Immunohistochemical Evaluation of CD3, CD4, CD8, and CD20 in Decidual and Trophoblastic Tissue Specimens of Patients with Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

Clin Pract. 2022 Feb 28;12(2):177-193. doi: 10.3390/clinpract12020022.

Abstract

Recurrent miscarriages affect up to 5% of couples. CD3+ (T-lymphocytes), CD4+ (helper T-lymphocytes), CD8+ (cytotoxic T-lymphocytes), and CD20+ (B-lymphocytes) cells may participate in the pathophysiology of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). The aim of this study was to investigate the complicity of these molecules in RPL. The experimental specimens were obtained from 20 females who underwent miscarriages in the first gestational trimester, while the control group's specimens consisted of 20 females who proceeded with voluntary pregnancy termination during the same period. Tissue samples were taken from the decidua basalis, decidua parietalis, and trophoblast (placental chorionic villi) and were studied using immunohistochemical methods. Monoclonal antibodies were used against CD3, CD4, CD8, and CD20 cells. The lymphocyte levels in the decidua parietalis displayed profound disparities among the two groups. The decidua basalis and trophoblast exhibited almost the same disparities regarding positive CD cells. The comparison of CD4+ and CD8+ cells in the endometrial tissue revealed a significant difference between the two groups of study. The analysis uncovered a strong relationship between RPL and the presence of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, and CD20+ cells in the decidua parietalis tissue. The number of positive T cells was decreased in the decidual basalis and chorionic villi, proving that their absence significantly disrupts the balance of the immunological environment.

Keywords: CD20; CD3; CD4; CD8; decidua; recurrent pregnancy loss; trophoblast.