Aryl hydrocarbon receptor and unexplained miscarriage

J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 2017 Jun;43(6):1029-1036. doi: 10.1111/jog.13309. Epub 2017 May 15.

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to carry out a preliminary investigation of the expression of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in decidua and villus and the relationship between AhR and unexplained miscarriage.

Methods: The expression of AhR mRNA and protein from decidua and villus were measured using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, western blot and immunohistochemistry in 34 patients with unexplained miscarriage (miscarriage group) and 38 women with normal early pregnancy (control group).

Results: The AhR mRNA and protein expression was increased significantly in the villus in both groups compared with decidua (P < 0.05, P < 0.05). In decidua, AhR mRNA and protein expression in the miscarriage group was increased significantly compared with the control group (P < 0.05, P < 0.05). In villus, AhR mRNA and protein expression in the miscarriage group was increased significantly compared with the control group (P < 0.05, P < 0.05). AhR is expressed mostly in the cytoplasm of syncytiotrophoblasts in villus, and also in the cytoplasm of decidual cells.

Conclusions: AhR was expressed more in the villus than in the decidua, and the upregulation of AhR mRNA and protein expression is associated with the pathogenesis of unexplained miscarriage.

Keywords: aryl hydrocarbon receptor; decidua; pregnancy; unexplained miscarriage; villus.

MeSH terms

  • Abortion, Spontaneous / metabolism*
  • Adult
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Placenta / metabolism*
  • Pregnancy
  • Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon / metabolism*

Substances

  • Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon