in human trophoblast cells. Interestingly, in 5azadC-treated choriocarcinoma cell lines, sFLT1 mRNA expression and sFLT1 production were further elevated by hypoxic stimulation. Finally, as expected, sFLT1-expressing choriocarcinoma cells implanted into nude mice showed significantly slower tumor growth and reduced microvessel formation compared with GFP-expressing control choriocarcinoma cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Inhibition of sFLT1 production by FLT1 silencing occurs via the hypermethylation of its promoter in choriocarcinoma cells. The stable expression of sFLT1 in choriocarcinoma cells resulted in the suppression of tumor growth and tumor vascularization in vivo. We suggest that the FLT1 gene may be a cell-type-specific tumor suppressor in choriocarcinoma cells.

Precision genotyping diagnosis of lung tumors with trophoblastic morphology in young women

Trophoblastic differentiation has been previously described in somatic carcinomas at different primary sites, including the lung. Lung carcinomas with trophoblastic morphology presenting in women during the reproductive years pose a unique diagnostic challenge due to their overlapping microscopical and immunophenotypical features with metastatic choriocarcinoma of gestational origin. Distinction between the two entities is paramount as they require different chemotherapeutic regimens and have a markedly different prognostic outlook. Here we report a series of three female patients (ages 37-48 years) presenting with lung masses. Two of the three patients were noted to have elevated serum beta-hCG levels at the time of their presentation, while serum beta-hCG was not evaluated preoperatively in the third patient. None of them had a clinical history of molar pregnancy or gestational trophoblastic neoplasia. Core biopsies of the lung masses were performed in two patients and one patient underwent a wedge resection, showing poorly differentiated carcinoma in all cases with scattered multinucleated giant cells, hemorrhage, and necrosis. Beta-hCG immunostain was performed in two cases and showed diffuse immunoreactivity. Clinical history and imaging studies were not conclusive in any of the cases to rule out a gestational origin. Short tandem repeat genotyping analysis was performed to compare the allelic patterns between tumor and normal tissues and revealed identical profiles in one case, consistent with somatic origin, and unique paternal alleles in two cases, confirming metastatic gestational choriocarcinoma. The patient with primary somatic lung carcinoma died of disease within 15 months despite chemotherapy, while both patients with gestational choriocarcinoma responded well to chemotherapy and are alive without evidence of disease. Our cases illustrate the diagnostic pitfalls of lung tumors with trophoblastic differentiation in young women. Genotyping analysis offers precise diagnostic distinction between primary lung carcinoma and gestational choriocarcinoma with major therapeutic and prognostic implications for the patients.

A partial molar pregnancy associated with a fetus with intrauterine growth restriction delivered at 31 weeks: a case report

INTRODUCTION

Molar pregnancies belong to a group of diseases classified as gestational trophoblastic diseases, which result from an altered fertilization. Partial molar pregnancy with a live fetus is a very rare condition, occurring in 0.005 to 0.01% of all pregnancies; it presents a challenging diagnosis, especially when clinical signs are almost completely absent.

CASE PRESENTATION

Here we report a rare case of partial molar pregnancy in which a normal-appearing male fetus with diploid karyotype was delivered at 31 weeks gestation by a 37-year-old white woman. The pregnancy was characterized by an episode of threatened abortion in the first trimester and an ultrasonographic diagnosis of intrauterine growth restriction. Our patient did not report any suspicious symptoms for trophoblastic disease. Due to impaired umbilical artery velocimetry with an absence of the diastolic phase, she underwent an emergency caesarean section at 31 weeks and delivered an 880 g male baby. The male baby was normal without any complications at 3-month and 12-month follow-up and the mother had no evidence of recurrence after 3 and 12 months of follow-up. Pathological examination of the placenta showed changes of partial hydatidiform mole.

CONCLUSION

Partial molar pregnancy with a live fetus is a very rare condition that presents a challenging diagnosis. Recognizing it is of primary importance for patient care and the placenta should always be investigated at birth, especially in a newborn with intrauterine growth restriction.

Stage IV Gestational Choriocarcinoma Diagnosed in the Third Trimester

BACKGROUND

Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia rarely occurs in term pregnancies. Stage IV choriocarcinoma treated with conventional chemotherapy can result in death as a result of hemorrhagic sequelae at tumor sites.

CASE

A 30-year-old woman at 34 weeks of gestation presented with a persistent cough, worsening dyspnea, and vaginal bleeding. Chest radiograph demonstrated innumerable lung nodules, and quantitative β-hcg concentration exceeded 1.3 million milli-international units/mL. Cesarean delivery was performed for presumed abruption. Placental pathology demonstrated choriocarcinoma, and imaging confirmed stage IV disease with a World Health Organization score of 14. Remission was achieved after two courses of low-dose induction chemotherapy followed by 10 cycles of combination chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION

Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia should be considered in a pregnant or postpartum woman presenting with atypical vaginal bleeding. Coexistent pulmonary or neurologic findings may suggest advanced disease.

