Expression of Tim-3 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and placental tissue in unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion

Medicine (Baltimore). 2018 Sep;97(38):e12099. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000012099.

Abstract

The expression of T-cell immunoglobulin domain, mucin domain-3 (Tim-3) in unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA) was investigated.Tim-3 mRNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of URSA and control groups was assayed by fluorescent quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Tim-3 protein expression intensity and localization in placental villi and uterine decidua were determined using immunohistochemical assay. The CD4Tim-3/CD4 cell ratio in PBMCs was determined by flow cytometry.Tim-3 mRNA expression in PBMCs was significantly higher in URSA than in normal controls (1.32 ± 0.25 vs 1.20 ± 0.12, P < .05). Tim-3 was expressed in placental tissue from both URSA patients and normal pregnant females (controls); however, the expression intensity was higher in the URSA group (0.54 ± 0.31 vs 0.35 ± 0.22, P < .05). CD4Tim-3/CD4 cell ratio in PBMCs was significantly higher in the URSA group than that in the control group (4.53 ± 1.66% vs 1.28 ± 0.71%, P < .05).Increased Tim-3 expression in PBMCs and placental tissue of URSA might affect maternal-fetal immune tolerance. Tim-3 was involved in the pathogenesis of URSA, which was expected to serve as an indicator for the immune evaluation of URSA.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Abortion, Habitual / blood*
  • Adult
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Female
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Hepatitis A Virus Cellular Receptor 2 / biosynthesis*
  • Humans
  • Leukocytes, Mononuclear / metabolism*
  • Placenta / metabolism
  • Pregnancy
  • RNA, Messenger / biosynthesis*
  • Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction

Substances

  • Hepatitis A Virus Cellular Receptor 2
  • RNA, Messenger