ANNEXIN A1 AND FORMYL PEPTIDE RECEPTOR IN GESTATIONAL TROPHOBLASTIC DISEASES: FOCUS ON PROLIFERATION AND APOPTOSIS

Introduction: Due to the lack of studies on annexin A1 (ANXA1) in gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD), we evaluated the expression and possible role of this molecule in chorionic villi of normal placentas, but also in complete and partial hydatidiform moles (CHM and PHM).

Methods: Immunohistochemical and densitometric analyses were performed to verify the expressions of ANXA1, formyl peptide receptors (FPR1 and FPR2) and apoptosis in first trimester and full-term placentas, as well as in the CHM and PHM.

Results: We detected increased expression of ANXA1 in the cytotrophoblastic hyperplasia found in the hydropic villi of CHM and PHM. There was no immunoreactivity for FPR2. However, we found specific FPR1 expression in the same regions where the ANXA1 was observed, with higher expression in the syncytiotrophoblast and the syncytial knots of the CHM and PHM. The apoptosis index was similar to those observed for FPR1.

Conclusions: Taken together, the results suggest that ANXA1 may be involved in the cell proliferation and apoptosis processes in the normal placentas and in GTDs. Furthermore, the data indicate that the actions of ANXA1 are specifically mediated by FPR1 and may allow further studies of the ANXA1 in both normal placentas and GTDs.