Gestational Trophoblastic Tumors: A Timely Review of Diagnostic Pathology

CONTEXT.—

Gestational trophoblastic tumors include 3 distinct entities: gestational choriocarcinoma, placental site trophoblastic tumor, and epithelioid trophoblastic tumor. Accurate diagnosis is important for clinical management of the patient.

OBJECTIVE.—

To review clinical features and pathologic diagnosis of gestational trophoblastic tumors.

DATA SOURCES.—

Literature and personal experience are the sources for this study.

CONCLUSIONS.—

Trophoblastic tumors are rare encounters in modern medicine, as a result of clinical practice of molar surveillance programs and early chemotherapeutic intervention for persistent gestational trophoblastic neoplasia. Diagnostic recognition of these tumors requires a high index of suspicion, awareness of their histologic characteristics, and appropriate application of immunohistochemical and molecular biomarkers. Recent attention has been given to a few precursor lesions of gestational trophoblastic tumors, including early/in situ choriocarcinoma and atypical placental site nodule.

Neurologic complications in critically ill pregnant patients

Neurologic complications in a critically ill pregnant woman are uncommon but some of the complications (such as eclampsia) are unique to pregnancy and the puerperal period. Other neurologic complications (such as seizures in the setting of epilepsy) may worsen during pregnancy. Clinical signs and symptoms such as seizure, headache, weakness, focal neurologic deficits, and decreased level of consciousness require careful consideration of potential causes to ensure prompt treatment measures are instituted to prevent ongoing neurologic injury. Clinicians should be familiar with syndromes such as pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, stroke, posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, and reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome. Necessary imaging studies can usually be performed safely in pregnancy. Scoring systems for predicting maternal mortality are inadequate, as are recommendations for neurorehabilitation. Tensions can arise when there is conflict between the interests of the mother and the interests of the fetus, but in general maternal health is prioritized. The complexity of care requires a multidisciplinary and multiprofessional approach to achieve best outcome in an often unexpected situation.

Choriocarcinoma of unknown origin with multiple organ metastasis and cerebral hemorrhage: A case report and literature review

A 26-year-old man was admitted to Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University (Beijing, China) with a 4-day history of headache, moderate fever and numbness in the right upper limb. Prior to this, the patient had been diagnosed with cerebral hemorrhage by computed tomography (CT) scan upon visiting a local hospital. Chest X-ray revealed multiple lesions in the lungs. Following referral, no abnormalities were found elsewhere, including in the testes, during a physical examination. Additional examination of other tumor biomarkers was unremarkable, and the initial suspicion of parasitic infection was ruled out. Tests revealed extremely high levels of β-human chorionic gonadotropin (>200,000 mIU/ml). In addition, CT scans showed multiple metastases in the head, lungs, liver and kidneys. An ultrasound-guided Tru-Cut biopsy of the liver was performed in order to form a definitive diagnosis. Although the patient was treated with mannitol to reduce intracranial pressure, and with cefoperazone sodium and sulbactam sodium to fight infection, the patient succumbed to a cerebral hernia on the fourth day of hospitalization. Following this, the ultrasound-guided Tru-Cut liver biopsy result was received, which suggested a diagnosis of choriocarcinoma.

Unusual gestational choriocarcinoma arising in an interstitial pregnancy

INTRODUCTION

Choriocarcinoma is a highly malignant trophoblastic neoplasm. Its association with ectopic pregnancy is very rare and usually with aggressive behavior.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

We report a new case arising in an interstitial pregnancy occurring in a 46-year-old woman. The patient was admitted for severe pelvic pain and abundant metrorrhagia. One month ago, she had had a laparoscopic resection of an interstitial pregnancy subsequent to failure of chemotherapy by methotrexate. The raise of serum βhCG level and the hyperechoic intrauterine mass were in favor of gestational trophoblastic disease. Urgent laparotomy was performed for circulatory collapse. Hysterectomy was done. Histological examination revealed a choriocarcinoma. The patient underwent chemotherapy. Two years later, neither metastasis nor recurrence was detected.

DISCUSSION

Clinical diagnosis of primary interstitial choriocarcinoma is difficult, since it is rare and manifesting by non-specific abnormal vaginal bleeding. Imaging findings are also not helpful in ectopic location. The frequency of metastasis is related to the delayed diagnosis. Serial measurement of βhCG level was the most useful marker of diagnosis and follow up. Histopathological examination remains the only tool of the precise diagnosis. Choriocarcinoma has a very good prognosis even in advanced stages, since it is very chemosensitive.

