Labour upregulates carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 expression in the myometrium’s microvasculature

Einleitung CEACAM1 (Carcinoembryonic Antigen-Related Cell Adhesion Molecule 1) plays multifaceted roles, including in angiogenesis. Efficient angiogenesis is crucial for post-cesarean wound healing to prevent complications in subsequent pregnancies. We propose that labour at the end of pregnancy modifies CEACAM1 expression in the myometrium, potentially enhancing signals for tissue regeneration. This study analyzes molecular and histological changes in the myometrium of women with or without labour activity, particularly focusing on CEACAM1 and related angiogenic factors.

Material und Methodik 65 myometrium samples were obtained from primiparous women undergoing cesarean deliveries at Clinic St. Hedwig, Regensburg, with (n=23) or without (n=42) prior labour activity. Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) was employed to assess CEACAM1, CEACAM6, Lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronic acid receptor 1 (LYVE-1), Placental Growth Factor (PGF), Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), VEGF-Receptor (VEGFR) 1, and VEGFR 2 gene expression. Gene expression (mRNA) levels were depicted as fold change over reference genes Cytochrome c1 and YWHAZ. Immunohistochemistry was performed using antibodies targeting CEACAM1 and CD31, which enabled the quantification of micro vessel density. Subsequent analysis assessed co-expression of CEACAM1 in CD31+vessels.

Ergebnisse qPCR analysis showed significantly decreased PGF (p=0.0002) and VEGFR2 (KDR) (p=0.0008) expression after labour onset, suggesting reduced angiogenic signals in this condition. The mRNA levels of the remaining genes were unaffected by labour, with CEACAM1 showing a non-significant trend to increase. Still immunohistochemistry revealed significantly elevated CEACAM1 expression in blood vessels from labour-preceded samples compared to those without labour (p=0.01).

Results were further classified according to body mass index (BMI), among which decreased PGF (p=0.039) and VEGFR2 (p=0.017) mRNA levels remained significant only in women with BMI<27 kg/m². In contrast, in high BMI (>27 kg/m².) women CEACAM1 mRNA significantly raised in labour (p=0.03) ([Abb. 1]).

Fig. 1  IHC analysis of coexpression of CEACAM1 in CD31+vessels in samples with or without labour activity.

Zusammenfassung These findings suggest a role for CEACAM1 in physiological myometrial response to labour. These changes might not be related to promotion of angiogenesis. Rather, increased CEACAM1 may relate to labour-induced inflammation, which may be further enhanced in women with high BMI.

Publication History

Article published online:
14 June 2024