Immunohistochemical Evaluation Of Beclin-1 And HMGB-1 Protein Expressions in Covıd-19 Placentas

Aim: The aim of this thesis was to microscopically examine the expression of Beclin-1 immune cell and HMGB-1 antibodies involved in immunity in terms of autophagy, inflammation and cell death in placentas of COVID-19 pregnant patients. Materials and Methods: The placentas used as material in the study were obtained from inpatients in the Gynecology/Obstetrics service, and the placentas of 20 pregnant women diagnosed with COVID-19 and 20 normal pregnant patients were examined. In both groups, women between the ages of 18-49 were investigated, and placentas from patients with COVID-19 symptoms of shortness of breath, cough and sore throat, as well as PCR test (+) for COVID-19 virus were examined. Results: In the histologic sections of the placental structures of the Covid-19 group, it was observed that the membrane structure of the stem villi was significantly disrupted and formed inflammatory areas, while in parallel with these findings, thinning of the syncytial bridges, especially the connection areas of the chorionic villi in the maternal region, and enlargement of the syncytial nodes in the chorionic villi were observed. In the placenta images of the Covid-19 group, Beclin-1 expressions were significantly positive in the syncytial nodes, while some leukocytic structures in the intervillous area and myelanized areas were also positive. Conclusion: COVID-19 infection during pregnancy has been shown to cause histopathological changes in placental tissues of pregnant women Keywords: COVID-19, Beclin-1, HMGB-1, placenta.