Trophoblast inclusions in the human placenta: Identification, characterization, quantification, and interrelations of subtypes

Placenta. 2021 Jan 1:103:172-176. doi: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.10.014. Epub 2020 Oct 13.

Abstract

We sought to examine placentas enriched for trophoblast inclusions (TIs) in order to characterize, quantify, and examine the interrelations between subtypes of TIs to better understand their underlying biology. We examined a cohort of 600 placentas from deliveries between 200 and 430 weeks of gestation. Forty-five percent of the placentas had at least one TI in the two slides examined. Four percent of the placentas had 10 or more TIs and two placentas had more than 70 TIs. Four distinct TI subtypes were observed: inclusionoids (early forming inclusions), inclusions, calcified inclusions, and calcified bodies. We suggest this reflects a developmental trajectory of TI maturation, the timing of which might be useful when comparing TI expression to clinical outcomes.

Keywords: Folding; Genetic markers; Pathology; Placenta; Trophoblast inclusions.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • Calcinosis / diagnosis
  • Calcinosis / metabolism
  • Calcinosis / pathology
  • Female
  • Gestational Age
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Inclusion Bodies / metabolism*
  • Placenta / cytology
  • Placenta / diagnostic imaging
  • Placenta / metabolism*
  • Placenta / ultrastructure
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Outcome
  • Trophoblasts / cytology
  • Trophoblasts / metabolism*
  • Trophoblasts / ultrastructure
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Biomarkers