Expression of heparanase in the spontaneously aborted human chorionic villus

Objective: Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPG) are main components of remodeling the extracellular matrix (ECM). Heparanase (HPSE) can cleave the HSPG and alter the structural integrity of the ECM. The present research was to investigate the role of HPSE in recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). Study Design: Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemical methods were used to determine the expression of heparanase (HPSE) in the villus of the human normal pregnancy and RSA. Results: The expressions of HPSE mRNA and protein in the normal group were significantly greater in comparison with those in the spontaneous abortion group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The HPSE participates in the procedure of normal pregnancy, and the lower expression of HPSE may lead to the spontaneous abortion.