Expression of genes encoding galectin-1 and galectin-9 in placentas of pregnancies with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes

Objectives: This study aims to elucidate the expression patterns of LGALS1 (galectin-1) and
LGALS9 (galectin-9) genes in placental tissues of pregnancies affected by preterm prelabor
rupture of membranes (PPROM). The overarching goal is to understand the potential roles of
these galectins in the pathophysiology of PPROM, particularly in maternal-fetal immune
tolerance and placental development.
Material and methods: Conducted as a prospective, single-center study at the Gynecology
and Obstetrics Clinical Hospital in Poznan, Poland, from June 2021 to May 2023, the research
involved 25 participants, including 12 with PPROM and 13 healthy controls. Placental tissues
were obtained, and RNA extraction was performed. Galectin gene expression (LGALS1 and LGALS9) was analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR. Demographic and clinical data
were collected, and statistical analyses were employed to assess correlations between galectin
expression and clinical parameters.
Results: While significant differences were observed in gestational age at delivery and birth
weight between the PPROM and control groups, the expression levels of LGALS1 and
LGALS9 did not show statistically significant variations. Correlation analyses revealed no
significant associations between galectin expression and various clinical parameters.
Conclusions: Contrary to the hypothesis, this study did not identify significant alterations in
galectin-1 and galectin-9 expression in placentas affected by PPROM. Despite the limitations
of a small sample size, these findings provide initial insights into the potential roles of
galectins in PPROM. Further research on larger cohorts is warranted to comprehensively
understand the implications of galectin involvement in the pathophysiology of PPROM.