The evaluation of selected indices of apoptosis in placentas from pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction.

BACKGROUND Fetal growth restriction is related to a high rate of prematurity and mortality. In cases of unknown origin utero-placental circulation changes are the main factor which is due to the changes in blood vessels. The understanding of the mechanism may help in further prevention of FGR. MATERIAL AND METHODS The expression of bcl-2 and bax in normal pregnancies and complicated by FGR were compared. The study was conducted in 2005-2006 at The Medical University of Lodz--HRP Unit and The Kopernik Hospital--Lodz. Bcl-2 and bax were estimated using an immunohistochemical method. Bcl-2 was estimated in trophoblast, bax in decidua and trophoblast. RESULTS In a study group the mean value of bcl-2 in trophoblast was 37.04 +/- 10.51, in a control group the mean value was 65.74 +/- 6.97. The estimation of bax was done in trophoblast and decidua separately. In the group of FGR mean value of bax expression in trophoblast was 45.35 +/- 10.5. In decidua the mean bax expression value was 24.11 +/- 7.3. In controls in trophoblast the mean value was 12.53 +/- 7.54, in decidua the mean expression of bax was 6.63 +/- 2.24. CONCLUSION 1. Apoptosis in trophoblast is lower in normal pregnancy than in FGR. 2. Increased expression of pro-apoptotic proteins in placenta might be one of the reason for FGR development.