Life Sciences & Biotechnology
Title : | Investigating the role of endocannabinoid system in first trimester chorionic villi of women experiencing recurrent spontaneous abortions |
Area of research : | Life Sciences & Biotechnology |
Principal Investigator : | Dr. Kumari Nishi, ICMR- National Institute For Research In Reproductive Health And Child Health, Maharashtra |
Timeline Start Year : | 2023 |
Timeline End Year : | 2026 |
Contact info : | kumarin@nirrh.res.in |
Details
Executive Summary : | Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is a condition affecting 1-2% of females of reproductive age, with a prevalence of 7.4% in India. About 50% of first trimester miscarriages have known etiological factors, while the rest remain idiopathic. Studies on the endocannabinoid system (ECS) have shown that endocannabinoids (eCBs) are involved in the decidualization and implantation processes. In preliminary studies on chorionic villi from RSA cases and control (MTP), the expression of cannabinoid receptors (CB1, CB2) and endocannabinoid metabolic enzymes (FAAH and NAPE-PLD) was studied. A differential expression of CB1, CB2, FAAH, and NAPE-PLD was observed in RSA and control chorionic villi. eCBs have been associated with vasodilation, which can lead to oxygen-mediated damage to trophoblasts and increased apoptosis. Therefore, ECS is important for the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy, and an imbalance between these molecules regulating trophoblast functions may result in pregnancy complications. The study aims to investigate the expression profile of cannabinoid receptors and endocannabinoid metabolic pathway genes in first-trimester chorionic villi of women experiencing recurrent spontaneous abortions, understand the role of cannabinoid receptors in placental function using placental cell lines, and study the role of cannabinoid receptors in placental angiogenesis. The project will use real-time PCR, western blot, immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence, in vitro studies on JEG3, BeWo, and HTR8/SVneo cell lines, and in vitro studies on HUVEC cells and ovo CAM assays. |
Total Budget (INR): | 33,08,428 |
Organizations involved