Preimplantation factor promotes first trimester trophoblast invasion

• Published in: American journal of obstetrics and gynecology 2010-10, Vol.203 (4), p.402.e1-402.e4
• Main Authors: Duzyj, Christina M., MD, MPH, Barnea, Eytan R., MD, Li, Min, PhD, Huang, S. Joseph, MD, PhD, Krikun, Graciela, PhD, Paidas, Michael J., MD
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Biological Factors - administration & dosage; Cell Movement; Cells, Cultured; Epidermal Growth Factor - administration & dosage; Female; first trimester trophoblast; Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics; Humans; Medical sciences; Obstetrics and Gynecology; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Trimester, First; preimplantation factor; trophoblast invasion; Trophoblasts - cytology; Trophoblasts - drug effects
• ISSN: 0002-9378; 1097-6868
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2010.06.060

Objective Preimplantation factor is a novel embryo-derived peptide that influences key processes in early pregnancy implantation, including immunity, adhesion, remodeling, and apoptosis. Herein, we explore the effects of synthetic preimplantation factor on trophoblast invasion. Study Design Invasion patterns of immortalized cultured HTR-8 trophoblast cells were analyzed through Matrigel extracellular matrix ± synthetic preimplantation factor (25-100 nM) in a transwell assay. Effects were compared with epidermal growth factor 10 μg/mL, scrambled aminoacid sequence of preimplantation factor, or media alone as controls. Results Synthetic preimplantation factor enhances trophoblast invasion at physiologic doses (at 50 nM, 260%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 174–346%; P = .05; 100 nM ,178%; 95% CI, 170–184%; P < .02), compared with scrambled amnioacid sequence preimplantation factor or control media. Epidermal growth factor added to synthetic preimplantation factor does not further enhance trophoblast invasion (synthetic preimplantation factor 50 nM + epidermal growth factor, 238%; 95% CI, 237–239%; P < .03; synthetic preimplantation factor 100 nM + epidermal growth factor 269%; 95% CI, 265–273%; P < .04). Conclusion Preimplantation factor should be further investigated as it shows a potential preventative or therapeutic role for pregnancy complications associated with inadequate trophoblast invasion.