Shiga toxin type 2 affects human trophoblast first trimester cells

SCALISE M.LUJAN; RECA ALEJANDRA; DAMIANO ALICIA; SACERDOTI FLAVIA; IBARRA CRISTINA

Puerto Varas

Congreso; Latin American Society for Maternal Fetal Interaction and Placenta; 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. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Stx2 on human first trimester trophoblast cells. Methods: Swan71 and HTR-8 cells were exposed to different concentrations of pure Stx2 (1- 0.001 μg/ml) with or without lipopolysaccharide (LPS) 5 μg/ml in medium without serum (arrested conditions). Cell viability was evaluated at 24 h of Stx2-treatment by neutral red uptake. Migration was studied at 8 and 24 h by the wound-healing assay. Moreover, protein expression of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) was determined in the Swan71 supernatants at 24, 48 and 72 h in a gel zimography. Results: Stx2 did not affect cell viability in the HTR-8 and Swan71 lines even in the presence of LPS although impaired Swan71 cell migration after 24 h of treatment. Preliminary results showed that 1 μg/ml of Stx2 decreased the MMP-2 expression in Swan71 cells (39.9±11.6% n=1). Conclusion: These data indicate that Stx2 could affect trophoblast invasion and cause alterations in the maternal-placental interface and complications during gestation.