Differential expression of leukemia inhibitory factor and insulin like growth factor-1 between normal pregnancies, partial hydatidiform moles and complete hydatidiform moles.

INTRODUCTION

Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) are two of the most important growth factors mediating trophoblast actions. We hypothesized that the localization and expression patterns of LIF and IGF-1 in partial and complete hydatidiform moles (HM) compared with normal first trimester placentas may provide an understanding of the proliferative processes in HMs.

METHODS

The study population included curettage material of women diagnosed as complete or partial HM as a result of histopathological and immunohistochemical examination (complete HM group, n = 8; partial HM group, n = 8) and women undergoing dilatation&curettage for unwanted pregnancies (control group, n = 8). Expression of LIF and IGF-1 among placental cell groups was evaluated immunohistochemically and given a score depending on immunostaining intensity.

RESULTS

In normal chorionic villi strong expression of LIF and IGF-1 was present. Both LIF and IGF-1 expressions were weaker in the chorionic villi of complete HMs. In complete mole decidua there was a significant decrease in glandular and endothelial IGF-1 expression along with a decrease in decidual cell LIF expression compared to normal first trimester decidua. LIF expression in extravillous trophoblasts was stronger in complete molar placentas compared to normal placentas.

DISCUSSION: LIF and IGF-1 are important regulators of trophoblast proliferation and invasion. Differential expression of LIF and IGF-1 in molar trophoblasts and chorionic villi might have a role in regulation of trophoblasts in complete moles. Decreased expression of glandular IGF-1 and decidual LIF might be related to the decidual changes during trophoblastic proliferation and invasion of decidua in complete HMs.