The number of decidual natural killer cells and macrophages in preeclampsia

What is it about?

The process of human placentation is complex and still not well understood. This study aims to examine the relationship between clinical features of preeclampsia and degree of trophoblastic invasion after its immunohistochemical visualization in the context of possible alterations in the number of natural killer (NK) cells and macrophages in the decidua.

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Why is it important?

A prospective case-control study included a study group consisting of 30 pregnant women with preeclampsia delivered by Caesarean section and a control group consisting of 20 healthy pregnant women also delivered by Caesarean section. Samples of placental bed obtained during Cesarean section were analyzed after immunohistochemical labeling CD56+ NK cells, CD68+ macrophages and CK7 trophoblastic cells. RESULTS: In preeclampsia there was a significantly lower number of CD56+ NK cells in the decidua (p<0.001), and a higher number of CD68+ macrophages (p<0.001). In the subgroup of preeclampsia with IUGR a significantly greater number of NK cells (p<0.05) was recorded, as well as an increased number of macrophages, but not significantly compared to the preeclampsia without IUGR. There was no significant difference in the distribution of these cells in the decidua in relation to the severity of preeclampsia. CD56+ NK cells were significantly less (p<0.05) and macrophages more present (p<0.05) in the group with poor trophoblastic invasion.

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