Galectin-7 acts as an adhesion molecule during implantation and increased expression is associated with miscarriage

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Galectins are expressed at the fetal-maternal interface and have multiple roles including during blastocyst implantation. The expression of galectin-7 however has not been investigated in the uterus. We aimed to localise galectin-7 to the endometrium of women with normal fertility and with a history of miscarriage and prospectively determine whether serum levels are altered in women who subsequently miscarry. We also investigated the role of galectin-7 on trophoblast-endometrial epithelial cell adhesion. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry localised galectin-7 to endometrium throughout the menstrual cycle in women (normal fertility or with history of miscarriage) and in first trimest..