Galectin-3 and Placenta Accreta

The Role of Galectin-3 in the Pathogenesis and Prediction of Placenta Accreta

Galectins are a family of carbohydrate-binding proteins that have a high affinity to galactosides, its protein portion is located in the nucleus and the cytoplasm with its carbohydrate recognition domain which has high ability to be glycosylated inside or outside the cell.

They are expressed by vascular endothelium, immune cells (macrophages, neutrophils, and mast cells), uterus, placenta, cardiac muscle, liver, epithelium of the gastrointestinal tract, and many other tissues.

Although some galectins have intracellular functions, the majority of them have extracellular activities, which facilitate their contribution to cell adhesion, cell activation, and inflammation. Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is a unique pentamer of the galectins family and it is involved in both physiological functions; cell growth and differentiation, and pathological conditions; inflammation, fibrosis, and metastasis.

Regarding pregnancy, Gal-3 is proved to participate in angiogenesis, embryo developmental processes, and modulation of maternal immunity.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Pregnant women between 28-32 weeks.
2. Age between 20-40 years.
3. Singleton pregnancy.
4. Women with suspicion of placenta accreta
5. Cases with mild vaginal bleeding or not having any vaginal bleeding.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Women are known to have any medical disorders.
2. Patients with known bleeding disorders or on anticoagulant therapy.
3. Patients refuse to participate.