Shiga toxin type 2 affects human trophoblast first trimester cells.

IBARRA CRISTINA; RECA A; SACERDOTI FLAVIA; SCALISE M LUJÁN; DAMIANO ALICIA

Puerto Varas

Simposio; VII SLIMP Meeting; 2017

Shiga toxin type 2 (Stx2) is the main virulence factor of Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC). STEC are pathogens involved in food-borne diseases and are responsible for Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome development. We have previously demonstrated that Stx2 induce miscarriage and premature delivery in rats. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Stx2 on human first trimester trophoblast cells. For that purpose Swan71 and HTR-8 cells were exposed to different concentrations of pure Stx2 (1- 0.001 μg/ml), with or without LPS (5 μg/ml). Cell viability, migration and MMP expression (MMP-9 and MMP-2) were analyzed after Stx2 exposure. Cell viability was analyzed by neutral red uptake 24 h after treatment. In order to estimate the effect of Stx2 on cell migration Swan71 and HTR-8 were incubated with Stx2, with or without LPS, in arrested conditions. After that the wound-healing assay was performed at regular times (0,8, 24 h). To evaluate the effects of Stx2 on MMP-9 and MMP-2 expression, Swan 71 was incubated for 24, 48 and 72 h with 1 μg/ml Stx2 in arrested conditions and cell supernants were collected and evaluated in a gel zymography. Stx2 did not affect HTR-8 or Swan 71 cell viability even in combination with LPS. In the other hand, Stx2 impaired Swan71 cell migration after 24 h of Stx2 treatment and decreased MMP-9 expression compared to control.These data suggest that Stx2 may affect trophoblast invasion and alter the maternal-placental interface leading to complications during gestation.