Decreased type V collagen expression in human decidual tissues of spontaneous abortion during early pregnancy

Abstract

Aim - To provide some insight into the aetiology of spontaneous abortion, the contents of type V collagen was investigated in human decidual tissues in spontaneous abortion and normal pregnancy. Methods - Collagens were extracted from decidual tissues in spontaneous abortion (n = 19) and normal pregnancy (n = 25). The different types of collagen α chains were separated by sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS- PAGE), stained with Coomassie brilliant blue, and measured by densitometry. The relative mounts of the α1(III) and α1(V) chains were calculated by dividing the band intensities of the α1(III) and α1(V) chains by that of the α1(I) chain. Results - The ratio of the α1(V) chain to that of the α1(I) chain in decidual tissues in spontaneous abortion was significantly lower than that found in normal pregnancy (p < 0.05). Conclusions - These results suggest that type V collagen might play an important role in the maintenance of pregnancy and that decreased expression of this collagen could be associated with spontaneous abortion.