CONCLUSION

The current trend of the treatment of ectopic pregnancy by conservative surgery requires adequate monitoring of βhCG and careful examination of pathologic specimens to avoid misdiagnosis of ectopic gestational trophoblastic disease.

Discrepant serum and urine β-hCG results due to production of β-hCG by a cribriform-morular variant of thyroid papillary carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Although patients with medullary thyroid cancer are known to present with paraneoplastic hormone production, this is much less common with papillary thyroid cancer.

METHODS

We present a patient with the cribriform morular variant of papillary thyroid cancer in association with familial adenomatous polyposis who developed a positive pregnancy test in the absence of known pregnancy. The patient had developed vaginal bleeding, and her laboratory testing was characterized by elevated serum human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) concentrations, but negative qualitative urine results. After a thorough gynecological evaluation to exclude unexpected normal, ectopic, or molar pregnancy, we pursued an evaluation for other sources of β-hCG production.

RESULTS

We showed that the elevated serum β-hCG concentrations were not the result of heterophile antibody interferences, and ultimately we proved that her recurrent tumor produced the ectopic β-hCG. This is the first report of β-hCG production by papillary thyroid cancer. Thus, the possibility of ectopic production of β-hCG by papillary thyroid cancer needs to be included in the differential diagnosis of elevated hCG concentration in the absence of pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONS

This study of an unusual paraneoplastic syndrome highlights the importance of investigating discrepancies in the clinical laboratory.

Neuroradiology in women of childbearing age

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review summarizes safety concerns associated with diagnostic neuroimaging in patients who are of childbearing age, focusing on diagnostic modalities and radiologic features of neurologic conditions encountered by pregnant women.

RECENT FINDINGS

During pregnancy, women experience a range of physiologic changes that can affect neurologic function. These include endocrine, hemodynamic, endothelial, immunologic, and coagulopathic changes that can alter susceptibility to stroke, subarachnoid hemorrhage, demyelination, venous thrombosis, and other neurologic conditions. Unique safety concerns are associated with imaging procedures performed to diagnose neurologic conditions that occur during pregnancy.

SUMMARY

This review discusses the use of diagnostic neuroimaging, including administration of IV contrast, in pregnant women and in nonpregnant women of childbearing age.

Changes in clinical presentation of postterm choriocarcinoma at the New England Trophoblastic Disease Center in recent years

OBJECTIVE

To review the last 15 year experience of choriocarcinoma following a term gestation at the New England Trophoblastic Disease Center (NETDC) and compare these results to earlier data to determine any changes in the clinical presentation and outcome of this disease.

METHODS

Women with postterm choriocarcinoma from 1996 through 2011 followed by the NETDC were identified by diagnosis codes. Twenty charts were identified and reviewed. These data were then compared to published results from the NETDC of 44 women from 1964 to 1996.

RESULTS

Time from antecedent pregnancy to diagnosis of choriocarcinoma was significantly longer in the current series, 46.1 vs. 19.7 weeks (p = 0.03). Despite this change, patient outcomes remained comparable, with similar overall mortality rates (13% vs. 10%, p = NS). However, patient presentation was notably different. In the early series, five (11%) infants suffered hydrops or stillbirth, while in the recent series there were no adverse infant outcomes (p = 0.08). Six women in the current series presented in the absence of symptoms suspicious for choriocarcinoma (either by an incidental positive pregnancy test without other symptoms or by placental pathology), compared to one woman in the prior series (30% vs. 2%, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In recent years postterm choriocarcinoma is being diagnosed or referred later after the antecedent pregnancy at our regional referral center. Recent patients more commonly have no other symptoms than a question of pregnancy and are less likely diagnosed due to the presence of fetal hydrops or stillbirth. Despite later diagnoses, survival with postterm choriocarcinoma continues to be high.

Framing postpartum hemorrhage as a consequence of human placental biology: an evolutionary and comparative perspective

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), the leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide, is responsible for 35 percent of maternal deaths. Proximately, PPH results from the failure of the placenta to separate from the uterine wall properly, most often because of impairment of uterine muscle contraction. Despite its prevalence and its well-described clinical manifestations, the ultimate causes of PPH are not known and have not been investigated through an evolutionary lens. We argue that vulnerability to PPH stems from the intensely invasive nature of human placentation. The human placenta causes uterine vessels to undergo transformation to provide the developing fetus with a high plane of maternal resources; the degree of this transformation in humans is extensive. We argue that the particularly invasive nature of the human placenta increases the possibility of increased blood loss at parturition. We review evidence suggesting PPH and other placental disorders represent an evolutionarily novel condition in hominins.

