Some histochemical features of proteins of deciduocytes of the basal plate of the placenta in chronic basal deciduitis against the background of iron-deficiency anaemia in pregnant women

Free radicals and their impact on the placenta are the subject of active scientific research, as they may have significant implications for the health of pregnant women and fetal development. Aim: to use histochemical methods to establish the quantitative characteristics of oxidative protein modification and limited proteolysis in deciduocytes of the basal plate of the placenta in cases of chronic basal deciduitis against the background of iron-deficiency anaemia in pregnant women. Material and methods. A total of 82 placentas were examined using chemiluminescence and histochemical techniques, including methods by A. Yasuma and T. Ichikava, as well as bromophenol blue staining by Mikel Calvo and Bonheg. Results. In cases of chronic basal deciduitis, the luminescence intensity of nitroperoxides in deciduocytes increased to 170±4.8 arbitrary units (arb. units). The quantitative analysis revealed an R/B (Red/Blue) coefficient, indicating the ratio of amino to carboxyl groups, of 2.34±0.01, and the optical density of histochemical staining for free amino groups of proteins was measured at 0.197±0.002 relative optical density units (rel. OD). These findings were statistically significant (p<0.001) when compared to placentas with inflammation but without anemia. Conclusions. The activation of free radical processes appears to be the key factor driving the morphological characteristics of chronic basal deciduitis in iron-deficiency anemia of pregnant women. This is marked by an elevated concentration of peroxynitrites, resulting in enhanced oxidative protein modification and increased activity of limited proteolysis. The study was conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. The research protocol was approved by the Local Ethics Committee of the respective institution. The author declares no conflict of interest.