Protein Kinase Profiling in Miscarriage: Implications for the Pathogenesis of Trisomic Pregnancy

Quantitative proteomics suggest a potential link between early embryonic death and trisomy 16

Activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signalling, alteration of the uterine microenvironment and a reduction in human chorionic gonadotrophin production have been linked with fetal trisomy 16-induced early embryonic death (EED). However, the detailed biological mechanism of EED remains unclear. Using quantitative proteomics we successfully screened differentially expressed proteins in the villous tissues from patients with EED and fetal trisomy 16 (EEDT16), patients with EED but normal fetal chromosomes (EEDNC) and patients undergoing elective abortion with normal fetal chromosomes (EANC) as the reference group. Compared with the reference group, we identified 337 and 220 differentially expressed proteins in EEDT16 patients and EEDNC patients respectively; these were involved in critical biological processes including immune response, superoxide metabolism, inflammatory responses and so on. We found that differential expression of immunological function-related molecules, such as human leukocyte antigen-g (HLA-G), HLA-C, Fc Fragment Of IgG Receptor III (FcγR III), also named CD16, interleukin 18 (IL-18) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), might induce EED in both EEDT16 and EEDNC patients. More severe immunological dysfunction was observed in EEDT16 patients than that in EEDNC patients. Furthermore, differential expression of implantation and invasion-related molecules, such as cytochrome b-245 light chain (CYBA), neutrophil cytosol factor 2 (NCF2), Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 4 (MAP3K4), matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), MMP9 and tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) might induce EED in both EEDT16 and EEDNC patients, although more severe dysfunction in the implantation and invasion ability of villous tissues was observed in EEDT16 patients.

Y chromosome polymorphisms may contribute to an increased risk of male-induced unexplained recurrent miscarriage

The present study aims to explore the relationship between the Y chromosome polymorphisms (1qh+, inv(9), 9qh+, 16qh+, group D/G, Yqh– and Yqh+) and the risk of unexplained recurrent miscarriage (URM). A total of 507 couples with URM were recruited as case group and 465 healthy couples as control group. The Y chromosome polymorphisms of the male individuals were analysed with the G-banding technique, and the results of the chromosome G-banding analysis were determined using the International Naming Standards of Human Genetics (ISCN). Logistic regression analysis was used to analyse the risk factors for URM. The detection rate of Y chromosome polymorphisms in the case group (12.03%) was higher than that in the control group (2.15%). Y chromosome polymorphisms were detected at significantly higher rates in the case group than in the control group. Using the normal Y chromosomes in individuals of the case group as reference, the partners of their counterparts were more likely to experience miscarriage. The couples who were Y chromosome-polymorphism carriers had shorter gestational age, increased frequency of URM and longer average interval between pregnancies. The results of logistic regression analysis revealed that Y chromosome polymorphisms, shorter gestational age, a higher frequency of miscarriage and longer pregnancy interval were independent risk factors for URM. Y chromosome polymorphisms may be associated with the risk of URM and may play an important role in the development of URM.