Available online 13 March 2024, 104240

Galectin-12 is significantly overexpressed in the nucleus of the syncytiotrophoblast of GDM placentas.

Galectin-12 is higher expressed in the decidua with GDM compared to healthy controls.

Double immunofluorescence proofed that galectin-12 is expressed by extravillous trophoblast cells.

Our findings are in correspondence with the involvement of galectin-12 in inflammatory processes.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a growing health concern. Since members of the galectin-family are identified to play a role in the pathogenesis of GDM, we determined galectin-12 as an essential protein due to its influence in lipolysis and inflammation processes. This study investigates the expression of galectin-12 in the placentas of women with GDM.

The study population includes 40 expectant women suffering from GDM and 40 healthy controls. The expression of galectin-12 in the syncytiotrophoblast (SCT) and the extra villous trophoblast (EVT) of the placenta was analyzed by immunohistological staining and double immunofluorescence. Immunoreactivity Score (IRS) was used for evaluation.

The results demonstrate a significant overexpression of galectin-12 in the nucleus of the SCT and the EVT of placentas with GDM compared to the healthy control group.

Additionally, double immunofluorescence visualizes corresponding results with an overexpression of galectin-12 in the extra villous trophoblast of GDM placentas representing maternal cells.

This study identifies galectin-12 to be associated with the process of gestational diabetes mellitus. These findings are in correspondence with the involvement of galectin-12 in inflammatory processes. Maternal BMI and male sex seem to be confounder for the expression of galectin-12 in the nuclear syncytiotrophoblast, but not in other parts of the investigated placental areas. Further investigations are necessary to verify the correlation between gestational diabetes mellitus and the expression of galectin-12 in the placenta and to further elucidate its distinct role.

Extra-Villous-Trophoblast cell

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Immunoreactivity Score

Intrauterine Growth Restriction

oral Glucose Tolerant Test

World Health Organization

galecin-12

gestational diabetes

pregnancy

© 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V.