Application of short tandem repeat (STR) genotyping in partial hydatidiform mole.

OBJECTIVE

The short tandem repeat (STR) technique, which is currently the most extensively applied genetic marker, works mainly due to the differences in DNA repeats, resulting in a rich population polymorphism and high genetic stability. This paper primarily investigated the application of STR genotyping in partial hydatidiform mole (PHM).

METHODS

The clinical data of 31 PHM patients and 23 hydropic abortion patients diagnosed in the Pathology Department of Beijing Tsinghua Chang Gung Hospital from 2017 to 2022 were collected and retrospectively analyzed. The histomorphological features of H&E sections were observed. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to determine p57 protein levels. STR polymorphisms (STRPs), including 15 polymorphic loci and 1 sex recognition gene locus, were detected in tissue specimens, and the role of STR in the differential diagnosis of PHM was analyzed.

RESULTS

In PHM cases, each STR locus of the PHM contained one maternal allele and two paternal alleles. Decidual tissue showed alleles of biparental origin. According to the Kappa's consistency test, the diagnosis made by STR showed good consistency (κ = 0.925, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

STR genotyping is of great value in the diagnosis of PHM.