Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology
Endocrine Abstracts (2012) 29 P926

ICEECE2012 Poster Presentations Female Reproduction (99 abstracts)

Aberrant expression of TRAIL in placenta and maternal serum in early pregancy complications

K. Rull 1 , K. Tomberg 1 , S. Kõks 1 , J. Männik 1 , M. Möls 1 , M. Sirotkina 2 , S. Värv 1 & M. Laan 1


1University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia; 2Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia.


Recurrent miscarriage (RM) is defined as ≥3 consecutive pregnancy losses and occurs in 1–3% of fertile couples. No specific early biomarkers with high predictive value of threatening miscarriage have been identified. Using GeneChips (Affymetrix), we profiled whole-genome differential gene expression in RM placental tissue compared to uncomplicated pregnancies matched for gestational age. In cases of RM, significantly increased placental mRNA expression of TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL; P<0.005) and S100A8 (P<0.001) encoding for inflammatory marker calprotectin (S100A8/A9) was confirmed by Taqman RT-qPCR. Using ELISA, the concentrations of soluble TRAIL and calprotectin in maternal serum in normal first trimester (n=35) and failed pregnancies (early, n=18 and late miscarriage, n=4; tubal pregnancy, n=11) were determined. When compared to normal first trimester pregnancy, significantly higher maternal serum concentration of sTRAIL was detected at the RM event (P<0.001), in women with tubal pregnancy (P<0.05), and in pregnant women, who developed an unpredicted miscarriage 2–50 days after prospective serum sampling (P<0.05). Maternal serum levels of calprotectin were neither diagnostic nor prognostic to early pregnancy failures (P>0.05). sTRAIL may have a potential as a predictive biomarker in maternal serum for early pregnancy complications.

Declaration of interest: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research project.

Funding: This work was supported, however funding details unavailable.

Volume 29

15th International & 14th European Congress of Endocrinology

European Society of Endocrinology 

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