Preimplantation factor promotes first trimester trophoblast invasion.
OBJECTIVE
Preimplantation factor is a novel embryo-derived peptide that influences key processes in early pregnancy implantation, including immunity, adhesion, remodeling, and apoptosis. Herein, we explore the effects of synthetic preimplantation factor on trophoblast invasion.


METHODS
Invasion patterns of immortalized cultured HTR-8 trophoblast cells were analyzed through Matrigel extracellular matrix ± synthetic preimplantation factor (25-100 nM) in a transwell assay. Effects were compared with epidermal growth factor 10 μg/mL, scrambled aminoacid sequence of preimplantation factor, or media alone as controls.


RESULTS
Synthetic preimplantation factor enhances trophoblast invasion at physiologic doses (at 50 nM, 260%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 174-346%; P = .05; 100 nM ,178%; 95% CI, 170-184%; P < .02), compared with scrambled amnioacid sequence preimplantation factor or control media. Epidermal growth factor added to synthetic preimplantation factor does not further enhance trophoblast invasion (synthetic preimplantation factor 50 nM + epidermal growth factor, 238%; 95% CI, 237-239%; P < .03; synthetic preimplantation factor 100 nM + epidermal growth factor 269%; 95% CI, 265-273%; P < .04).


CONCLUSIONS
Preimplantation factor should be further investigated as it shows a potential preventative or therapeutic role for pregnancy complications associated with inadequate trophoblast invasion.
Duzyj
Christina M
CM
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale Women and Children's Center for Blood Disorders, New Haven, CT 06520-8063, USA. christina.duzyj@yale.edu
Barnea
Eytan R
ER
Li
Min
M
Huang
S Joseph
SJ
Krikun
Graciela
G
Paidas
Michael J
MJ
D001685:Biological Factors / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002465:Cell Movement; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First; D014327:Trophoblasts / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects*
D001685:Biological Factors; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor