Circulating cell-derived microparticles in women with pregnancy loss

Citation
Alijotas‐Reig J, Palacio‐Garcia C, Farran‐Codina I, Zarzoso C, Cabero‐Roura L, Vilardell‐Tarres M. Circulating cell‐derived microparticles in women with pregnancy loss. Am J Reprod Immunol 2011; 66: 199–208 Problem To analyze cell‐derived microparticles (cMP) in pregnancy loss (PL), both recurrent miscarriages (RM) and unexplained fetal loss (UFL). Method of study Non‐matched case–control study was performed at Vall d’Hebron Hospital. Cell‐derived microparticles of 53 PL cases, 30 with RM, 16 with UFL, and 7 (RM + UFL), were compared to 38 healthy pregnant women. Twenty healthy non‐pregnant women act as controls. Cell‐derived microparticles were analyzed through flow cytometry. Results are given as total annexin (A5+), endothelial‐(CD144+/CD31+ CD41?), platelet‐(CD41+), leukocyte‐(CD45+) and CD41? c‐MP/μL of plasma. Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLA) were analyzed according to established methods. Results Comparing PL versus healthy pregnant, we observed a significant endothelial cMP decrease in PL. When comparing RM subgroup with controls, we observed significant decreases in endothelial cMP. When comparing the PL positive for aPLA versus PL‐aPLA‐negative, no cMP numbering differences were seen. Conclusion Pregnancy loss seems to be related to endothelial cell activation and/or consumption. A relationship between aPLA and cMP could not be demonstrated.