Immunohistochemical evaluation of EGFR ve IL-6 protein expressions in COVID-19 placentas

Aim: To immunohistochemically examine EGFR and IL-6 protein expression in placentas of pregnant women who have had COVID-19 infection. Materials and Methods: Small pieces were taken from placentas of 20 pregnant women and 20 healthy patients who were admitted to Dicle University Faculty of Medicine Gynecology and Obstetrics clinic and diagnosed with COVID-19. Placenta samples were stained with hematoxylin-eosin, EGFR and IL-6 immunohistochemistry and examined under a light microscope. Results: Control placentas appeared normal histology. Increased degenerations found in COVID-19 placentas. Nuclei of decidual cells were pyknotic. Intense congestion and dilation were detected. Hyperplasia was evident in vascular endothelium. In control group, EGFR expression was negative in decidual and syncytial nodes, but positive in cytotrophoblasts. In COVID-19 group, EGFR expression was positive in vascular endothelium, basement membrane, Hofbauer cells and syncytial nodes. In control group, IL-6 expression was negative in cytotrophoblast cells and syncytial nodes, but positive in endothelial cells. In COVID-19 patients, IL-6 expression was increased in cytotrophoblasts and syncytial nodes. Conclusion: COVID-19 placentas, there is a structural change due to thinning and shrinkage in stem and free villi, nuclear and cytoplasmic degeneration begins in decidual cells, and excessive expansion and intense congestion structure in blood vessels is evident. EGFR in the placental structure in Covid-19 patients may be one of the signal stimulators in trophoblastic invasion and the development of cellular degeneration, and may be an important marker affecting apoptotic and angiogenic development along with the IL-6 reaction that directs tissue damage in the increasing inflammation process.