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Condac C, Lozneanu L, Matasariu DR, Ursache A, Bujor IE, Niță ME, Boiculese VL, Bîrluțiu V. Shedding Light on the COVID-19 Pandemic: Placental Expression of Cell Biomarkers in Negative, Vaccinated, and Positive Pregnant Women. J Clin Med 2024; 13:5546. [PMID: 39337033 PMCID: PMC11432756 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13185546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2024] [Revised: 09/09/2024] [Accepted: 09/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: We investigated the expression of inflammation, placental development, and function markers, including cluster of differentiation 44 (CD44), osteopontin (OPN), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), to shed light on the controversy regarding the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on fetal development and pregnancy outcomes. Methods: We immunohistochemically analyzed placental tissue from 170 patients (65 COVID-positive and unvaccinated women; 35 Pfeizer-vaccinated and COVID-negative women; and 70 COVID-negative and unvaccinated women, without any other associated pathology) for particularities in the expression of these three molecules. Results: CD44 expression was highest in COVID-negative and unvaccinated women, moderate in COVID-positive cases, and lowest in vaccinated and COVID-negative women. OPN expression was highest in COVID-negative and Pfeizer-vaccinated cases, moderate in COVID-negative and unvaccinated cases, and lowest in COVID-positive cases. COX-2 expression was increased in COVID-negative and unvaccinated women, modestly elevated in COVID-positive and unvaccinated cases, and lowest in vaccinated cases. Conclusions: These findings reflected an alteration in the placental structure and consequent function due to altered expression of the three studied molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constantin Condac
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, "Cuza Vodă" Hospital, 700038 Iasi, Romania
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Lucian Blaga", 550169 Sibiu, Romania
| | - Ludmila Lozneanu
- Department of Morpho-Functional Sciences I-Histology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Gr. T. Popa", 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Daniela Roxana Matasariu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Gr. T. Popa", 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, "Cuza Vodă" Hospital, 700038 Iasi, Romania
| | - Alexandra Ursache
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Gr. T. Popa", 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Iuliana Elena Bujor
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Gr. T. Popa", 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Maria Elena Niță
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, "Cuza Vodă" Hospital, 700038 Iasi, Romania
| | - Vasile Lucian Boiculese
- Biostatistics, Department of Preventive Medicine and Interdisciplinarity, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Gr. T. Popa", 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Victoria Bîrluțiu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Lucian Blaga", 550169 Sibiu, Romania
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Bui MT, Nguyen Le CA, Duong KL, Hoang VT, Nguyen TK. Transplacental Transmission of SARS-CoV-2: A Narrative Review. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 60:1517. [PMID: 39336558 PMCID: PMC11434576 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60091517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2024] [Revised: 09/12/2024] [Accepted: 09/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The study aims to explore the potential for transplacental transmission of SARS-CoV-2, focusing on its pathophysiology, placental defense mechanisms, and the clinical implications for maternal and neonatal health. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive review of the current literature was conducted, analyzing studies on SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy, the expression of key viral receptors (ACE2 and TMPRSS2) in placental cells, and the immune responses involved in placental defense. The review also examined the clinical outcomes related to maternal and neonatal health, including adverse pregnancy outcomes and neonatal infection. Results: The expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in the placenta supports the biological plausibility of SARS-CoV-2 transplacental transmission. Histopathological findings from the infected placentas reveal inflammation, vascular changes, and the evidence of viral particles in placental tissues. Clinical reports indicate an increased risk of preterm birth, intrauterine growth restriction, and neonatal infection in pregnancies affected by COVID-19. However, the frequency and mechanisms of vertical transmission remain variable across studies, highlighting the need for standardized research protocols. Conclusions: SARS-CoV-2 can potentially infect placental cells, leading to adverse pregnancy outcomes and neonatal infection. While evidence of transplacental transmission has been documented, the risk and mechanisms are not fully understood. Ongoing research is essential to clarify these aspects and inform obstetric care practices to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Trung Kien Nguyen
- Thai Binh University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Thai Binh 410000, Vietnam; (M.T.B.); (C.A.N.L.); (K.L.D.); (V.T.H.)
