Evaluation of FAS and eNOS expression in COVID-19 placenta: histopathological and immunohistochemical study

S. Otçu, Ç. Ozgokce

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Health Sciences University, Diyarbakır Gazi Yaşargil Training and Research Hospital, Diyarbakir, Turkey. serozcelik@hotmail.com

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• Infectious Diseases

OBJECTIVE: In this study, the effects of cell adhesion, inflammation and apoptotic changes on fetal development in cases of COVID-19 placenta were investigated.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Placenta tissue samples from 15 COVID-19 and 15 healthy pregnant women were taken after delivery. Tissue samples were fixed in formaldehyde, then blocked with paraffin wax and 4-6 µm thick sections were cut and stained with Harris Hematoxylene-Eosin. Sections were stained with FAS antibody and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) antibody.

RESULTS: In COVID-19 placenta section, deterioration of the root villus basement membrane structure in the maternal region, decidua cells and syncytial cell degeneration, significant increase in fibrinoid tissue, endothelial dysfunction in free villi and intense congestion in blood vessels, increase in syncytial nodes and bridges were observed. In terms of inflammation, eNOS expression was increased in Hoffbauer cells, dilated blood vessels endothelial cells in chorionic villi, and surrounding inflammatory cells. Positive FAS expression was also increased in the basement membranes of root and free villi, syncytial bridge and nodes, and endothelial cells.

CONCLUSIONS: The effect of COVID-19 caused an increase in eNOS activity and acceleration of the proapoptotic process and the deterioration of cell-membrane adhesion.

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