Evaluation of placental syndecan-1 expression in early pregnancy as a predictive fetal factor for pregnancy outcome

Abstract

Objective: Early expression of syndecan-1, a regulator of growth factor and chemokine function, in animal and human abortuses or placenta at delivery suggests a potential role during embryonic development. The aim of this study was to examine the correlation between early placental syndecan expression and fetal outcome in ongoing pregnancies. Methods: Prospective immunohistochemical analysis of 203 chorionic villus sampling specimens obtained during a 4-year period (2001-2004). The chorionic villi were processed for paraffin-embedded immunohistochemistry. Scores of intensity of syndecan-1 expression in chorionic villi were correlated with maternal cofactors and pregnancy outcome. Results: Syndecan-1 immunostaining was significantly related to villus size, maternal tobacco use, and fetal biometry at ultrasonography. After correcting the above confounders, scores of syndecan-1 expression correlated with preterm birth and low birth weight. Conclusions: Placental syndecan-1 expression is associated with premature birth and fetal growth. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.