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Borowczak J, Gąsiorek-Kwiatkowska A, Szczerbowski K, Maniewski M, Zdrenka M, Szadurska-Noga M, Gostomczyk K, Rutkiewicz P, Olejnik K, Cnota W, Karpów-Greiner M, Knypiński W, Sekielska-Domanowska M, Ludwikowski G, Dubiel M, Szylberg Ł, Bodnar M. SARS-CoV-2 Infection during Delivery Causes Histopathological Changes in the Placenta. Diseases 2024; 12:142. [PMID: 39057113 PMCID: PMC11276080 DOI: 10.3390/diseases12070142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND SARS-CoV-2 can damage human placentas, leading to pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia and premature birth. This study investigates the histopathological changes found in COVID-19-affected placentas. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study included 23 placentas from patients with active COVID-19 during delivery and 22 samples from patients without COVID-19 infection in their medical history. The samples underwent histopathological examination for pathology, such as trophoblast necrosis, signs of vessel damage, or fetal vascular malperfusion. RESULTS Newborns from the research group have lower weights and Apgar scores than healthy newborns. In the COVID-19 group, calcifications and collapsed intervillous space were more frequent, and inflammation was more severe than in the healthy group. At the same time, the placenta of SARS-CoV-2-positive patients showed signs of accelerated vascular maturation. Trophoblast necrosis was found only in the placentas of the research group. The expression of CD68+ was elevated in the COVID-19 cohort, suggesting that macrophages constituted a significant part of the inflammatory infiltrate. The increase in lymphocyte B markers was associated with placental infarctions, while high levels of CD3+, specific for cytotoxic T lymphocytes, correlated with vascular injury. CONCLUSIONS SARS-CoV-2 is associated with pathological changes in the placenta, including trophoblast necrosis, calcification, and accelerated villous maturation. Those changes appear to be driven by T cells and macrophages, whose increased expression reflects ongoing histiocytic intervillositis in the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jędrzej Borowczak
- Department of Tumor Pathology and Pathomorphology, Oncology Centre-Prof. Franciszek Łukaszczyk Memorial Hospital, 85-796 Bydgoszcz, Poland (K.G.)
| | - Agnieszka Gąsiorek-Kwiatkowska
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Oncology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, 85-168 Bydgoszcz, Poland (M.K.-G.); (W.K.); (M.S.-D.); (M.D.)
| | - Krzysztof Szczerbowski
- Department of Tumor Pathology and Pathomorphology, Oncology Centre-Prof. Franciszek Łukaszczyk Memorial Hospital, 85-796 Bydgoszcz, Poland (K.G.)
| | - Mateusz Maniewski
- Department of Tumor Pathology and Pathomorphology, Oncology Centre-Prof. Franciszek Łukaszczyk Memorial Hospital, 85-796 Bydgoszcz, Poland (K.G.)
- Doctoral School of Medical and Health Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Marek Zdrenka
- Department of Tumor Pathology and Pathomorphology, Oncology Centre-Prof. Franciszek Łukaszczyk Memorial Hospital, 85-796 Bydgoszcz, Poland (K.G.)
| | - Marta Szadurska-Noga
- Department of Pathomorphology and Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Warmia and Mazury, 10-561 Olsztyn, Poland;
| | - Karol Gostomczyk
- Department of Tumor Pathology and Pathomorphology, Oncology Centre-Prof. Franciszek Łukaszczyk Memorial Hospital, 85-796 Bydgoszcz, Poland (K.G.)
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Oncology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, 85-168 Bydgoszcz, Poland (M.K.-G.); (W.K.); (M.S.-D.); (M.D.)
| | - Paula Rutkiewicz
- Chair of Pathology, Jan Biziel University Hospital No. 2, 85-168 Bydgoszcz, Poland (K.O.)
| | - Katarzyna Olejnik
- Chair of Pathology, Jan Biziel University Hospital No. 2, 85-168 Bydgoszcz, Poland (K.O.)
| | - Wojciech Cnota
- Chair and Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Health Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, 41-703 Ruda Śląska, Poland
| | - Magdalena Karpów-Greiner
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Oncology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, 85-168 Bydgoszcz, Poland (M.K.-G.); (W.K.); (M.S.-D.); (M.D.)
| | - Wojciech Knypiński
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Oncology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, 85-168 Bydgoszcz, Poland (M.K.-G.); (W.K.); (M.S.-D.); (M.D.)
| | - Marta Sekielska-Domanowska
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Oncology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, 85-168 Bydgoszcz, Poland (M.K.-G.); (W.K.); (M.S.-D.); (M.D.)
| | - Grzegorz Ludwikowski
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Oncology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, 85-168 Bydgoszcz, Poland (M.K.-G.); (W.K.); (M.S.-D.); (M.D.)
| | - Mariusz Dubiel
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Oncology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, 85-168 Bydgoszcz, Poland (M.K.-G.); (W.K.); (M.S.-D.); (M.D.)
| | - Łukasz Szylberg
- Department of Tumor Pathology and Pathomorphology, Oncology Centre-Prof. Franciszek Łukaszczyk Memorial Hospital, 85-796 Bydgoszcz, Poland (K.G.)
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Oncology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, 85-168 Bydgoszcz, Poland (M.K.-G.); (W.K.); (M.S.-D.); (M.D.)
- Chair of Pathology, Jan Biziel University Hospital No. 2, 85-168 Bydgoszcz, Poland (K.O.)
| | - Magdalena Bodnar
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Oncology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, 85-168 Bydgoszcz, Poland (M.K.-G.); (W.K.); (M.S.-D.); (M.D.)