A 15-year-old female with amenorrhea, abdominal distention, and elevated human chorionic gonadotropin: pregnancy, right? Not so fast…

Nongestational choriocarcinoma, a rare ovarian tumor, may present in young women with amenorrhea, abdominal distention, and elevated urine human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), all of which may be mistaken for pregnancy. A 15-year-old Hispanic female, who reported no sexual activity, presented with 6 months of amenorrhea, abdominal pain, and progressive abdominal distension. Initially, suspicion of pregnancy was considered. Physical examination was significant for abdominal distension, but no uterine fundus or fetal anatomy could be palpated, and auscultation did not reveal any fetal heart sounds or bruits. Laboratory values showed elevated urine hCG, cancer antigen 125, and cancer antigen 19.9 levels but normal serum hCG level and was inconsistent with pregnancy. Computed tomographic scans revealed a large abdominal heterogeneous mass and pleural effusions. Salpingo-oophorectomy with total omentectomy and inversion appendectomy removed a 21 × 20.5 × 16.5-cm tumor. Pathological testing determined it to be a nongestational choriocarcinoma. This rare tumor is more common in the pediatric adolescent population than in adults. Surgical resection and chemotherapy often result in a positive prognosis. In female adolescent patients presenting with elevated hCG level, amenorrhea, and abdominal distention, choriocarcinoma should be considered, especially in those with no history of sexual activity or before menarche.

Usefulness of F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography in a case of choriocarcinoma presenting as pulmonary embolism

This case demonstrates the utility of performing F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography for the investigation of an unresolving pulmonary embolus, where early diagnosis of tumor thrombus or primary neoplastic conditions of the pulmonary artery may be made. Choriocarcinoma presenting within the pulmonary artery is rare although a literature review shows that a number of important differential diagnoses of hypermetabolic pulmonary lesions should be kept in mind.

The prognostic analysis of 123 postpartum choriocarcinoma cases

A retrospective analysis of 123 postpartum choriocarcinoma cases treated at the Peking Union Medical College Hospital between December 1985 and December 2006 was performed. All the patients with postpartum choriocarcinoma received chemotherapy, combined with comprehensive therapy. The total number of chemotherapy cycles was 1041 (8.5 for every patient on average). The complete remission (CR) was achieved in 108 patients (87.8%), whereas five patients had partial remission and ten died. Of the 26 patients who became resistant to 5-fluorouracil combined chemotherapy, 18 achieved CR. Of the four cases who had recurrence, three achieved CR. The patients were divided into high- and low-risk groups, based on the new FIGO 2000 risk factor scoring system. Seventy-five patients were in high-risk group, with a score of 7 or more. Among them, 62 achieved CR (82.7%). The remaining 48 patients were in the low-risk group, with a score of 6 or less, among whom 46 patients achieved CR (95.8%). There is a significant difference in CR rate between the two groups. Based on the FIGO staging and scoring system, 24 patients were diagnosed as FIGO stage I, 9 stage II, 66 stage III, and 24 stage IV. The rate of CR was 100%, 100%, 91%, and 62.5%, respectively. Our experience shows that prognosis of postpartum choriocarcinoma is good when multiagent systemic chemotherapy is applied. Shortened time interval between the antecedent pregnancy and the treatment will lead to better prognosis

Differential expression profiling of genes in a complete hydatidiform mole using cDNA microarray analysis

OBJECTIVES

To gain a better understanding of the genes involved in the pathogenesis of gestational trophoblastic diseases, we evaluated the genome-wide expression levels of genes in complete hydatidiform mole (H-mole) as compared to normal placenta using cDNA microarray technique.

METHODS

The expression profiles of complete H-mole tissues were compared with those of normal placenta using cDNA microarray technique. The data obtained from 10,305 human genes were normalized by the print-tip-based LOWESS method. Significance analysis of microarray (SAM) was used to identify genes with statistically significant changes in expression. The expression levels of genes which showed significant differences between normal early placenta and complete H-mole tissues were further confirmed by RT-PCR.

RESULTS

A cDNA microarray analysis consisting of 10,305 human genes revealed significant changes in the expression of 213 genes, with 91 genes being upregulated and 122 being downregulated. SAM revealed significant changes in gene expression, including those associated with signal transduction, cell structure, transcription, and apoptosis. Further RT-PCR analysis of altered gene expression in mole tissues supported the microarray analysis results. We confirmed the upregulation of TLE4, CAPZA1, PRSS25, RNF130, and USP1 in complete H-mole tissues. Moreover, our study provides the first evidence that ELK3, LAMA3, LNK, STAT2, and TNFRSF25 are downregulated in complete H-mole compared to normal early placenta tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings provide a large body of information regarding gene expression profiles associated with complete H-mole tumorigenesis and allow the identification of potential targets for tumor prevention or therapy.