- Chair of Pathology, Jan Biziel University Hospital No. 2, 85-168 Bydgoszcz, Poland (K.O.)
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Gay L, Madariaga Zarza S, Abou Atmeh P, Rouvière MS, Andrieu J, Richaud M, Boumaza A, Miquel L, Diallo AB, Bechah Y, Otmani Idrissi M, La Scola B, Olive D, Resseguier N, Bretelle F, Mezouar S, Mege JL. Protective role of macrophages from maternal-fetal interface in unvaccinated coronavirus disease 2019 pregnant women. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29819. [PMID: 39030992 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
Pregnant women represent a high-risk population for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. The presence of SARS-CoV-2 has been reported in placenta from infected pregnant women, but whether the virus influences placenta immune response remains unclear. We investigated the properties of maternal-fetal interface macrophages (MFMs) in a cohort of unvaccinated women who contracted coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) during their pregnancy. We reported an infiltration of CD163+ macrophages in placenta from COVID-19 women 19 whereas lymphoid compartment was not affected. Isolated MFMs exhibited nonpolarized activated signature (NOS2, IDO1, IFNG, TNF, TGFB) mainly in women infected during the second trimester of pregnancy. COVID-19 during pregnancy primed MFM to produce type I and III interferon response to SARS-CoV-2 (Wuhan and δ strains), that were unable to elicit this in MFMs from healthy pregnant women. COVID-19 also primed SARS-CoV-2 internalization by MFM in an angiotensin-converting enzyme 2-dependent manner. Activation and recall responses of MFMs were influenced by fetal sex. Collectively, these findings support a role for MFMs in the local immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection, provide a basis for protective placental immunity in COVID-19, and highlight the interest of vaccination in pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laetitia Gay
- Institut Recherche Développement, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Microbe, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Sandra Madariaga Zarza
- Institut Recherche Développement, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Microbe, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Perla Abou Atmeh
- Institut Recherche Développement, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Microbe, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Marie-Sarah Rouvière
- Institut Paoli-Calmettes, UM105, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Jonatane Andrieu
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Etablissement Français du Sang, Anthropologie bio-culturelle, Droit, Ethique et Santé, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Manon Richaud
- Institut Paoli-Calmettes, UM105, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Asma Boumaza
- Institut Recherche Développement, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Microbe, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Laura Miquel
- Department of Gynaecology-Obstetrics, La Conception Hospital, Marseille, France
| | - Aïssatou Bailo Diallo
- Institut Recherche Développement, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Microbe, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Yassina Bechah
- Institut Recherche Développement, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Microbe, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Myriem Otmani Idrissi
- Institut Recherche Développement, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Microbe, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Bernard La Scola
- Institut Recherche Développement, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Microbe, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Daniel Olive
- Institut Paoli-Calmettes, UM105, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Noémie Resseguier
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, La Timone Hospital, Department of Epidemiology and Health Economics, Clinical Research Unit, Direction of Health Research, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Florence Bretelle
- Institut Recherche Développement, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Microbe, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
- Department of Gynaecology-Obstetrics, La Conception Hospital, Marseille, France
| | - Soraya Mezouar
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Etablissement Français du Sang, Anthropologie bio-culturelle, Droit, Ethique et Santé, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Jean-Louis Mege
- Institut Recherche Développement, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Microbe, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
- Department of Immunology, Timone Hospital, Marseille, France
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Schaumann N, Suhren JT. An Update on COVID-19-Associated Placental Pathologies. Z Geburtshilfe Neonatol 2024; 228:42-48. [PMID: 38330958 DOI: 10.1055/a-2220-7469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
COVID-19 pregnancies are associated with increased rates of premature delivery and stillbirths. It is still a matter of debate whether there is a COVID-19-associated pattern of placenta pathology. We updated our previously published results on a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of COVID-19 pregnancies. In total, 38 reports on 3677 placentas were evaluated regarding histopathological changes. Maternal vascular malperfusion (32%), fetal vascular malperfusion (19%), acute and chronic inflammation (20% and 22%) were frequent pathologies. In non-COVID-19 pregnancies, placentas show similar histologic patterns and mainly similar frequencies of manifestation. It has to be taken into account that there might be an observation bias, because some findings are diagnosed as a "pathology" that might have been classified as minor or unspecific findings in non-COVID-19 placentas. COVID-19 placentitis occurs in 1-2% of cases at the most. In conclusion, this updated meta-analysis indicates that COVID-19 infection during pregnancy does not result in an increased rate of a specific placenta pathology and COVID-19 placentitis is rare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Schaumann
- Institut für Pathologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jan-Theile Suhren
- Institut für Pathologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Germany
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